When designing an outdoor space for your clients, it’s essential to have an aesthetic and functional plan in mind. You need to create a visually appealing space while also ensuring long-term durability. To help you do this, we’ve put together some tips and considerations to help create stunning outside spaces we’re sure your clients will love
1. Plan with Purpose
Before grabbing the shovel, take the time to properly understand the client’s vision. Discuss how they imagine the space will fit into their lifestyle; will it be used for entertaining or relaxing? Do they have any inspiration or design elements they love, what are their must-haves? Another important consideration for your plan is the client’s maintenance expectations and capabilities. How much time do they want to spend maintaining the space? This will all impact the theme and design elements you will use.
2. Balance Hardscaping and Softscaping
A well-designed outdoor space seamlessly blends the hard and soft elements; For hardscaping, use materials like stone, brick, decking, and pathways to provide structure and definition. When looking at softscaping, incorporate plants, trees, and flowers to add texture, colour, and a natural feel. Outdoor lighting is another important consideration; it has the ability to enhance the aesthetic while providing safety and functionality.
3. Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing plants is one of the most important steps in an aesthetic and functional garden design or outdoor space transformation. The right garden plant ideas for your space will depend on a multitude of different factors. From knowing how much room you have, to understanding your garden’s aspect, the different soil types, and the overall look you want to create. Depending on the client’s vision, we recommend a good mix of evergreen and seasonal plants to maintain an all-year-round appeal.
4. Use Proper Drainage
Good drainage is crucial to prevent water buildup and soil erosion, which can damage both soft and hardscaping features. Drainage doesn’t have to ruin the aesthetic though; here are a couple of non-offensive options:
- Permeable Ground Reinforcement Grids: Allows water to pass through the grid and prevents surface water build up. Can be filled with grass, gravel or resin for an aesthetic finish. We recommend EcoGrid to create a strong, stable base.
- Threshold Drains: An aesthetic slim threshold drain for domestic projects, helps to eliminate water pooling at property entrances, grounds, and surrounding areas. Main uses include patios, pathways, walkways, and thresholds.
- Dry River Beds: An aesthetic and functional landscape feature that simulates a stream bed using stones, boulders, and often plants and spill rocks. Dry river beds are usually built in gullies or trenches and are often used for drainage.
5. Add Functional Features
Eye-catching elements such as pergolas, fire pits, and seating areas can elevate an outdoor space while adding an aesthetic and functional purpose. Consider materials and styles that complement the overall landscape theme and your clients needs.
6. Use High-Quality Materials
Budget allowing, invest in durable, weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity and reduce signs of wear and the need for repairs. We recommend natural stone for patios and pathways, pre-treated wood for decking and proper drainage to minimise water damage.
Conclusion
A well-executed, aesthetic and functional outdoor space not only enhances a property’s value but also provides a retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. With proper planning and considerations, you can create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and long-lasting that your clients will love. Using high-quality materials and proper drainage means your designs will stand the test of time while still maintaining the aesthetic appeal.
