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6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
Want to learn how to take your outdoor space from good to amazing?
Landscaping is one of the most effective methods for increasing your home exterior design ideas and decor. Done properly, it can completely transform the way your property looks and feels.
The good news?
A little strategic landscaping can go a long way. According to the National Association of Realtors, 97% of realtors say curb appeal is a critical factor in attracting potential buyers.
Topics covered:
- Why Landscaping Matters For Your Home’s Exterior
- The Foundation of Great Exterior Design
- Simple Decor Tips That Make A Big Impact
- How To Create Flow Between Indoor And Outdoor Spaces
Why Landscaping Matters For Your Home’s Exterior
Your landscaping is more than just a bunch of plants in your yard.
It sets the initial impression for the whole property. Remember, the first thing someone sees when they pull up to your house is your landscaping.
Let’s be honest…
Great landscaping really ties everything together. Your house exterior design ideas are complete when the outdoors flow with the indoor elements.
And it can really pay off for your bank account too. Studies show quality landscaping can boost property values by 10-20%. That’s a pretty decent return on investment for something that also makes your home more enjoyable to live in every day.
Building functional outdoor living spaces is critical for contemporary home exterior design ideas and decor. For homeowners in Phoenix who want to spruce up their exterior, check out quality patio enclosures and covers from Royal Covers to build comfortable, shaded areas that extend your living space while blending seamlessly with your landscaping.
The Foundation of Great Exterior Design
Before we get into the specifics on plant types and such… You need a plan.
The number one mistake homeowners make is starting without a cohesive vision in mind. They throw down a tree here and some flowers there and end up with a hodgepodge mess.
Here are some foundational elements to keep in mind:
- Outline your property’s borders with thoughtful plantings
- Design natural pathways that guide visitors seamlessly
- Establish clear focal points to draw the eye
- Balance hardscaping and softscaping elements
Turns out design sophistication is important, even in landscaping. Studies show homebuyers rank design sophistication as their top criterion when judging a home’s exterior aesthetic.
Meaning taking the time to plan and execute your design will be worth it in the end.
Simple Decor Tips That Make A Big Impact
You don’t have to spend a fortune to improve the look of your home’s exterior.
In fact, some of the most effective changes are shockingly simple. Here are the most impactful home exterior design ideas to try:
Layer Your Plantings
Professional landscaped yards have depth and dimension. Instead of flat surfaces full of plants the same height, they use tall background plants, medium-height shrubs, and low ground covers.
Layering elements like this makes small yards look more lush and purposefully-designed. It’s one of the easiest landscaping ideas to start doing for yourself right away.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Lighting makes a night-and-day difference in your landscape.
Path lights guide visitors and help them see where they’re going, while accent lights highlight your favourite features. Just this one addition can make your home’s exterior look 10x more sophisticated.
The best outdoor lighting will mix multiple styles. Ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for functionality, and accent lights for special features.
Use Colour Strategically
Your plant colour palette should go with your home exterior colour scheme.
If your home has a warmer-toned exterior (think brick red, brown, tan) you want to pair it with plants that have burgundy, orange, or yellow foliage. Cool-toned exteriors (grey, blue, black) go with blue, purple, and silver-green plants.
Don’t overdo it with too many colours, though. Pick a cohesive palette and stick with it for an intentional look.
How To Create Flow Between Indoor And Outdoor Spaces
The newest trend in landscaping…
Indoor-outdoor connections are more popular than ever. Homeowners want their outside areas to feel like natural extensions of their interior living spaces.
Here are a few ideas for how to do it:
- Match outdoor furniture styles to your indoor decor
- Pick a unified colour palette both inside and out
- Install big windows or glass doors that frame outdoor views
- Create outdoor “rooms” with defined purposes
Covered outdoor living areas are super popular these days. Especially in climates where homeowners want to spend time outside year-round.
They make shaded areas you can use in every season. Protect you from the elements while still letting you enjoy the outdoors.
Practical Tips For Every Season
Seasonal landscaping doesn’t have to be hard.
A good mix of evergreen and deciduous plants will keep your home exterior design ideas and decor interesting year-round. Evergreen provides structure and winter colour when deciduous is bare and brown.
Here are a few more tips to consider for each season:
- Spring: Flowering shrubs and bulbs are perfect for pops of colour
- Summer: Heat-tolerant perennials are a must, as is appropriate irrigation
- Autumn: Ornamental grasses and fall-colour plants look beautiful
- Winter: Evergreen structure and winter-interest plants keep things going
Planning and thinking through your landscape with each season in mind will ensure it looks great all year.
Maintenance Matters More Than You Think
Ignore your landscaping and it ends up hurting your curb appeal more than having no landscape at all.
Here’s something most people don’t realise…
Routine maintenance is actually super lucrative. Simple lawn maintenance alone can generate a 217% return on investment.
Routine upkeep on your property outperforms almost every other home improvement project in terms of ROI.
The key here is keep it simple and within your ability to manage. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in your climate. Install an efficient irrigation system that helps you minimise waste and work.
Also consider calling in professionals for the more advanced or time-consuming tasks. A good landscape design done right by an expert will provide better value in the long run than most DIY jobs.
You want your landscape to look like it’s been carefully designed and cared for… not like it’s high-maintenance or requires constant upkeep.
The Bottom Line
Landscaping your home’s exterior to make it look good isn’t that difficult.
It does take some planning, smart plant selection, and consistent maintenance. The results pay off in many ways… higher property values, increased curb appeal, and just an all-around more enjoyable outdoor living experience.
Pick one area and work from there. Focus on a few of these tips at a time and do them right before moving on to other projects.
Your landscaping should complement your home’s architectural style while also reflecting your personal taste. When the two work in harmony, the result is self-evident.
Kinda cool, huh?
Now go outside and start making changes to your outdoor space!