3 Landscape Design Tips for Creating an Entertainment Space Enclosed by a Retaining Wall in the Mokena, IL Area

If more entertaining is part of your plan for this new year, then these landscape design tips for a Mokena, IL Area multi-functional entertainment space can be just time for the planning process. Whether you want to have the patio expanded or add an outdoor bar area, a landscape professional can help you create the right combination of outdoor living spaces for maximum enjoyment enclosed by a retaining wall.

Related: OPTIMIZE YOUR ST. JOHN, IN, OUTDOOR SPACE WITH A RETAINING WALL

Landscape Tip #1

A landscape professional will often tell you to start with a main space. This is often the patio.

While your current patio might not be the entertaining spot you want, you can always work with a landscape professional to express your needs and wants since they can be masters of combining the two into a dream space.

Creating a larger patio with an attractive durable surface of patio pavers or stone can form the basis for other outdoor features you add. You can have a large patio with one or two other outdoor living features within the space or you can plan each space as its own location.

Landscape Tip #2

Add a retaining wall to the main patio. You might think retaining walls only belong in the yard to remedy an erosion problem from a slope but retaining walls can actually be multi-purpose, depending on the reason for the wall.

Planning a retaining wall for your patio can increase the privacy there. If one of the issues you have with entertaining in your backyard is the close proximity of neighbors that can make it a little awkward, a well-planned retaining wall can fix that.

Retaining walls can have varied heights which means you can have one side higher than the rest of the wall that encircles the patio. If you are envisioning a blank wall, the retaining wall won’t be boring at all.

Not only can you use the retaining wall top for casual seating for larger groups but the highest part of the wall can become a patio focal point. Consider having a large water wall installed there. The water recirculates, making the water wall virtually maintenance-free, and when your landscape professional adds illumination there, this space can dazzle after dark.

Landscape Tip #3

When you add an outdoor bar to the new patio design, this can keep you from running in and out of the house for appetizers and drinks. The bar wall can be composed of the same wall stone as the retaining wall for a seamless design and a taller bar height on the outside can offer seating for guests.

Within the bar, you can have a wine fridge, a regular refrigerator, a deep sink for cleaning, and any other appliances that suit your needs. Don’t overlook the ice machine and consider incorporating a coffee bar for after-dinner coffees and specialty cocktails.

There are no rules when you plan an outdoor bar and a landscape professional can add an oven for you to bake the apps and serve them while they are piping hot.

A landscape design that allows for any entertaining plans can be what you need to invite your friends and family over whenever the mood strikes. With the amenities that can make hosting a breeze, you might never want to go out.

Related: A SLOPED LAWN DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A CHALLENGE TO DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS: HOW A RETAINING WALL CAN HELP IN ST. JOHN, IN

Since 1989, Bob Tunzi has been designing, installing, and maintaining outstanding landscapes throughout the South Chicagoland area.

His passion for the outdoors led him to complete his education in landscape management and to fulfill certification requirements that set the foundation for a comprehensive landscaping service built on integrity.