Preparing to renovate or install an outdoor space is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you don’t know where to start. To help make your design process as smooth as possible, we’ve created this guide to help prepare you for our initial design consultation. This list is by no means exhaustive, but we hope it will help you to start off on the right foot and provide you with some things to keep in mind as you start brainstorming.
1. Budget: Setting Realistic Expectations
Before going any further, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget. Talk with friends who have undergone similar projects to get a ballpark figure. Consider breaking down the project into phases, tackling the front yard this year and the back yard next year, for instance. Having a rough idea of what you’re willing to spend will help align your vision with our team’s capabilities before putting ideas on paper.
2. Inspiration: From Idea to Reality
Gather inspiration from various sources to shape your vision. Explore your neighborhood, peruse Pinterest, and check out our project gallery for ideas. Think of what you want to accomplish within the next year, but also remember to keep the bigger picture in mind—you don’t have to accomplish everything all at once! Ask yourself what your long-term goal for your outdoor space is in the next five and even ten years. Prioritize immediate needs while envisioning what elements can be added in the future. For example, maybe your dream is to have a full patio and outdoor living area, but you will start off by installing a water feature and gradually expand from there. This will enhance your existing space with a relaxing new element while allowing you time to envision how you would like to further develop the space— and also not break the bank.
3. Practical Considerations: Tailoring the Design to Your Lifestyle
Consider the practical aspects that directly impact your daily life. At DOL, we believe that your outdoor space is an extension of your home and family, so we strive to design spaces with every member of your family in mind. Taking this into account, if you have kids and/or pets, it is important to strike a balance between a lush landscape and ample open space for playing; be mindful of elements such as plants with thorns or those easily trampled
Assess the sunlight in your backyard—east-facing yards may have morning sun, while west-facing yards bask in the evening sun. Tailor the design to your hobbies, whether you’re a vegetable gardener, DIY enthusiast, or someone who loves hosting gatherings and barbecues. Additionally, decide on your preferred level of maintenance, whether you enjoy hands-on pruning and replanting every year or prefer plants that require less annual upkeep. Our team is able to tailor our design to best suit your day-to-day routine and preferences.
4. Vision: Defining Key Elements
As you envision your dream outdoor space, focus on key elements that will shape the overall design. Here are a couple key elements to consider:
Focal Point:
Identify the focal point of your yard—the area that draws your attention when you look outside. Whether it’s a beautiful garden, a water feature, or a well-designed seating area, this central point anchors your entire landscape.
Privacy:
Consider what you see when you’re seated in your backyard. If your view is dominated by your neighbor’s yard, consider adding privacy-enhancing features like strategically placed bushes, walls, or a soothing water feature to create a sense of seclusion and white noise.
General Aesthetics:
Define your aesthetic preferences, including color schemes, plant choices (shrubs vs. flowers), and the overall vibe you want to create. It might be helpful to write this down or make a vision board to bring to your consultation; you don’t need a fully fleshed out plan, but having a general idea of what you like and dislike will help us tailor our design to your tastes.
A Starting Point
We hope this guide has helped you to start thinking about what you want out of your outdoor space. If you feel lost or have any lingering questions, we are here to help! Our team has worked on projects of all shapes, sizes, and tastes, so we have a vast pool of experience to draw from. Remember that this is only the beginning, and you will have plenty of opportunities to revise your plan later on.