Q&A: Creating an Outdoor Space with Amy Bitar of Penn Stone
Without the right guidance, creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space can feel daunting. Bring on the right support system, though, and you’ll enjoy the process as much as the end result.
Our Penn Stone Design Advisor, Amy Bitar, is the person to chat with when you’re planning — or planning to plan — a new outdoor space. For years, she’s supported Penn Stone’s customers with hardscaping material selection and general guidance to make the entire process painless.
We sat down with Amy for a Q&A about her experience with outdoor design and how she helps homeowners create spaces that fit their lifestyles.
Q: Tell us a little about your background.
Amy: I’ve been in the design industry since 2003, working in interior design, men’s fashion, and outdoor living. For the past seven years, I’ve been helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces at Penn Stone.
Q: What do you love most about helping homeowners bring their outdoor spaces to life?
Amy: I love seeing a beautiful transformation—taking a vision and making it a reality. Outdoor spaces extend a home’s functionality, and I enjoy making the process achievable, especially when it initially feels overwhelming for homeowners.
Q: What’s the most common misconception homeowners have when starting a patio or hardscaping project?
Amy: Many homeowners think the process is daunting. Yes, there are several components to consider, but when visiting Penn Stone, we guide you step-by-step to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Q: What’s your favorite patio material to work with?
Amy: I love Bristol Valley pavers from Unilock. Unlike most concrete pavers, their unique feature is a natural split-edge design that gives them an authentic, high-end look.
Q: What’s the best patio paver for families with kids, pets, or exposure to harsh outdoor elements?
Amy: Outdoor porcelain is a unique product in our market that’s often seen in Europe and design publications. They’re usually found in large-format tiles giving a more contemporary look while being extremely durable and low-maintenance.
Q: What should homeowners do when they’re ready to get a project started?
Amy: Homeowners can visit Penn Stone at any stage, whether they’re looking for inspiration or are ready to select materials. Some homeowners visit our showroom after meeting with their contractors and already have a design plan and quote. Others need contractor recommendations, which we’re happy to provide.
When you’re ready to visit, you can always make an appointment with me. Or, you can simply walk right in and have a look around.
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Visit our showroom or schedule an appointment with Amy today. Wherever you are in your outdoor space design journey, we’re here to help.
