A Brief Introduction to Landscape Design Principles

When planning your residential or commercial landscape design, anything is possible. For the best results, work with a landscape expert to develop a custom, beautiful outdoor space.

To give your planning more direction and focus, use the following basic landscape design principles. These design parameters can help you come up with ideas for new plantings or outdoor features:

Texture

Texture is built from the shape and thickness of leaves, the relative dullness or glossiness of plants, and other patterns created by the elements in your landscaping. Different textures influence the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. To create interesting textural settings, designers may vary plants so there is a change in foliage density, light and shadow, and overall feeling across certain areas.

Color

In addition to texture, it is important to add pops of color to your space. Color is one of the most exciting elements of landscape design because it helps move the eye and even impacts the viewer’s mood. It is best to choose between either a warm (orange, red, yellow) or cool (purple, blue, green) color scheme for most of your plants. Warmer tones will give your outdoor space energy while cooler colors will instill a sense of calm and relaxation.

Line
Landscape designers use line to direct the eye and communicate movement. This is very similar to the way visual artists use lines in drawings and paintings. Paths, decorative rocks, edging, and certain plant arrangements can all create lines of sight. The lines help to move viewers and visitors through your design and create a sense of order or overall cohesion.

Are you planning a landscape design overhaul? Speak to the experts at Santa Rita Landscaping in Tucson by calling  (520) 623-0421. We help Southern Arizona homeowners and businesses transform their outdoor spaces.