Distinctive spaces

Both a landscape company and a home remodeler, Impact Landscaping & Home Remodeling has a unique perspective when designing indoor and outdoor spaces. From designing backyard kitchens that look like they belong indoors to remodeling baths and kitchens that let the natural light stream in, the company seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living spaces.

“Whether inside or outside, we create grand spaces with an open-concept design,” says Kristen Chiera, who owns the business with her husband Joe. “We renovate kitchens, bathrooms and basements year-round and, in the spring, summer and fall, we also focus on backyard projects.”

To make your backyard an extension of your home, Impact offers these five recommendations.

1. Integrate Alfresco Dining

By having a dedicated area for an outdoor grill and dining table, you can cook and entertain outdoors without having to keep going back inside.

“We are designing outdoor kitchens with everything from built-in grills with granite countertops to pizza ovens and smokers,” Kristen says. “To create a cozy ambience, we can add string lights or ceiling fans above the dining area. We also recommend growing herbs in pots or flower boxes by the outdoor kitchen or planting a raised vegetable garden nearby. This way, if you have a pizza oven, it is so convenient to pluck some fresh oregano and basil.”

2. Multiple Gathering Spaces

The inside of your home is divided by rooms for various activities. Your backyard can function the same way. Create distinct areas for dining, lounging and recreation.

Whether that is building a pergola to frame a patio table, installing a fire pit encircled with chairs, or adding the ultimate in recreation—a built-in swimming pool.

“If you have wanted a swimming pool, we still have time to build one this summer,” Joe says. “We are scheduling four weeks out.”

3. Provide Shelter 

One of the reasons pavilions are so popular is they allow you to enjoy the outdoors in inclement weather.

Impact constructs pavilions that have everything a house does, such as a vent-less fireplace, a kitchen with sink, refrigerator and grill, bathroom, TV and music speakers, electric heaters and lighting. 

“We design pavilions so they can be used three seasons,” Joe says. “We also can build sunrooms and other enclosed spaces you can use year-round.”

4. Accessorize with Homey Touches

Just like you hang curtains and add colorful fabrics indoors to add some personality to your home, planting flowers softens up hardscapes. Trees and shrubs can also help define different areas of the backyard and add privacy.

For that something fun, Impact builds swings with rope and fabric cushions that are quintessentially summer. Often placed on a front porch, these custom swings also are ideal in a bar area, by a pool, or next to a fire pit—anywhere you want to add seating options.

5. Cold-Weather Essentials

A necessity in Northeast Ohio, fire pits, fireplaces, patio heaters and fire columns allow homeowners to extend outdoor living well into November.

Homeowners also may want to consider installing a hot tub, as they can soak in warm water even when there is a chill in the air.

“We often incorporate outdoor heaters as part of the overall landscape design,” Kristen says. “In all our designs, our goal is to create a natural look and incorporate elements from nature like boulders and plants.”

Impact Landscaping & Home Remodeling is located at 1410 Medina Road in Medina. For a free estimate, call 330-848-0036. Visit ImpactMyHome.com for more details.