So, you’ve finally decided on a suitable property as the location to build your new home. Your mind must be getting overwhelmed with ideas for the floor plan or colour swatches by now. Although you already have many things to think about, make sure that you don’t overlook your garden design in the midst of it all.
Some wonderful gardens have been created without any initial plans, simply evolving over time as changes were made and different elements were introduced. However, in general, people tend to work towards some kind of concept, even if it may not be a detailed one. Thus, it is always better to plan your urban garden design carefully so you can end up with something you are definitely happy with.
To get you started, here are some ideas to inspire you:
Garden Design Inspiration
1. Have fun with decorating
This means you shouldn’t be afraid to invest in quirky pieces of furniture or experiment with different colours and materials. A statement piece like a neon hammock can be as eye-catching as a pond filled with a colourful school of fish.
2. Incorporate reflective materials
You’ve heard how mirrors can create the illusion of a wider space. Well, why don’t you use that concept in your yard? Perhaps you can get an antique mirror to brighten up a corner. Or maybe you can install tinted sliding doors to connect the indoors to the outdoors and create one big space.
3. Make use of terracotta pots
Pots are great elements to add to your yard, especially the terracotta kind. You can grow parsley, coriander, and other herbs in them, then line them up outside your kitchen window. Or, you can get an installation with vertical and horizontal rods which you can then use to stack your pots up on a wall to maximise space.
4. Build a deck around the greenery
Rather than removing any existing trees, build a deck around them. The strong lines of the benches, table, and decking can be balanced out by soft accent pieces such as round ottomans or cylindrical decor. You get additional style points if you have all of these around your swimming pool.
5. Get clever with positioning and planting
By placing hedges on the edge of your garden, you can get extra privacy or you can cover up those unattractive fences. Mixing up different varieties of shrubs and vines can also create a low-maintenance, yet, high-impact style that is perfect for the coastal house designs Australia typically has. This looks great around a pergola.
6. Grow succulents or cacti
If you are too busy to maintain a garden that needs a lot of love, here are some great garden and home design tips to follow – plant succulents or get some cacti for your garden. You won’t have to worry about wilting leaves and dying stalks. Add textural elements by planting the succulents in pots of varying sizes, then arrange them in an asymmetrical pattern so they won’t appear boring. This has become the go to for many households where there is little time for garden maintenance.
7. Control the space with stone
Use stones to draw eyes to the right places in your urban garden, rather than towards a single direction. You can get custom-cut pavers laid in a broken pattern or you can create walkways surrounded by raised beds bordered by decorative garden rocks. These can divide the space and sometimes offer hidden corners for hiding your barbecue grill and other items.
The Bottom Line
If you are in the process of choosing the best builder or developer for you and your family, make sure that you compare house designs and plans at www.ibuildnew.com.au. You can also find land on our site, choosing a house design and block that allow you to have a garden that is the right size for you- whether that is small and low maintenance or large. If you are unsure or need advice for building your new home, make sure you speak to one of our consultants. They are independent of any of our member builders and have been working in the industry for over 40 years. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 184 284 or book a call.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing