Jun
22
2009
Hiring an interior designer to help you with the changes you want to make when redoing the inside of your home just makes since. It also makes since to have the same type of design input when you are making changes to the outside of your home as well, just thinking about being outside and not in.
A good example is the use of color. You have so many plants to choose from but you also must consider where they will be planted because of sun placement during the day. This is hardly an issue when you are dealing with the indoors!
Once you realize the differences you will need to consider, the help you may need to hire and the time it will take you from start to finish, you can then get down to business. To begin with let us look at some of the design elements you will want to consider.
Balance brings pictures of the scales measuring out the two sides so each weighs the same. However, balance in design does not always equate to an equal part on two sides. It’s more of an even flow from one thing to another; a symmetry where everything equals out in the end. Watch that you create more than separate spaces but a collective whole that comes together.
Think in terms of earth, wind, water and fire and the way nature uses these elements as a way to balance and flow, creating an underlying rhythm. The flow of water, the crackling of a fire, wind rustling through the trees; all are areas that help bring balance to an area and you can incorporate one or more of these types of natural elements to bring balance and flow to your yard.
The above is also an example of a natural rhythm, which is another basic element of design. Rhythm can also be accomplished by the use of patterns throughout your yard and garden. It can be as simple as the cushions you have on your outdoor furniture or the pattern of your fence. You can also have more complex patterns in your gardens by the way you plant your flowers and lay stones or other walking paths.
Another element you will want to strive to have in your yard is harmony. If you think about this in terms of nature, there is always a harmonic tone or discord that makes you look or think twice. That’s because to appreciate the harmony in a place there has to be a bit of discord there so you can really hear or see that all is in harmony with each other. It’s a fantastic mix and sometimes hard to find but it is always there.
The last thing is focal points of interest. Sometimes we have focal points that we wish to diminish such as a greenhouse or storage shed. In these cases, use other elements such as a grand pergola or garden seating area that draws your attention away from what you do not want to be seen to that you do want to be seen.
This discussion could go on and on with ideas flowing about great design for your yard and garden. I hope it is clear that bringing in a great designer for your yard is just as important as having one for the interior of your home. Using great garden dcor is as important as what furniture you choose and can make or break the look and feel of your overall project. You can have the perfect yard for you and your family with a little planning and some good design. Don’t be afraid to go for it!
