Outdoor Design: 8 Essential Things To Consider

If you are anything like most homeowners, you’ve likely spent countless hours and money decorating your home. But let’s face it, adding that personal touch to your living space makes all the difference. Not to mention, decorating can be a fun way to express your personality and style.

From modern rugs and planters to rustic wall decor, there are endless ways to decorate your home. We even spruce up our bathrooms to make them more inviting and relaxing. But why do most homeowners stop at decorating the inside of their homes?

Your landscape is an extension of your home. In fact, it’s likely the first thing visitors see when they come to your home.

Unlike home design, however, decorating your landscape can be a bit more challenging as landscaping holds permanence. You can’t just pick up a few things here and there and change them out when you get tired of them.

More importantly, you can’t dismiss crucial weather and climate factors such as temperature, rainfall and wind patterns.

That being said, decorating your landscape can be a very rewarding experience. Seeing your creation come to life and blossom (literally) is a great feeling.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your landscape design:

What are The Basic Elements and Principles Of Landscape Design?

Creating a functional landscape design requires more than choosing plants and hardscape materials. From your home’s front porch to your backyard garden, the decor you select determines the mood of your outdoor spaces. That being said, landscape design relies on a few basic elements.  Here’s a look at the main components of landscape design:

Lines

Lines can create visual interest, define space and direct traffic flow. They help establish boundaries and control the movement of people and wildlife. Use pathway materials, bedding edges and even plant placement to make lines. General examples of lines in landscape design include straight, zig-zag and curved.

Forms

Forms, also known as shapes, work to create visual contrast and interest in your landscape design. Common forms used in landscape design include circles, triangles, squares, rectangles and free-form.

Texture

Texture works to add contrast and interest to your landscape design. You can use textures to define space and add visual stability from coarse mulch to fine-leafed plants.

Color

Implementing colors adds visual interest, contrast and unity to your landscaping design. Properly placed, they can also help to decorate and highlight unique features in your yard. However, decorating with color can be tricky, as the wrong hues can clash and create an unpleasant atmosphere. Using colorful leaves, flowers or furniture is a great way to decorate your outdoor space. Be sure, however, to reference a color wheel to ensure that your chosen colors complement each other and your home.

Scale

You can use the scale or size of objects in your landscape design to create visual stability. For example, large trees with small shrubs beneath them can make a space seem more open. Small trees with large shrubs beneath them, however, can appear more intimate. The privacy of your landscape will determine the mood and feel you wish to evoke.

Given the basic principles of landscape design, there are endless possibilities for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space. The most important thing to remember is that the best landscape designs reflect the personalities and needs of the people using them. With some planning and creativity, you can design a landscape that everyone will enjoy. 

However, at Exscape Designs, we understand that not everyone has the time or inclination to design their own landscape. Fortunately, our team of professional landscape designers is here to help. To learn more about how we can help you create the perfect landscape for your home today, contact our experts.

8 Things to Consider First When Planning Your Outdoor Design

Creating a perfect landscape for your home requires considering the design elements that support it. Setting the tone and mood for your space, well-placed design elements can make all the difference. From aesthetic appeal to functionality, here are eight design elements to create a space you and your family will love.

Outdoor Design Themes

The theme of your outdoor space unifies the design elements included in your landscape. From your furniture selection to your foliage, each piece of your design should be cohesive and fit the same style. When considering what theme you would like for your space, you must decide what mood you want to evoke. Additionally, you should think about what is already present in your room that you would like to work around.

Some popular themes for outdoor spaces include:

• Bush Garden
• Contemporary Native Garden
• Colour-Themed Garden
• Desert or Rock Garden
• English Style
• Oriental Design
• Mediterranean Design
• Butterfly Garden
• Moon Design
• Tropical/Subtropical 

While choosing your outdoor style, remember what kinds of plants, flowers and trees work best with your theme. You will need to use its shape, size and existing features as a guide. Once you have decided on a style, you can begin to plan your garden layout.

Outdoor Space Size

The size of your outdoor space will play a significant role in determining the style and layout of your garden. If you have a large outdoor area, you will have more flexibility in choosing plants and designing your garden. You may need to be selective about your chosen plants if you have a smaller outdoor space. In small living spaces, every design element will affect the overall layout of your garden. 

Depending on the landscape elements you choose, you can maximize or minimize the appearance of your outdoor space. Similar to home design, your outdoor space’s size and shape will ultimately dictate your style.

