Whether you’re creating a fresh, new outdoor living space or are sprucing up what you already have, definition is key. Using thoughtful landscape design, each space can have a unique purpose and identity while flowing together seamlessly.
With over 30 years of experience, G&G Landscaping Solution can help you create spaces customized to your needs and tastes. This article will take you through ways we can help you incorporate thoughtful landscaping design to create defined outdoor living spaces.
Determine What’s Currently Working—And What Isn’t
A good place to start is to look at what landscaping is already in place. Consider whether you want to keep your current gardens, patios, retaining walls, and so on or if you are going to begin with a blank slate and create entirely new spaces.
Actionable Steps:
- Take inventory of existing features you want to retain.
- Identify any areas that need improvement or redesign.
- Consider how the size of your yard impacts the scope of your design.
By evaluating what you already have, you can make informed decisions about which elements to preserve and where to introduce new designs.
Discover Each Space’s Unique Purpose
Whether you wish to define a current area or build a new one, it’s important to consider each space’s purpose. Perhaps you have a fire pit and want to define the space instead of having it be a little island in the middle of your yard. Or maybe you have an empty space in your yard that you’d like to utilize for grilling and dining.
Actionable Steps:
- List the activities you want to enjoy in your outdoor space.
- Identify any underutilized areas that could be repurposed.
- Consider how each space will interact with the others in terms of flow and function.
Defining spaces based on their intended use helps ensure that your landscape design meets your needs.
If you’re struggling with what to do with your space, ask an expert for their opinions and ideas!
Craft Distinct and Personalized Spaces
Once you’ve decided on the spaces you’d like to create, let’s give each its own distinct look and feel to build your landscape around.
Maybe you’d like a Mediterranean-style garden that borders against a terrace filled with benches and cozy nooks for reading. Or, perhaps, you want a sports-themed bar complete with your favorite team’s logos, bar seating, and an outdoor television.
Once you’ve decided on the spaces you’d like to create, it’s time to give each its own identity. Every space’s look and feel should reflect the overall theme and mood you wish to convey in your outdoor space.
Actionable Steps:
- Choose a theme or style for each area (e.g., Mediterranean garden, sports bar, tranquil retreat).
- Select materials, colors, and textures that align with your chosen theme.
- Use furniture and decor to reinforce the space’s identity.
Giving each space its own distinct look and feel not only enhances aesthetics but also provides a cohesive look that ties the entire landscape together. Whatever it is, by giving a space its own identity, you’ll help to define each area thoughtfully.
Choose Attractive Landscaping Elements to Separate Each Area
Once you know how you want each space to look, consider which landscaping elements you wish to use to separate each space.
Do you want to separate a hot tub and lounge chairs from your fire pit area? Consider planting tall grasses, shrubs, and trees to create separation and privacy.
Or perhaps you have a wide-open space that you want to break up into smaller, cozier sections. A water feature, like a pond, can act as a divider between multiple areas while acting as a focal point for each.
Stone pathways can also be attractive and practical ways to define each space thoughtfully.
Effective separation can create privacy and define boundaries while maintaining a harmonious flow.
Actionable Steps:
- Use tall grasses, shrubs, or trees to create natural barriers.
- Incorporate water features or pathways to delineate different areas.
- Consider using decorative screens or pergolas for added structure and privacy.
These elements help to break up open areas and create distinct, purposeful spaces within your landscape.
Find the Right Hardscaping Materials for Each Space
Choosing the right hardscaping materials is crucial for defining and enhancing each space. Different materials can evoke different moods and serve various functions within your landscape design.
Materials, like gravel or paver stones, can define each space. Consider creating an outdoor terrace marked by paver stones or a walkway filled with river rocks.
If you’re unsure what materials are best for each area, talk to your design team for suggestions. They have years of experience and can point to you (and your design!) in the right direction.
Select Flowers, Trees, and other Items for further Definition
Thoughtful landscaping is all about the details. To further define each space, choose flowers, pieces of artwork, and furniture that correspond with each area’s look and feel.
For example, a circle of stone benches surrounded by fig trees, lavender, and rustic planters filled with jasmine can take an empty terrace into a Mediterranean oasis. Or utilize bamboo to create a private, quiet space around your koi pond or water feature. Whatever you decide the overall theme should enhance the space’s purpose.
Actionable Steps:
- Select plants that thrive in your climate and complement your design.
- Use outdoor art, such as sculptures or water features, to add focal points.
- Incorporate furniture that matches the aesthetic and function of each area.
These finishing touches add character and depth to your outdoor living spaces, making them truly unique.
Get a Professional to Help You Define Each Space
If at any point in the process, you begin to feel overwhelmed, confused, or unsure of what the next step is, talking to a professional landscape company will set you—and your design—on the right path.
They can help you determine the best materials and methods to achieve your vision. Whether you have a small space that could use some well-curated plants to make it pop or need help creating several unique outdoor entertaining spaces throughout your yard, a professional eye will help you achieve your vision. Let them take on all the little intricacies so you can focus on enjoying the process of creating something beautiful. If you need to talk to someone about designing and defining your spaces thoughtfully, contact G&G Landscape Solutions today!
About G&G Landscape Solutions
When considering your landscape design plans for your residential or commercial space in the coming year, we invite you to work with our outdoor living consultants at G&G Landscape Solutions.
Contact us today for a FREE 20-minute consultation.
Our expert landscape designers are dedicated to bringing your landscape vision to life from initial installation to ongoing maintenance of your elevated outdoor environment.
G&G Landscape Solutions, a proudly locally owned and full-service enterprise, is committed to delivering a premium custom outdoor space for every customer. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the Charlotte metro area, G&G Landscape Solutions guides you seamlessly through the entire process and beyond.
Our offerings include design services, expert installation of landscapes and hardscapes, and ongoing maintenance. We also offer commercial maintenance and construction services.
Rest assured, as a licensed and insured provider, G&G Landscape Solutions is ready to transform your outdoor space into your dream space. We are committed to delivering a finished product that meets and exceeds your expectations.
