Thoughtful composition and organization of an outdoor space can give it new life and meaning. You can reference the context of a project’s inherent character and historical background, such as reviving a whitewashed brick wall surrounding a garden, or you can create a brand new oasis providing the perfect opportunity to revel in a breathtaking view.
Professional and thoughtful landscape design is the key to defining your outdoor spaces and making them an integral part of an oasis that you love coming home to.
Traditional Design Styles
While every space is unique, traditional design styles lay a foundation and help spark your creativity to find the right look for your space.
English Garden
An English Garden leans toward formality, characterized by crisply delineated hedges, water features, pathways, and architectural elements such as pergolas and trellises. Many plants, including perennials and annuals, contribute to a detailed aesthetic.
Modern Garden
A Modern Garden embodies a minimalist aesthetic characterized by clean lines, functional spaces, and a restrained selection of carefully curated plants. The design often incorporates hardscape elements like concrete, steel, and glass, creating sleek pathways, patios, and architectural structures.
Woodland Garden
A Woodland Garden is a serene retreat designed to replicate the natural charm of a forest. Meandering naturalistic pathways wind through the foliage, while mulched areas emulate the forest floor, creating an immersive experience. With a focus on layered planting, habitat creation for wildlife, and seasonal interest, Woodland Gardens blend curated design with a natural setting.
Eco-Friendly Garden
An Eco-Friendly Garden is a sustainable haven that prioritizes environmental harmony and conservation. Rooted in green practices, this garden embraces native plants suited to the local climate, fostering biodiversity while minimizing water usage through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Sustainable materials for structures and furniture further contribute to the garden’s ecological footprint.
Maximizing Design Space Elements
At the heart of professional landscape design are principles and elements that form the foundation of any well-planned outdoor area.
Design Principles
The principles of proportion, order, repetition, and unity are the guiding forces that shape the composition of open spaces. Far from being mere theoretical concepts, these principles serve as the keys to unlocking the full potential of any outdoor area.
Proportion
Proportion refers to the relative sizes of plants, hardscaping elements, and other components and their compatibility with each other and human scale. Rules such as the Golden Ratio and the rule of significant enclosure play key roles in proportional design.
Order
The principle of order involves thoughtful organization and equilibrium within the overall layout. The goal is to establish balance. Balance can be achieved either symmetrically or asymmetrically. A landscape professional will also take cues from existing elements like a wall or the house’s structure to incorporate elements and provide order.
Repetition
Variety makes a landscape exciting, but too many different species, colors, or textures can result in confusion. Repetition helps bring order and contributes to unity. There are several ways to achieve repetition. Alternation and gradation are two common methods of subtle repetition that provoke interest and provide balance.
Unity
A cohesive landscape design imparts a sense that every element collaborates to form a unified whole. Achieving unity involves a strategic blend of dominance, interconnection, and simplicity when arranging textures, colors, and forms.
Design Elements
Other landscape design elements encompass line, color, texture, form, and mass. These elements serve as vital planning tools to help maximize your outdoor space. These influence plant selection, hardscaping layouts, water feature design, and more.
Defined by Design
Whether it’s a master plan for an expansive project or something for a smaller space, professional landscape design has the power to infuse life and beauty into any environment. Let’s explore some key areas where thoughtful planning can make a significant impact.
Arrival
The arrival space sets the tone for the home. Professional landscape design ensures a welcoming atmosphere that captivates you from the moment you step outside. Whether through carefully chosen plantings, artistic hardscapes, or captivating focal points, the arrival space should be graceful and functional while inspiring feelings of welcome.
Zen Garden
For a touch of tranquility, a Zen garden can redefine an outdoor space, providing a retreat for meditation and relaxation. Expert landscape design brings balance and harmony to these serene environments and integrates them with the overall landscape.
Pathways/Walkways
Well-designed pathways not only connect different areas but serve as integral design elements themselves. Moving from one point to another should be an enjoyable journey that elegantly guides you to your destination.
Entertaining Spaces
Transforming outdoor areas into entertainment hubs involves strategic planning. Outdoor kitchens and sports courts become seamless extensions of the living space, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal. Professional landscape designers consider the visual aspects and the practical needs that contribute to a successful outdoor entertaining experience.
Frame the View
Creating seating areas that point toward natural wonders such as oceans or forests frames the view, turning nature into an integral part of the outdoor experience. Landscape design ensures
that every gaze is met with breathtaking scenery, connecting the designed space with the surrounding environment.
LaurelRock Design Services
Professional landscape design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting the perfect outdoor experience. From the basics of landscape design to the thoughtful incorporation of both natural and manufactured elements, our landscape professionals create outdoor spaces that are not just defined but transformed.
At LaurelRock, we’re here to turn your outdoor space into the
