As with any art form, landscape design trends change just as the seasons do. Over the years we’ve witnessed a shift in the overall design style and desired features for Highland Park and Park Cities homeowners’ outdoor landscapes, particularly with a focus on sustainable plants and materials, natural hardscapes that align with the local flora, and bringing the indoors out with beautifully appointed rooms.
Check out these top design trends and discover those that will best compliment your unique lifestyle:
Sustainable Settings
Sustainability is an important issue in today’s world, especially with regard to building eco-friendly environments that promote energy and water conservation. Homeowners desire sustainability for both economic and environmental reasons.
“Using a artistic eye toward design, a landscape architecture can create visually appealing gardens for you to enjoy,” said Marc Funderburk, president of Dallas-based LandPatterns. “Additionally, the materials and plants used should be sustainable to both withstand the test of time and support the environment.”
Indigenous plant life and materials should be taken into consideration throughout the design process, as they can potentially have a substantial influence on a variety of factors. If executed properly, they will make a positive impact on the following:
- Ease of maintenance
- Efficient utilization of resources
- Increases value, both monetarily and emotionally
Careful selection of plant life based on the soil and climate can drastically reduce water use. Additionally, using plants that will easily adapt to the environment will prevent further pollution from entering the air, water and soil. Complimentary plant life easily acclimates to its surroundings, making for an ecologically sound environment, which requires less maintenance and upkeep by the homeowner.
Superior Quality Over Flashy Furnishings
Your landscape doesn’t have to be over the top to turn heads. Homeowners are beginning to see the immense value in a landscape design, and quality materials can greatly increase the longevity and functionality of the space.
Natural materials understandably hold up better against the outdoor elements because they’re meant to do so – it’s where they belong. On the other hand, man-made materials, if left unprotected from the elements, will weather and degrade in both value and appearance.
“Natural hardscapes enhance and contribute to both the appearance and functionality of the landscape,” said Marc.
Authentic natural textiles, such as stone and wood, have become increasingly popular for both the overall style and functionality of the space. They last longer and contribute an ever-growingly popular organic feel to the outdoor space.
Simplistic and Stunning
In the design world, the ever popular phrase “less is more” is also increasingly true in the world of landscape architecture.
“It’s important to allow the landscape to grow into the space provided, rather than packing it full of plants that will potentially overgrow and become un-manageable,” said Marc. “It may seem more desirable to pack your landscape full of plant-life early on, but without the proper spacing, many of those plants will die, plus they will take important nutrients from each other minimizing their growth.
Simpler designs allow for a number of things to occur:
- The garden will remain manageable for a extended periods of time.
- The design will remain visually appealing.
- The environment created is comfortable and relaxing while aligning with the space, rather than feeling forced.
Simple landscape designs still require thoughtful planning with experienced architects, as there are many details to take into account for maximum efficiency. Choosing the right plants and design to scale based on the outdoor space provided are aspects that demand strong expertise in the field.
Soothing Sounds of Water
There is nothing more soothing and relaxing than the sound of running water. Many individuals want an outdoor space where they can unwind and reflect.
“Incorporating a water feature into any landscape will increase the enjoyment level as well as improve the overall appearance of the landscape,” said Marc.
The most popular water features to include in a landscape are:
- Fountains
- Waterfalls
- Ponds
There are a variety of options in regards to water features, from size and type to style and complexity. This provides homeowners to explore the option of easily incorporating a natural rock waterfall or living pond into their landscape. Enhancing a landscape with a water feature improves upon the space, both aesthetically and emotionally.
Comfort and Beauty – Inside and Out
The most popular landscape trend for 2017 is undoubtedly taking the same elements that are enjoyed inside the home to the outside. Outdoor living spaces provide a number of benefits, such as:
- Maximized living space
- Increased home value
- Improved overall appeal and enjoyment
“When designing an outdoor room of any kind, protection from the elements and sustainable furnishings are the most important considerations to ensure long-term enjoyment and functionality,” said Marc. “You want to have the ability to utilize the space practically year round.”
Outdoor living spaces take the comfort of the home outside. The two most popular room styles are a kitchen and a media room. We are very social beings, and having the opportunity to entertain and enjoy your beautiful landscape provides a unique way for homeowners to host gatherings, from football watch parties to holiday feasts.
Time to Get Trendy
The great thing about these landscape trends of 2017 is that they are focused on building a beautiful outdoor environment that will benefit you and the environment for many years to come. You deserve to experience all the advantages that a well-designed landscape can provide for you, both personally and economically.
Call us today and let us transform your out of date outdoor space into a trend-setting landscape paradise!