With more than 15 years in the luxury landscape design industry, I have seen trends come and go, including many that should never return. Today’s approach to landscape design is focused on useful home expansion. With simple, yet smart design, and the use of materials with one-of-a-kind appeal, your outdoor living space can exist in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Many family’s most memorable moments are shared in their backyard. Consider your own family. How do you use your outdoor spaces? How do you wish you did? More space for play? Ready for a spontaneous dinner party? A quiet spot to unwind?
No matter the type of space you want to create, the options for making your home’s outdoors more enjoyable have changed dramatically over the past 10 years. The popularity of remodeling exterior areas has created a market for well-made materials and design elements able to withstand long-term outdoor exposure. However, there is a lot of information to sift through and understand for busy homeowners. Investing wisely the first time is critical to saving money and future headache.
The best outdoor spaces encourage fun and relaxation, while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. An inviting landscape does not have to be elaborate or large in scale to draw people in. Simple elements thoughtfully placed can create charm and warmth, and custom craftsmanship can make all the difference. A unique fire pit can inspire everything from kids roasting marshmallows to a romantic evening for two. Water features offer soothing sounds that can also create a sense of coolness and calm, while canceling out or distractions from unwanted noise. An outdoor sound system makes it effortless to enjoy music. Lush greens generously planted are vital the visual enjoyment of the space. Plant material and annual containers should be used creatively to carve out more intimate spaces in a way that feels natural and alluring.
Lighting is an extremely effective tool for setting the mood and making a space functional. Skimping on or skipping lighting reduces the wow factor of your space at night, as well as possibly making your outdoor space difficult and unsafe to use after dark. Thoughtfully placed directional lighting allows you to get many more hours of enjoyment outside.
Ambiance and intimacy are more commonly associated with dining rooms, bedrooms and other interior spaces, yet both are attainable in landscape design. Your outdoor space is your chance to creatively expand your home beyond its doors and maximize your living space. Working with a professional landscape firm will ensure you consider all the possibilities for gathering and enjoying the natural setting that surrounds your home.
Troy Shimp
Lifescape Colorado