From creating distinct outdoor rooms to mixing natural stone and concrete pavers, our experts have their favorite design elements.

"My favorite design detail that should be included into outdoor spaces is developing a series of rooms that are separated with low vertical elements such as seat walls, water features, and or garden plantings," says Ed Dermody of Woolpert. "Spaces can also be defined by creating rug-like patterns in the pavers; this can be accomplished through using multiple colors and paver sizes. Other elements include simple grade changes, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, accent and safety lighting, seat walls, water features, outdoor furniture, colorful art objects and themed gardens."

"I prefer to introduce details that will offer an accent color or logo theme into the design," says R. Patrick Worzer of Land Design Services, Inc. "Using diamond shapes or a special mix of stone and pavers offer a great detail."