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PROJECT PROFILE: Old Town Oasis

The welcoming outdoor spaces of this old town oasis in Fort Collins, Colorado, incorporates an eclectic mix of concrete pavers and natural elements. This striking project features the timeless look of Cambridge Cobble® pavers and garnered first place in the “Concrete Paver” (less than 3,000 SF) category at the annual Hardscape North America awards. Take a virtual walk-through of the award-winning design.

Cambridge Cobble stone paver walkway and patio
WELCOMING ENTRYWAY: A reclaimed wooden gate and terraced landing create a charming entrance to the home. Lush potted plants and shabby-chic wicker furnishings create a sense of casual elegance.
SPRAWLING VIEW: This overhead view of the backyard outdoor living spaces showcases how all of the concrete, wood and natural stone design elements work together and coordinate with the native landscaping.
ZEN FIRE PIT PATIO: A stone garden wall defines the perimeter of the fire pit area, incorporates ample seating for large groups, and includes a built-in planter to emulate the look of a vertical garden. Anchored and detached wooden benching help soften the look of the stone elements to create a more relaxed, casual atmosphere. A Cambridge Circle breaks up the modular paver pattern to add visual interest to the paver field.
outdoor living space with fire pit area
CASUAL FAMILY-STYLE DINING: The fire pit area looks over into the dining area, which functions as a separate entertaining zone. Multiple picnic tables provide seating for feeding large groups, with bonus built-in seating to accommodate larger gatherings. A built-in grill area includes oversized countertops for meal prep and serving. Low-voltage hardscape lighting is incorporated throughout the fire pit and dining areas for both safety and ambiance.
paver hardscape design and backyard patio with dual arbors
MULTI-ROOM LIVING AREA: Dual arbors and a terraced level help create the look of distinct rooms to create multiple conversation areas, ideal for large parties.

Design and installation by Lindgeren Landscape of Fort Collins, Colorado. To view a flythrough video of the project, visit their website at LindgrenLandscape.com.

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CONTRACTOR’S CORNER: Create your own virtual project tour with free professional photography!

Do you have an outstanding project that you’d like to showcase with free professional photography? Belgard’s professional hardscape photographers know the exact angles, lighting techniques and staging strategies to properly capture the beauty and workmanship of a quality installation. These professional photographs can help elevate your company image and can be used for a wide variety of marketing efforts. Belgard contractors who would like to apply to have free professional photography can submit their projects for consideration by visiting OldcastleAPG.com/submit.

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Using Paver Patterns to
Create Faux Rug Designs

The overarching theme of contemporary outdoor living design is to apply interior design techniques to create outdoor rooms. We see this in every aspect of outdoor living, from furniture design to light fixtures to decorative accents. It’s all part of the effort to truly live in our outdoor spaces with the same comfort, style and ease with which we live in our indoor spaces.

When planning an outdoor living design, one idea to consider is utilizing paver patterns to reinforce the “room” concept. This can be done in a number of creative ways. Think of how you would use carpet or area rugs to define or accent certain living areas, and then apply those concepts to paver design. Here are some of our favorite examples of this type of paver pattern application.

Fireplace Area Rugs

A cozy living room is traditionally characterized by grouping furniture over an area rug near the fireplace. This look can be achieved outdoors by varying paver tone, texture and shape into an integrated design that mimics this look.

Creating Separate Rooms

Indoors, flooring material or pattern often changes when you step from one room into the next. For example, the kitchen may be floored with ceramic tile, and the living room may have wood flooring. Or sometimes, the same material is used, but the laying pattern changes as you cross the threshold. This technique can be done outdoors to create the illusion of separate rooms.

The Outdoor “Foyer”

Turn an open patio area into a grand outdoor foyer with contrasting colors and textures that create the look of a large decorative area rug. This concept can also be used to simulate an entryway runner that leads from one outdoor room to the next.

Defining Conversation Areas

In a large room, area rugs can be used to divide the space into smaller, more intimate conversation areas. The same can be done in an outdoor room. Place a paver “rug” where it makes sense to position a furniture grouping. For additional flare, a fire pit can be placed in the center of the design, creating the look of a flaming coffee table.

Designer Rugs

Contemporary block patterns, contrasting colors, arches and swirly designs can be used to emulate the look of designer carpets and area rugs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Incorporating Nature

Another idea is to incorporate grassy areas into your design to add the textural look of shag. This can be done in the form of a runner or as an integrated element of a faux rug design.