Landscape Design

Landscape design can change any new landscape, or old  outdoor living space to make it more practical or aesthetic for homeowners. Landscape design incorporates hardscape elements, such as pavers, and softscape elements, like flowers or any other living material. .

While there are many landscape designers out there that will be able to design a perfect outdoor space for homeowners, landscape design can be done yourself, with a little bit of planning and imagination.

Principle’s of Landscape Design/Landscape Design Ideas 

To create a visually pleasing landscape, there are some principles of landscape design that should be followed.

Balance

The two major types of balance of landscape design and garden design are symmetrical and asymmetrical balance. Symmetrical balance is when one side of a landscape is a mirror image of its opposite side. Asymmetrical balance, or informal balance, is more relaxing and freer flowing, and differs from one side to the other.

Using symmetrical and asymmetrical balance creates landscapes that are inviting and pleasing to the eye. It also helps the landscape architecture “make sense” to look at.

Focalizations

Focal points are where a viewer’s eye is first drawn to and attracted to. All good designs have a focal point, and focal points are the strongest element in an outdoor space from any given view. A landscape focal point is usually something that is close to the front door to enhance the homes entrance.

Focal points can be things like retaining walls or fountains, but they do not need to always be large and extravagant. Bright colors, or pergolas can also be considered a focal point.

Simplicity

Keeping a landscape simple, and uncluttered, will allow the main aspects of an outdoor living space shine. Simplistic design does not need to mean boring or uninspired. Landscapes that are simpler overall can make your space more comfortable, and avoid being overbearing.

Rhythm

Rhythm, like a walkway that leads to a garden or patio, or other structures that can be repeated In the same design, like plants, or lighting, give a sense of movement to your space and draws you “into” the landscape.

Proportion

Proportion in landscape design refers to the size of all of the features that are included in the landscape. This includes building (patio, roof structure) size, lot size, plant size, and areas of open space.

Unity

Unity is all the separate parts of the landscape working together to create a total design package. When implementing unity into a backyard design, colors and patterns can be repeated, and softscape and hardscape designs need to work together to create a visually pleasing outdoor living space.

When designing your outdoor living space, and keeping in mind these principles of design, you can create a visually pleasing outdoor space that you have always dreamed of