Summer 2016 Newsletter

Trends tend to come and go, but quality design components that are sustainable and low maintenance never go out of style. Knowing the timeless elements of design is important to the foundation of any landscape project, but using ideas from outside-the-box will always increase your design’s special and unique qualities. Aesthetically pleasing landscape design typically aligns with the style of a home’s exterior, but undoubtedly there are ways to add nuances that can create a sense of intrigue or illicit specific feelings, like relaxation, in your space. Luckily, outdoor living trends for 2016 include elements of enduring classics such as functionality and gardens as well as features that lean toward the recent boom of bringing interior amenities to the outdoors.

Living Outdoors

• Mimic the indoors in your outdoor space this season by incorporating a pavilion or pergola. Create a space outdoors where you can enjoy time out of the sun or rain.
• Outdoor furniture fabrics have come a long way in the past few years. Many brands that use acrylic fabrics are waterproof and fade resistant from the sun.
• Outdoor furniture has become a staple in most homes, but this year’s trends lend themselves to comfort and more time relaxing time outside.
• Customized built-in televisions and surround sound systems that include the entire yard will be installed in many outdoor living areas this year to aid in family fun and entertainment. Another hot-ticket item will be projectors for backyard movie nights on a big screen!
• Deep seating with soft cushions around a fire is definitely one of this year’s hottest trends. Create an outdoor hearth this summer and you will be able to cook on an open flame, keep bugs at bay and use your space throughout more of the year.
• At this point, so many people are enjoying outdoor living that even showering or taking a bath outside have become trendy. Aside from outdoor showers having a “naturalistic luxury”, they are a great way to rinse off after gardening, swimming in the pool or after lying in the sun.

Smart Homes and Landscapes with Low Maintenance

• The consensus, this season, is that homeowners want better quality and less “bling”. Low maintenance designs are key along with convenience and control.
• Programs and applications that govern lighting, pools/spas and security are being installed in many homes to afford control and protection while homeowner’s are away. Homeowner’s can check security cameras, turn on lights, and saunas or spas with just a click.
• Extend your Wi-Fi throughout you landscape this season and allow your family and guests to be a part of the fun in your outdoor living space even if they have to “stay connected”.
• Utilize low voltage lighting in your landscape design to save energy, have longer lamp lives, and variety in your customized landscape lighting design. Low voltage lights have a plethora of bulbs that can make specific areas of your yard more dramatic or walkways twinkle