No matter the type of design work you are considering, there is one thing that they all have in common: The need to plan and understand the space with which you are working.  Whether it be a floorplan for your new home, a room makeover or an upgrade to your landscape, having a plan is essential to having a successful result. But, in order to create the plan, there are an assortment of factors that need to be considered. For those who have never embarked on the excitement of landscape design, then it can be a bit overwhelming. After all, just because your yard is the equivalent of a blank canvas, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are ready to start adding color. So, before going to the nursery and selecting a plethora of plants and yard décor, it is important to have a well-crafted plan.

7 Tips for Determining Landscape Design Elements

1. Lines:  Understand how you can use the alignment of the plants to draw the eye where you want it to go. Vertical lines draw one’s eyes upward, while horizontal ones are great for bringing attention to small alcoves, garden areas, or paths or other focal points. In addition, keep in mind that curved lines tend to be more natural and calming while straight lines are more formal and direct.
2.  Balance: Endeavor to keep the size of garden areas, shrubbery, trees and outdoor structures in proportion to the house and space you are working with. A good rule of thumb is that the height of an element (be it shrubbery, a fence, or a fountain) should be 1/3 the height of the width of a space – so a patio area that is 24 ft2 is best paired with vertical element that is 8 feet tall.
3. Lighting:  There is a wide variety of lighting choices that can be used to set the atmosphere of your landscape, but also try to take advantage of natural lighting. For instance, planting trees and shrubs along an east-west line will often create a beautiful display at sunset/sunrise.
4. Mix it up:  Don’t be afraid to incorporate a wide range of plant types in the same space. It is totally acceptable to combine varieties of hostas with decorative grasses. Also, plant from big to small. Start by determining trees, any water features, statuary or structures to set the stage.  Need help? Our Outdoor Makeover team is happy to help you determine what types of plants will work best in your landscape design.
5. Harmony: Choose plants and design elements that suit the style of your home. It helps to determine the theme or feel of the finished product, then work to have the design be aesthetically and functionally placed.
6.  Harmony: Choose plants and design elements that suit the style of your home. It helps to determine the theme or feel of the finished product, then work to have the design be aesthetically and functionally placed.
7. Focal point:  For your landscape design to fully work, be sure to have a focal point. It might be a gazebo, a water feature, a large flowerbed or any other element but having a focal point helps set the theme.
8. Simplicity: A busy landscape with numerous features is not only difficult to keep maintained, but it can be difficult to focus on or be able to relax in. By keeping the landscape simple it is easier to find pleasure and relaxation when outside. Designing a landscape that makes you happy without adding a long list of items to the To Do is important. Our team of landscape makeover specialists knows how to turn your landscape from blasé to beautiful. Give us a call to get started on your dream landscape.

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If you looked back over your fun for the year, and realized that many home entertainment opportunities were either avoided or had room for improvement due to a landscape that needed work, then now is the time to start thinking about and planning your perfect outdoor space. It might be that you simply need to re-structure things or may be time to start from scratch how to create the perfect outdoor entertainment area for your kids and family.

Designing the Perfect Outdoor Space

But, just because you know the current arrangement for your yard isn’t working, it doesn’t mean that you know what type of outdoor space is needed. To help you start planning here are some fun ideas:

• Sit a Spell: There’s nothing like having a quiet spot in the shade where you can sit back and relax with a book or visit with friends after a long day at work. Place some comfortable chairs, perhaps some soft lighting, and a table or stool beneath the trees and make time to just unwind.
• Indoors Out: From kitchens to living rooms, many people are opting move the indoors outside with custom entertainment areas. Make it special by adding an herb garden or fragrant flowers/greenery to add to the atmosphere.
• Add a Splash of Color: From painted furniture and a boardwalk–style path to butterfly-attracting flowers, rock gardens and healthy ornamental trees and shrubs, there is nothing like enhancing the outdoors with more fun and color.
• Privacy is a Must:  Your backyard should be an oasis, designed for your comfort. Don’t forget to set up areas where you can block out the world around you. Consider using a retaining wall, natural hedge, a decorative wall, or even something fun like a privacy screen made from old doors.
• Sounds of Nature: Have a small fishpond added to your yard. It not only will benefit the environment but will provide hours of enjoyment as you watch the fish, as well as the frogs, birds and other animals that will want to spend time in your yard.
• Be Creative: Don’t forget elements such as an assortment of lighting styles, a shaded garden swing, pergolas, or even a daybed where you can sit back and read a book, play a game or simply bask in the beauty of nature.
• Enjoy the Warmth: A fire pit is the perfect addition to any yard, but is especially perfect for those times when you want to entertain. Just pull up a few chairs, grab some roasting wires and you are ready for s’mores, hotdogs, and other campfire-like fun. While the warm rays of summer sun have now passed, it doesn’t mean that the time for outdoor pleasure should be forgotten. In fact, now is the time to start thinking about what type of outdoor makeovers will result in the space perfect for entertaining next year. After all, trying to do a yard renovation project when you want to be enjoying your yard is no fun! Now is the time to start planning your space...and the Outdoor Makeover team is happy to help you chose a design and personality. Don’t put off creating that perfect outdoor area, give us a call today!

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The first day of summer is officially upon us and that means unlimited pool time. It's a known fact that pool time is the most popular summer time activity for all age groups during the summer. And with the Atlanta heat being particularly scorching this summer, a pool is the perfect outdoor living space accessory. While the pool may be the more popular summer activity, homeowners might ask themselves if there is anything they can do to enhance the aesthetic quality of their swimming pool. The answer is absolutely. There are lots of creative ways to make the most of your pool area.

• Step one: Add extra water features. Sometimes adding an additional water feature, such as a small waterfall or water jets, can enhance the atmosphere for your outdoor living space. A waterfall not only enhances the aesthetic of your pool but also creates the feeling of being in a more tropical oasis setting than in your own backyard. It's also been proven that the sounds of nature, i.e. running water, can reduce bodily stress.
• Step two: If you're wanting your pool area to be less traditional, you can go with different poolside landscaping ideas. Yes, adding stone walls and pathways around the pool can create a more natural atmosphere. Stone and rock walls have become more popular in outdoor construction due to the fact that it's a simple design that can add depth and character to any outdoor living space. The more you incorporate nature into your pool area, the less it will appear man-made and you'll be able to escape from everyday life more thoroughly.
• Step three: While hot summer days may call for a jump in a cold swimming pool, some may be more inclined to enjoy the warm jets of a jacuzzi. A jacuzzi also has the added benefit of water jets which are good for sore muscles and ideal for relaxation time. With the proper construction team, a jacuzzi can be incorporated into the floor of your outdoor living space and provide you and your guests with the sauna-like steam from the hot water. Similar to a sauna, the heat from a jacuzzi causes individuals to sweat out toxins in the body which also reduces stress in the body.
• Step four: The perfect addition to any pool party is of course music. Adding an outdoor stereo system to play music can be the cherry on top of a perfect summer get together. If you're afraid of a stereo system disrupting the "nature escape" that you want your pool to provide for you and your guests, you needn't worry. Many stereo systems can be routed through your outdoor living space so there's no sign of actual technical equipment. At Outdoor Makeover and Construction, our Atlanta designers are fully equipped to bring out the best in your pool area.

Check out our gallery and contact us today to begin construction on your dream swimming pool! Learn More

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