An elegant, well-landscaped backyard is a joy to behold when looking out your kitchen or living room window; however, if you are like most homeowners, you want your backyard to serve many purposes. When landscaped properly, your yard should function as a retreat that appeals to many senses – a visual palette of color and movement, a soothing place to relax, and a setting for fun with friends and family.
With the help of a professional landscaping company, you can design an outdoor haven that multi-tasks to meet the needs of you and your family. To create an elegant backyard, keep the following tips in mind:
Green doesn’t have to mean spacious acres of immaculate lawns. Many homeowners are embracing environmental trends, including landscape design. Whether you are dreaming of a zen-like private garden area to meditate, or an inspirational yoga-friendly space, going green in your yard supports your values.
Consider incorporating environmentally focused elements such as:It’s a given in most homes that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Everyone congregates there to eat, drink, talk and relax. By extending that homey kitchen environment into your backyard, you can create a space that flows seamlessly indoors and out.
To enhance your outdoor living space, and enhance your outdoor comfort, make room in your design plans for:
A covered patio or deck to protect you from the elements. Whether you opt for cheery market umbrellas or retractable awnings, a covered deck or patio will extend the seasonal use of your backyard.
A water feature. The sound of trickling water is not only relaxing – it masks unpleasant noises such as neighbors or nearby traffic. While ponds are the ultimate for impact, if you aren’t interested in caring for fish, small water gardens with lush aquatic plants still pack a punch, and for small spaces, a simple wall-mounted water feature lends the same ambiance.
Defined seating. A comfortable outdoor couch, chairs and a coffee table bring the feel of an intimate living room to the outdoors. When enhanced by throw pillows and an outdoor area rug, and facing an outdoor fireplace topped with a large screen TV, your friends and family will feel right at home. Poolside seating makes entertaining for children and adults easy. Remember to match the furniture design to your home’s exterior and interior décor.
Kitchen convenience. During pleasant weather months, an outdoor kitchen area allows you to be where you want – outside where the action is. By creating an easy indoor/outdoor flow, installing appliances and features such as sinks, refrigerators and cooking stations, and providing kitchen bar seating, you will be able to interact with people while you are cooking.
Create an elegant and visually interesting backyard environment by:
Thoughtfully planned illumination. This provides safe access to your yard and pool, and creates the atmosphere you want for different outdoor areas. If you bring your office home with you, ensure there is some shade for daytime laptop use, and appropriate lighting for evening work hours.
Careful foliage selection. Your landscaping professional should match plants, trees and shrubs to the style of your home, with an eye for seasonal color, garden coordination, 4-season interest plants and your specific water, drought-tolerant and irrigation needs.
With the help of these tips, and your professional landscape design company, the elegant backyard of your dreams is possible!
Photo credit: Landscape Design Advisor / Foter / CC BY-ND