Landscape Projects Blend Elements
Successful Landscaping Matches Home Style with Garden Exterior
The best landscape projects blend design elements of a home, existing or new plant materials, patios, decks and hardscape features into one connected space.
As you plan your landscaping remodel or are thinking about what design elements you wish to implement in a new home exterior it is important to take your home’s style into the design considerations. Would a brick patio compliment your home’s style or would stone be more appropriate? Is your home traditional or contemporary? What type of building material was used in the exterior of your home? If your exterior design is a remodel of a mature landscape are there landscape elements you currently enjoy that you would like to carry forward to the new plan?
Strategic Assessment
For either a new home or a remodel of an existing landscape the homeowner and landscape designer need to be in synch with the goal for the exterior space and unique considerations that exist in this space. This is usually a much more comprehensive process in a remodel of a mature landscape as there are more decisions to be made about hardscape to be salvaged, mature trees to stay or go, and then big decisions about what type of new landscape features will be added.
An example might be of a mature tree that has always provided shade and shelter to birds but is located too close to a home to afford space for the larger patio or outdoor grill that is being planned. There are always ways to work around such obstacles, but sometimes the tough decision is to cut the tree down and move on. These can be emotional decisions.
How to use the space
For every homeowner planning the exterior remodel, the question of lifestyle comes into play. Does the homeowner have a young family where a large yard or possibly a pool becomes important? Does the homeowner enjoy entertaining and desire an outdoor entertainment center complete with barbeque, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, dining area and other features? What type of space is available and is it sufficient to incorporate some or all of the homeowner’s goals? Once these questions are addressed, the homeowner and designer can begin to blend design elements.
Blend the home’s interior and exterior together
At this stage of an exterior landscape project, the design function and space is determined and decisions about what materials and style to incorporate become critical to the overall aesthetics of the project. This is where the style of the home should set the tone of the exterior hardscape choices. Regardless whether a home is traditional, contemporary, Spanish, or cottage style, the key to maintaining an easy transition from interior to exterior spaces is blending design elements.
A formal brick patio would be ideal for the traditional home where terra cotta tile pavers might make sense in the Spanish style home. These ideas can be carried through all of the design features being incorporated in the new project. If the project is a remodel of existing landscape it is helpful to use as much of the mature landscape as possible to avoid additional expense and give the feel of a finished project. With a little attention to design and careful planning the exterior project will feel like a natural extension of the home and add value and enjoyment to the homeowner for years to come.
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