From subtle grays and blue undertones to deeper shades of charcoal and soft browns, the colors of bluestone are ideal for achieving elegance and sophistication in your Ulster County, NY landscape. Bluestone is perfect for creating formal, modern and traditional backyards, and is in fact a material with a longstanding history in the New York and Pennsylvania region. Here we’ll take a look at how you can incorporate this appealing historical stone into your landscape to achieve stunning effects.
Bluestone Patios
Known for its unassuming beauty and natural subtlety, bluestone can be used to create a patio with a relaxed outdoor feel. Because of its neutral tones, bluestone serves to highlight darker objects placed on or around the patio. Outdoor furniture containing darker colors pops out against this backdrop. Consider wrought iron or dark stained wooden patio furniture to pick up and highlight the dark undertones contained in the pavers. Greenery and foliage is also accentuated by the colors of bluestone, making it a perfect area for placing potted plants, or including a retaining wall planter.
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Jointing Color
Because of its variety of undertones, bluestone is compatible with a number of different jointing colors. Consider a white or light gray jointing sand to contrast with its dark colors and accentuate the shape and laying pattern of the pavers. Darker jointing colors are also compatible, and serve to highlight the deep undertones of the paver and create a rich, sophisticated surface.
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Verticals
If you are using a regular cut of bluestone, adding verticals with rich, irregular shapes and textures can be highly effective. Consider a flagstone veneer, or stacked slab look for your low walls, retaining walls and grill island. The contrast between the two textures makes for a well balanced design and interesting aesthetic. Alternatively, the sleek look of the bluestone can be continued in the verticals throughout your landscape by using a plank shaped wall unit with crisp edges and neutral coloring.
Using Irregular Pavers for a Natural Look
Bluestone Ulster County NY - Stunning Landscape Effects
Because regular cut bluestone can create outdoor areas with a fairly formal look, you may instead prefer a more natural appearance with irregular bluestone pavers. These offer the unexpected shapes found in nature and can give your yard a sense of movement and excitement. These can be coupled with regular accent pavers used as a border for visual containment, or be edged using boulder stones to maintain a rugged appearance.
Creating Curves
Whether you use regular or irregular shaped bluestone pavers, adding curves can further enhance the design of your patio or walkways. Having a curved or circular edge to your bluestone hardscape can help to break up the rigid structure of rectangular pavers or enhance the natural effect of irregular slabs. Consider extending this aesthetic into your landscape by creating a small circular courtyard surrounded by greenery for an intimate living space tucked away in the yard. This can be the perfect spot for a birdbath, fountain or fire feature. The color of this paver can add a suitable intensity to these types of focal points.
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