How we enjoy and use our outdoor space - and we don’t mean just during those warm summer months - is one of the key characteristics of modern landscaping.
Nowadays we want to maximise and enjoy our gardens all year round and create a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. It’s not about simply adding a feature to your garden but honing in on what speaks to you and your lifestyle.
In this context, landscaping goes much beyond just softscapes (plants, flowers - those natural elements) and also encompasses the hardscapes (decks, fences, paths, etc. - those ‘built’ elements), lighting, irrigation, and so on.
Striking the balance between all of these aspects is like a well-choreographed dance where people will feel good without being able to single out any specific element - and it’s the 'whole’ that creates this feel-good impression.
It’s therefore paramount to choose a landscaping practice that is well-versed in designing but also building the softscapes and hardscapes, so that they can ensure the balance between the two is met in a creative and thoughtful way, enhancing and building on your ideas.
When considering the style and which elements to incorporate into your garden, start by reflecting on your lifestyle - how often are you entertaining? What do you like to do in your garden? What about your taste and style inside your home - how can you expand its reach outdoors?
An essential principle to keep in mind is that less is always more. An overcrowded garden will make you feel overwhelmed. Whether an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, water feature, sculptures, seating areas or plants, any additional elements in your garden will be plentiful.
Remember to consider the amount of space you have to ensure it doesn’t become cluttered.
Modern landscaping celebrates the combination of contrasting textures and purpose. Corten and concrete blended with wood create more dynamic and aesthetically rich effects and can be both functional and elegant, as illustrated with this corten gate and wooden steps landing on the concrete patio area.
Unique, welcoming and homely, it draws you in whilst standing out.
Consider adding some sculptural elements with contrasting textures, as visually interesting focal points for your garden.
Water features are also wonderful mood-setters and create a peaceful vibe. These structural additions give that sense of being somewhere else - a secret garden that welcomes those who wish to unwind and take time out.
A fireplace allows you to enjoy your garden throughout the year and create a warm atmosphere to gather friends and family around the table for that alfresco dining experience.
Take advantage of technology with incorporated automated lighting and sound systems to give your dining area that ‘wow’ factor, so you can enjoy your garden day and night.
Another consideration to have is the amount of maintenance in your garden. Will you or someone else take care of it? Natural lawns are not only time-consuming in our busy lives but also not sustainable as they require fertilisers, spraying and so on, to make them look pristine.
Artificial lawns, when used in clever ways just like in this entrance, create not only a stunning look but are also sustainable and low maintenance.
Modern landscaping is all about finding innovative, unique and carefully-crafted ways to build an outdoor space that suits you. You might be everyone’s favourite host and want to transform your guests’ experience, or even turn your garden into a peaceful haven that you never want to leave.
The options with modern landscaping are endless and we love sharing your journey to realise those amazing ideas together.
