Landscape designers and landscape architects are always searching for the newest trends to keep their work fresh and modern. While the landscape design industry is always changing, some of the most popular trends right now focus on combining organic shapes with sustainable materials to ultimately bring an element of nature while creating functional spaces.
While functional design is the core of every design, sustainable materials are emerging as replacement materials for concrete or steel. Many homeowners have already begun adopting environmentally friendly products and materials within the interior, now homeowners are focusing on environmentally-friendly materials for the exterior. One of these sustainable materials is Lapitec, “a mineral material that is 100% natural – is the world’s only certified sintered stone”.
So where are the majority of trends pointing to in 2022? While this article is just scratching the surface on rooms, shapes, plants, colors, materials, feelings and styles; if you want more information about these fascinating topics – download our free 2022 Landscape Design Trends eBook here!
7. Rooms
As outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity year-after-year, landscape architects and designers are starting to experiment with new and innovative ways to create outdoor rooms. From prefabricated luxury structures to digitally fabricated furniture, there are endless possibilities when it comes to designing an outdoor space that perfectly suits a clients needs and lifestyle.
One big trend on the rise is building a backyard retreat that includes guest houses or art studios to work remotely. According to a recent study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, almost half of all projects include a permanent overhead structure with pergolas and pavilions being the most popular outdoor living structures. Of the respondents, 52% regret not spending more on a shade enclosure or shelter. With these numbers in mind, it’s no wonder that the demand for outdoor rooms is on the rise.
While fire pits are the most popular due to cost-effective reasons, other elements are used to enhance their aesthetic value. For instance, instead of fire pits, fireplaces are popular for their aesthetic appeal and draw attention, making an outdoor room become the focal point of the landscape. With the use of bright colors and contrasting hues between furniture and building material, this can create a bold/dramatic but inviting look.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, with homeowners more restricted to small spaces, many homeowners are looking to design upwards and are building landscapes on rooftops. On many rooftops in large cities, these outdoor rooms can offer sheltered dining pavilions with high-end deep-seat furnishings and are an excellent way to add value to a condo. For many people, an outdoor living space is an extension of their home. A sheltered terrace, for example, is an easy way to create a private oasis for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Aside from the aesthetic impact, outdoor rooms are important spatial concepts for garden design. These elements of an outdoor landscape will enhance the aesthetic value of a home and provide a place for entertaining and socializing with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors.
6. Shapes
An interesting aspect of design in landscape architecture is the use of patterns and shapes. These trends are increasingly popular in contemporary garden designs, including those with naturalistic and geometric forms with irregular edges to create a stunning landscape.
It’s no secret that landscape design is all about creating patterns. Whether it’s using repeating plants, textures, or colors, incorporating a sense of order and organization into your outdoor space is essential to achieving a well-designed look. Patterns are all around us, and they can be found in nature, architecture, and design. For landscape architects and designers, using patterns in your work can add visual interest, create a sense of rhythm, and create a more unified design.
In addition to patterns, there is one aspect that many architects and interior designers are considering in their designs – which is scale. One question many landscape designers should ask is “How can landscape designers scale traditional materials?” Situations like these can lead to revolutionary moments by creating new products from old materials.
These three themes between patterns, shapes and scale are commonly combined to create a unique and innovative look. Those that use these themes of designs can be a great way to provide your client with a unique but performative landscape.
5. Plants
As landscape designers and architects, we know that the best landscapes are those that use plants that are native to the area. Not only do they look more natural and fit in better with the surroundings, but they also require less care and maintenance. In more recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using more native plants in residential landscaping projects.
One of the main benefits of using native plants in a residential landscape is that they require little or no irrigation once they have become established. This can save homeowners a lot of money on their water bill, as well as reduce the amount of stress on our dwindling water resources. Native plants are also better adapted to the local climate. While some of these plants may be more traditional, others are quite cutting edge. With recent droughts and unpredictable patterns in weather, native plants are making a resurgence into the landscape scene to combat climate change.
The trend toward nature is also evident in the way gardeners are choosing plants. These are more natural, with lower maintenance requirements. When planning native plants, looking into pollination gardens and even the addition of a water feature adds a soothing sound to the environment. Shade trees and umbrellas can provide shade also. For a more cozy atmosphere, consider installing an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or a fire table.
Another emerging trend is vertical gardening. This approach is ideal for small spaces. You can grow herbs near your kitchen or place a succulent bed in the center of your kitchen. If you have a limited space, vertical gardening is a great option. The plant grows vertically, so it can be easily accessed from any location.
4. Colors
With the pandemic uncertainty, greens–as a color–have become a popular choice. Whether it’s the greens of the sea, the calming hue of the sea, or the softer blues of the ocean, the colors in these palettes are making a splash in all areas of landscape architecture and design. And with such bold and colorful choices, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to combining hues.
In addition, earthy tones have replaced the cool neutrals. Bold ochres and beige add warmth and depth to white spaces. Using dark purple in landscaping will give the space a calming, peaceful effect as well.
The new year will also bring a new color trend: the blues. The bold brights are somewhat a thing of the past, as the statement shades of blue are a bit too vibrant. Instead of bright, bold colors, homeowners will turn to earthy, organic hues. They will bring a restorative energy to the common spaces and establish quiet. This year’s color trend will be more restful than ever.
Using contrasting colors in residential landscape architecture and design can create a calming effect and increase the value of a home. Powder blue is a calming color that can increase the value of a home. While dark blue may not be a practical choice for a bedroom, it works well in a dining room. If it suits the homeowner’s personality, this color will work well.
Colors that complement natural materials are increasingly popular, especially in the summertime. However, the shades of green are in high demand right now and can complement the aesthetics of a home. By using bright, vibrant colors appropriately, homes can add a fresh feeling to the exterior and appeal of their interiors. Overall, the trends lean towards a landscape that incorporates greenery to add charm to the property and a well-planned landscape with soothing color will be the functional outdoor oasis every homeowner dreams of relaxing in.
