The Top Landscape Design Shifts Transforming Backyards

Gone are the days when the garden's sole purpose was to be mowed at weekends, as our outdoor living space today has evolved into a bespoke extension of the home - a functional sanctuary, designed uniquely for us with our environment in front of mind when selecting components.

If you are looking to elevate your property, incorporating current industry trends should ensure your retreat will stand the test of time. Here are the shifts defining luxury outdoor spaces:

The Rise of Multi-Purpose Outdoor Living Rooms

Instead of simple patios these homeowners are now building up lavish purpose-built outside zones straight out the back door:

• Fully equipped external kitchens with a luxury stone finish: no need for a chef, they will simply move with all their guests from the back door and eat al fresco all summer!
• Sculptural fire sections with surrounding deep seated padded seating; a perfect way to relax all year, even during chillier evenings outdoors.
• Low walls; to act as a seating area for guests and to simply add to the structural form of the outdoor 'room'.

Wild But Refined: Native and Climate-Adapted Plantings

Today's design isn't found in the bare minimalist sections, but in tight, lush multi-layered clusters of seasonal perennials with show stopping, long blooming shrubs and some ornamental grass for movement. Because that kind of plant naturally matches the soil and whether patterns it requires little additional pesticides on or extra water - meaning your landscape won' t be adding to heat increase whilst also thriving on less water as they act as a lush covering for weeds whilst bringing a lot more pollinators into your backyard. You may also want to consider your hardscape design after.

Eco-Friendly Hardscaping and Smart Drainage Solutions

High-end gardens start with sustainable but practical, structural landscaping rather than massive sheets of solid concrete or paving stone, homeowners and designers alike are looking to greener solutions in the hardscaping space including locally quarried stone and permeable pavers of elegant, sophisticated appearance.

Porous blocks resemble normal, high-end stone but come with special joints that allow for storm water penetration into the ground meaning: a lot less toxic runoff every time it rains, no longer floods your backyard and reduced heat accumulation outside on your patio in the afternoon.

If you're with a landscaping professional, your garden design shouldn't be only stunning for day 1, but for the next 20 to 30 years and beyond! Whether you want to build a biophilic meditation zone or want to entertain in a backyard designed for guests, a team that is well informed in its trade can cater to the movements above and carry out custom tailored solutions matching your vision that matches your lifestyle.

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