Hardscape Design Ideas: Trends in Hardscaping for 2024

Have you recently inspected your outdoor spaces and felt that something was missing, even if you couldn’t quite pinpoint it?

Often, adding just a few new landscape elements can make a world of difference in distinguishing a yard or outdoor commercial space as the talk of the town. Integrating trendy hardscape designs is one of the best ways to level up your outdoor areas!

As the premier landscaping company in Alpharetta, GA, and the surrounding areas, we bring our extensive expertise and insider knowledge to the latest hardscaping trends. We’ll guide you through various iconic hardscape design ideas, from pavers and fire pits to vertical gardens and water features.

By the end of the article, you’ll have all of the hardscape patio ideas and inspiration you need to revitalize your outdoor spaces.

What is Hardscaping?

Before we dive into the latest hardscaping trends, we’ll first need to define precisely what this term means. Many homeowners and business owners often mix up the definitions of landscaping vs hardscaping, so it’s essential to know what you’re looking for.

Hardscaping refers specifically to non-living, structural elements within the design of any outdoor space. This is contrasted against softscaping, which covers organic living elements like greenery.

Both hardscaping and softscaping fall under the umbrella of landscaping, encompassing the entire set of design principles and strategies for outdoor spaces.

Among the many popular types of hardscape designs are features like:

• Patios

• Walkways & driveways

• Outdoor furniture & fire pits

• Shaded spaces like trellises, pergolas, and vertical gardens

• Water features, including ponds, streams, and fountains

• Lighting fixtures

Understanding the latest hardscaping trends is critical to crafting a warm and inviting outdoor space. The right hardscape design ideas will elevate your property and add the finishing touches that tie everything together.

Hardscape Design Ideas: The Top Trends in Hardscaping for This Year

With so many landscape design styles available, the possibilities for hardscape designs are nearly endless.

We’ll explore hardscaping design ideas individually, teaching you the latest trends, from unique patio landscape designs to the differences in pavers vs decks.

Permeable Pavers are the Preference

One of the hottest hardscape design ideas that has been making waves since the turn of the decade is the preference for permeable pavers. Permeable pavers allow water to flow through gaps between pavers, reducing runoff and keeping your soil healthy. 

They are crucial in sustainable landscape design, helping you maintain healthy biodiversity in your outdoor spaces.

If we compare a permeable paver patio vs a concrete patio, for example, the former is better suited for preventing pooling and flooding of water. Plus, permeable pavers like decomposed granite (sometimes called DG in landscape terms) offer plenty of stylistic options to create a fully customized look for your outdoor spaces.

Smaller Patios are the Norm

In recent years, minimalist landscaping ideas have become more prevalent as homeowners and property managers prefer cozier outdoor spaces.

Smaller patio paver designs are a direct result of this trend. Hardscape patio ideas have gone smaller to allow for more efficient use of space.

These compact hardscaping design ideas focus on distinct shapes and materials to create compartmentalized spaces. For example, you can set up part of a patio for lounging after a busy day while designating a separate area for dining. 

The same applies to hardscape designs for commercial businesses, allowing you to maximize the dimensions of your property.

Using Boulders as Accents

The latest trends in hardscaping have leaned into preferences for low-maintenance landscape design. Boulders have become an excellent accent piece, adding ruggedness and elegance to bridge the gap between organic and hardscaping features.

Hardscape design ideas use boulders as focal points along pathways, as part of retaining walls, and even as softer contrasts to modern buildings. Selectively placing boulders throughout your outdoor spaces will help balance out the area with maintenance-free and low-cost pieces.

Functional Fire Pits

Fire pits are highly cozy features. We’ve all experienced the refreshing warmth of a bonfire on a fantastic winter night. They are the focal point for those deep conversations that help you reconnect with loved ones.

Modern hardscape designs have focused on low cost fire pit landscape designs, featuring affordable yet functional materials like stone, metal, or concrete that complement the architectural style of your property.

We love additional built-in features like cooking surfaces and technology for unparalleled convenience.

Outdoor Living Rooms

While traditional patios and decks still have their place in hardscape design ideas, many homeowners are taking a new approach by turning their spaces into full outdoor living rooms!

As a twist on standard hardscape patio ideas, outdoor living rooms feature plush, weatherproof furniture and entertainment systems. We love adding functional fire pits to these spaces, creating a warm and inviting area that allows you to enjoy the outdoors.

Vertical Gardens With Structural Elements

Another one of our favorite trends in hardscaping is the rise of vertical gardens. Structural elements like trellises, arbors, pergolas, and living walls allow for lush and iconic greenery displays.

