Time to Think Outside of the Box
Do you ever feel that your contemporary, interior design style doesn’t match your traditional, exterior landscape? Regardless of what style you have, it’s nice to meld the two spaces together so that you have a consistent look. We like to think of your outdoor space as an extension of our home and an outdoor room. Many people that live in the Midwest, live in traditional homes but they don’t necessarily have traditional interior designs. We’ve discovered how to update our interiors regardless of the style of the home. It just seems to be harder to break the traditional landscape style that so many of us have become accustomed to. It’s time to take a chance and change our exterior spaces as well. Landscapes don’t have to incorporate curving bed-lines with outcropping stones and Holland bricks. Sometimes it pays off to think outside the box. Maybe straight bed-lines and patios instead of kidney beans and amoebas? How about straight rows of plants with fewer varieties. Clean and simple may be different and not for everyone, but I’m sure there are a few of you who are ready to make a change. Let RYCO Design Group help you update your exterior style.
Through our design process, our landscape designers and landscape architects brainstorm ideas to find the best design solution for your project. They take into consideration your wants and needs as well as existing site conditions and challenges. Here are some examples of three different ideas for the same entry way into a home.
The first concept uses bluestone planking, which are long thin pieces of stone placed next together to form the front walk. They can be in varying lengths to fit the space. The joints in between the stones can be tight or have a gap for mulch, decorative stone or groundcover. This is a trend for interior spaces too with long linear tiles and flooring. Plants chosen are simple with nice forms and grouped together in masses.
The second concept is similar to the first, but uses larger pieces of stone to create the front walk. It leaves an irregular edge on the walk that meets the lawn. Mulch, decorative stone or groundcovers can be used in between the stones as well. Plants are kept in groupings for maximum impact to compliment the contemporary walk.
The clients loved all three concepts. We don’t always share more than one concept, but we loved all three that we just had to see what they liked the best. They really fell in love with concept 2 because of the large pieces of bluestone.
Choosing a more contemporary style of landscape can be a bold move, but it can really make a statement. If your design style indoors is more modern or contemporary, don’t be afraid to step outside of the box in your outdoor living spaces. You won’t regret it!
If you’re ready to make a change or get started on your next landscape project, give us a call at 815.459.7926. We look forward to hearing from you.