Shapes and Structures

When determining the layout of your landscape, it’s crucial to consider the various shapes and structures you can incorporate. Using various plants and hardscapes, you can create different shapes and structures that add visual interest and depth. These shapes can also determine the function of your outdoor space, such as providing privacy or creating an inviting entryway.

Some shapes and structures that you may want to consider for your landscape design include:

• Circles
• Rectangles
• Squares
• Triangles
• Polygons

Integrating these shapes into your landscape can help to create a more cohesive design. For example, you may use a circle shape to create a focal point in your garden. You can use rectangles and squares to build raised beds or define different areas in your space.

When choosing shapes for your design, consider the feel you want to create, as it will dictate the shapes you use.

The Outdoor “Users”

Now that you’ve considered the different design elements, it’s critical to also think about how it will be occupied. After all, your landscape should be functional for you and any children or pets you may have.

For entertainment purposes, you may consider adding elements that encourage social interactions. This could include a pathway that leads to a seating area or a fire pit for gatherings. If you have children, you may want to consider any potential safety hazards that might be present in your landscape. 

Incorporating features such as a pet-friendly garden or designated bathroom area can make your landscape much more enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, incorporating play areas or gardens designed for children can get them excited about outdoor activities. Any pets you may have will also need to be considered when planning your landscape.

Remember, your landscape should be a functional and beautiful space. Failure to consider the functionality of your outdoor design can result in a challenging landscape to use and maintain. With some planning, however, you can create a space with something for everyone to enjoy.

Sun’s Movement

The position of the sun varies throughout the day and the year. Considering how the sun’s position will affect your landscape can help you make the most of your outdoor space. For example, if you often enjoy your patio in the afternoon sun, you’ll want to ensure that it’s positioned correctly. Choosing the right place for your design elements will allow you to enjoy them when you are most comfortable. 

The sun is also critical when choosing the location of gardens and other plants. Knowing how much sun or shade an area will get will help you select plants that thrive in that area. 

The sun also has a direct impact on the temperature of an area. In general, the elements that face the sun will be warmer than those that face away from the sun. This is something to remember when selecting outdoor design elements like foliage, flowers, and other decorations.

Outdoor Designs Cost

Unfortunately, creating an aesthetic and cohesive outdoor design does not come without a cost. Depending on the size of your project and the materials you use, the price of your outdoor design can vary. Ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, you’ll need to factor in the cost of each element.

If you plan a major overhaul of your outdoor space, it is essential to additionally factor in professional help. You may also consider any upkeep costs associated with your new design. Some of the most common outdoor design costs include:

• Laying sod
• Tree trimming
• Plant installation
• Hardscaping

By creating and following a budget, you can ensure that your project does not cost more than you can afford. Additionally, by being aware of the costs associated with your project, you can factor them into your budget early. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses down the road.

Attention to Detail

When it comes to outdoor design, even the smallest details can make a big difference. Every element should be carefully considered, from the type of furniture you choose to the textures of your materials. Paying attention to detail will help you create a functional and visually appealing, cohesive, stylish space.

Alongside the visual elements, you can also consider your outdoor space’s scent, sound, and feel. Incorporating features like flowers or a water feature can add an extra layer of interest and relaxation to your design.

Protect and Preserve Environment

In addition to being a beautiful and relaxing space, your outdoor design should also be eco-friendly. Incorporating sustainable elements into your plan will help you preserve the environment and save money in the long run.

If you’re looking to update your design in the future, choose design elements you can repurpose. You may also choose plants that require less maintenance to preserve water, pesticides and fertilizers.

To provide your outdoor space with sustainable resources, consider using rain barrels to collect water for your plants. You can also install solar lighting and use natural materials like stone or bamboo in your design.

By being mindful of the environment in your design, you can create an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and sustainable. You may also find an increase in your home’s value and a decrease in your utility bills. 

Consider the eight design elements to create a well-rounded and cohesive space when planning your design. Integrating design elements into your outdoor space transforms it into an extension of your home. You must plan an outdoor design accordingly to provide a place to relax, entertain and enjoy the beauty of nature.

At Exscape Designs, we are experienced in bringing outdoor visions to life. Backed by functionality and style, we work with our clients to create an outdoor space that perfectly suits their needs. Providing residential and commercial services, we have the knowledge and experience to take on any project. 

Turning your home into your own personal oasis, we ensure that every element provides the utmost luxury, comfort and practicality. To learn more about how we can help you create the perfect landscape for your home today, contact our experts.