Outdoor Landscape Design Tips for a Beautiful Residential Yard

No matter how appealing upgrading your residential yard design sounds, it can be difficult to determine how to shake things up for the better. After all, how can you create a durable yard that fulfills its purpose, meets the needs of your home and climate, and appeals to your personal preferences all at the same time? The answer is by not trying to take this project on alone. 

DIY outdoor landscape design is often a time- and money-intensive task that, if improperly planned or executed, may result in additional costs. By working with a skilled landscaping company like Blue Lizard Services, you can receive expert advice and long-lasting installations that will improve your yard for the better. But before you can get started, you first need to decide what exactly you’re looking for from your yard, as well as determine how to balance your preferences with practicality. 

Common Yard Design Elements

The first step of any outdoor landscape design process is considering what elements you want to incorporate into your new yard. Some common landscaping features and design tips to think about include:

1. Design principles

When used together, landscape design elements serve as a template for crafting a unique, effective and memorable outdoor space. Some principles to consider when designing your yard include lines, forms, colors, textures and scale. These allow you to plan elements including the movement of your yard, the mood your outdoor space creates and the visual interest of your landscaping.

2. Softscaping

This form of landscaping includes any living elements which are used in the design of your outdoor space, such as:

• Trees
• Shrubs
• Grass
• Flowers
• Hanging and climbing vines and other plants
• Fruits, vegetables and herbs
• Native and drought-resistant plants

3. Hardscaping

In other words, any man-made structures compromised partly or entirely of inorganic matter which are incorporated into your landscaping design. Hardscaping elements include:

• Walkways
• Retaining walls
• Sitting walls and built-in benches
• Water features such as ponds, bird baths and fountains
• Decks and patios
• Driveways
• Fences
• Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces
• Gazebos, pergolas and other attractive, shade-providing structures
• Trellises to display and provide support for climbing plants

4. Lighting

Lighting plays a critical role in the ambience and safety of your yard, but it’s important to be intentional about the type and placement of the lights you choose for the best effect. The three main lighting categories to consider are:

• Task lighting, which focuses on a specific area in order to make the completion of related activities easier
• Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, which provides illumination for an entire room 
• Accent lighting, which is meant to highlight specific areas or features such as artwork, architecture or garden elements 

5. Seating

Not everyone wants, or has a large enough yard for, outdoor living area elements such as kitchens or bars. Seating areas, however, can be small and cozy, and are a classic addition to your outdoor space. From stylish and durable wrought-iron pieces to comfortable sofas to lounge chairs that allow you to lay back and bask in the sun, well-chosen seating can help you turn your backyard into an oasis of relaxation. 

Modernizing Your Yard Design

In past years, many residential yards have grown beyond the traditional maximalist and plant-filled spaces meant to be little more than a visual feast for the eyes. Instead, they have become organized and functional areas which incorporate the sleek and minimalist elements of the attached residence. When modernizing your yard design, some elements to think about include:

1. Outdoor living spaces

Modern landscaping should be functional as well as attractive. Incorporating areas including pools as well as outdoor kitchens, living rooms, entertainment areas and bars allows your outdoor space to serve as an extension of your home in more than just appearance. 

2. Multifunctional furniture

That is, pieces of furniture which transform into tables, seating, storage and more. Multifunctional furniture can give you the tools you need to host gatherings in your yard while still allowing you to maintain a minimalistic style.

3. Sustainable and eco-friendly features

Consider including elements such as drip irrigation, drought-tolerant plants, rock gardens, locally sourced or recycled materials, composting, green roofs and edible gardens in your yard. These features can make your landscape both sustainable and attractive, though some may make your yard a bit more maximalist in appearance.

4. Geometric shapes

Crisp outdoor spaces, neatly trimmed hedges, geometric planters and furniture, symmetrical walkways and more will allow you to design a modern landscape full of clean lines and designated areas.

Balancing Preferences and Practicality in Your Design

Of course, designing a beautiful backyard is about far more than just the current trends. You also need to consider your own preferences, as well as the needs of your home. In order to craft the perfect landscape for you and your residence, think about factors including:

1. Cost

You may have a million ideas, but without an unlimited budget, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to include all of them at once. Consider starting small and focusing on a few things you really want, such as updated garden beds, a new seating area, structures such as gazebos or a water feature. Remember: you can always add more later.

2. Timeline

How long will the project take, and are there any time-sensitive aspects? Some greenery, for example, needs to be planted during a specific time of the year. And adding a whole new garden right before storm season may ruin all your hard work. Make sure that you think ahead and plan accordingly in order to ensure the longevity of your landscaping.

3. Climate

The materials and plants you include in your yard should be able to withstand your area’s climate. Consider using materials such as resin wicker, teak and aluminum for your furniture, as well as native plants which have adapted to your area’s weather patterns. Additionally, if your area is prone to rain, coverings and removable cushions may make protecting your furniture easier. 

4. Size

While you may be able to fit less in a small yard, that doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into something truly unique and special. Elements such as vertical planters, miniature fountains and multifunctional furniture can allow you to add more into your space without crowding it. Additionally, removing dividers such as fences can help open up your space, creating the illusion that your yard is larger than it really is.

Contact Blue Lizard Services to Transform Your Yard Today

By incorporating intentionally chosen elements, any yard—no matter the size—can become a true reflection of your residence and personal taste. And when bringing this idyllic oasis to life, there is no better company to trust than Blue Lizard Services. With over two decades of experience creating custom, high-quality landscapes, outdoor living spaces and concrete installations in Louisiana, we can craft most any upgrade or addition to your yard. And as a customer-focused company, we’ll make sure you’re included throughout, from designing your yard to giving us your seal of approval once it is complete. So if you’re ready to turn your outdoor landscape into your own personal paradise, give us a call or send us a message today.