Outdoor design for your home

Planning is an essential step in any successful landscape design project. Layout and use of space, choice of materials, structures to build and accessories for the finishing touch are just some of the numerous aspects to consider. With such a wide range of possibilities, it’s important to assess your needs, stay abreast of current trends, and keep functionality and comfort in mind.

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Planning your space
Selecting the right materials
Choosing the right plants
Adding style with accessories
Trends to watch

Planning your space

Before you start, focus on the big picture and ask yourself some important questions. How will you be using your environment? Is the idea to build a play space for your children, to create a dining area, to plant a vegetable garden? Once your project is clear in your mind, study the characteristics of your yard in terms of sun and wind exposure, drainage, and the location of existing structures.

This information will help you narrow down your choices of plants, construction materials and suitable locations. Draw a scale plan on paper. Show the main structures and fixed elements. Draw the boundaries of the various zones you would like to create, for the shed, vegetable garden, pool, spa, patio, flower beds, play space, etc. Include any new structures you will be building, such as fences or retaining walls.
If you plan to put in an automatic irrigation system or electric lighting, now is the time to work out the details. On your plan, show where the various parts of the system will go, most importantly the manifold and the sprinklers for an irrigation network, and the wires—to be buried below ground—for a lighting system.

Time spent planning your new design properly is time well spent, as you will be much less likely to run into problems once you start the work or later on.

Is your yard already established? If you are redesigning a current layout, look at your existing elements and consider what kinds of improvements you might like to make to fit your current needs and make your back yard even more enjoyable.

To find out more:
Planning guide – Carrying out an outdoor design project (PDF)
Planning guide - Building a deck (PDF)
Planning the installation of your fence
Outdoor lighting
Install an irrigation system

Selecting the right materials

Choosing good quality materials—especially when it comes to building permanent structures—will ensure that you get the most out of your new yard for many years. The right type of foundation for your deck or shed will ensure their strength and stability.

The choice of decking materials has widened considerably over the years. While treated wood remains a popular choice, plastic, PVC, and wood-plastic composites are increasingly becoming the norm for decking boards, trellises, fences and arbours. These materials are durable, easy to clean, environmentally friendly and available in a variety of colours.
Paving blocks, stones and slabs are the ideal options for a ground-level patio. Before starting work on a paved area, measure the surface area to be covered, to determine how many pavers to buy. Take your plan to your store for guidance on the exact quantities of materials needed.

The key to a successful outdoor design is “harmony”. Design the deck or patio to suit the style of your house and other features in your yard. Match your shed with your home’s architecture and siding. Select similar colours and materials; for example, a white PVC pergola will look out of place on a natural treated-wood deck.

For more information:
Deck foundations
Deck construction materials
The types of foundations for your shed
Planning guide – Landscaping with paving blocks

Choosing the right plants

Grow plants that are likely to thrive in the particular conditions of your yard, depending on how much sun or shade they will get and the type of soil. Some plants need more care than others—an important fact to consider when planning your flower beds and borders. Remember that you can use planters, tubs, and potted shrubs and trees to embellish decks or balconies.

Vertical gardening optimizes your growing space. Not only do climbing plants look fabulous weaving their way up trellises, arbours and pergolas, but they also provide privacy.

For more information:
Landscape effects
Planting trees, shrubs, evergreens, roses and climbing plants
Hedges

Adding style with accessories

Complete your new outdoor design with practical, well-chosen accessories. The barbecue grill is a must-have for any outdoor kitchen. Gas grills are as popular as ever and now come equipped with an incredible range of options. Electric grills are compact, portable and handy for small spaces, such as apartments or condos. The materials used for making outdoor furniture are increasingly, weather resistant, maintenance friendly and varied: resin, aluminium, wrought iron, wood or rattan. Woven PVC is another option and goes well with all types of decor. Wood is also a good choice, provided you care for it properly. Follow the newest trend by setting up a relaxing seating area in the garden, away from the house, complete with armchairs, sofas and a coffee table. You might also want to include a hammock, spa or small outdoor fireplace.
Chair cushions come in a variety of fabrics. Cotton is cool and comfortable; polyester is softer, while PVC-coated fibre is long-lasting. Try to stick to a chosen colour theme or pattern and match tableware and placemats for a polished look. Small items of furniture, plant pots, a birdbath or a fountain will add an elegant finishing touch to your design.

Read more about:
Garden and patio accessories
Barbecues
Outdoor furniture: making the right choice

Trends to watch

The yard is now an integral part of the home. Interior styles, colours and designs are being carried through to the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between inside and out. The trend for "Zen” decor is ever popular in outdoor design, with natural materials like stone and wood predominantly featured in today’s landscaping. Increasingly, symmetrical designs and rounded structures are seen in arches, pillars and sleek-lined armchairs.
Creating a peaceful atmosphere engages all the senses. The sound of water trickling in a fountain or the smell of fragrant flowers is naturally soothing. Stimulate well-being by creating an oasis of tranquility just a few steps away from the house. Harmony of colour is another important aspect to consider. Simply beautiful, single-colour flower beds are a popular gardening trend. Watch for landscaping designs featuring less lawn and more plants, flowers, rocks and water.

Go green. Out with insecticides, chemical fertilizers and weed killers; In with natural plant food and organic products to fight insects and disease. The time has come to make your own compost and—why not—grow herbs and vegetables on a green roof.

For more information:
2010 Outdoor design trends
Natural gardens
Looking for landscaping inspiration? Turn to our experts at Rona by Design for a barrow-load of ideas! Have a great summer!
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