Vertical gardens are excellent, whether used as landscaping around trees to create extra shade or as part of your patio or outdoor living room to maintain greenery elements. The structural elements are incredibly functional, providing privacy, shade, and even the opportunity to grow your own herbs and vegetables.

Integrated Lighting for Safety and Style

A well-designed landscape lighting plan can be the perfect bow on top to tie your hardscape patio ideas together. Lighting has been a central focus of contemporary landscaping for many years, setting the ambiance for your outdoor space long after the sun has set.

Integrated lighting can be present across your property. To simplify navigating your outdoor spaces, lighting can be placed on pathways, steps, and retaining walls. 

We also love the feel of gentle lighting features around patios or outdoor living rooms, creating a relaxing space perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Multi-Level Terraces Make the Most of Limited Space

With land becoming more scarce and compact, homeowners and property managers are trending towards vertical rather than horizontal designs.

A well-designed multi-level terrace is the perfect way to maximize your space. Terraces help you distinguish areas within your outdoor space, creating the impression of extra room and visual depth through platforms, steps, and decks.

Water Features to Drown Out Noise Pollution With a Flair

A well-placed set of water features will always be a mainstay in hardscape designs. Water provides a calming effect, helping you create a serene vibe within your outdoor spaces.

These features range from miniature fountains to large cascading waterfalls. They not only capture visual attention in a unique way but are also effective tools for ignoring nearby noise pollution.

You will settle into tranquility as you listen to the flow of rushing water.

Durable Composite Decking Materials

There’s still plenty of demand for high-quality decks in modern hardscaping design ideas. The industry has focused on composite materials from sustainable and durable sources, like wood fibers and recycled plastics.

This allows you to take advantage of long-lasting durability and weather resistance that is environmentally friendly. Unlike 100% wood decks, which will inevitably warp and splinter over time, composite materials are built to last.

Plus, they offer plenty of color, texture, and grain options, allowing you to customize your space as you please.

We’ve explored the most popular hardscaping trends of the year, and you now have plenty of inspiration to design your dream outdoor space.

When you’re ready to start putting your dreams into action, there’s one more decision: should you outsource landscaping or do it all yourself? And if so, is it worth hiring a landscape designer?

If you want to transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis or the new favorite hangout spot of your family and friends, working with a commercial & residential landscape company is the best way to go about it.

So, where can you find a reliable hardscaping company in Alpharetta, GA, and the surrounding areas? The answer is right before you…

Bring Any Hardscape Designs to Life With Michaelangelo’s!

Overhauling your outdoor spaces into the talk of your town is simple when you work with a high-quality design team that knows how to design a backyard or commercial property.

The great news is that you can find the #1 home for landscape design in Alpharetta right here at Michaelangelo’s!

We’ve been in the business for over 20 years, helping hundreds of homeowners and property managers across the metropolitan area. We are honored to have been chosen by Houzz, Best of Alpharetta, and Angi as the best landscaping providers in the region for years.

We’ve serviced projects across the northern part of the Atlanta metro, working with our clients individually to create comprehensive design plans. We’ll balance hardscaping elements with softscaping greenery to carve out serene spaces that are the perfect location for a getaway.

Our knowledgeable team is here to help you at every stage of the journey. Whether you need assistance with how to install a paver patio from the ground up, or just need routine paver patio maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

From the moment we start planning until the last light fixture or paver is in place, we’ll work to exceed your expectations and create outdoor spaces you can’t wait to show off to your friends. We also provide comprehensive lawn and turf maintenance to ensure your greenery stays pristine throughout the changing seasons.

Wrapping Up Our Guide on Hardscaping Design Ideas and Trends

Overall, hardscape design ideas are constantly evolving to fit the changing needs of homeowners and property managers. Recent trends have shifted towards vertical designs that create calming, distinct spaces and visual depth.

Whether you’re looking to add new water features to fend off noise pollution or create an outdoor living room to enjoy nightly Braves games, working with a professional designer is the best way to get your desired results.

The #1 residential & commercial landscape company in Alpharetta, GA, is Michaelangelo’s! With 20 years of experience and a comprehensive design process, we’ll work with you to bring your dreams to life in the most efficient way possible.

If you enjoyed learning the latest trends in hardscaping, check out our blog! You’ll find other landscaping articles, including drought tolerant landscaping ideas, how much landscape rock you need, average prices for landscape design, common landscaping mistakes, and a DIY landscape design beginners guide.

Otherwise, look no further than Michaelangelo's if you need full service landscaping or maintenance. Talk to our team to start bringing your hardscaping ideas to life today!