DESIGN TRENDS OF 2018 || What we thought were the top 5 trends of last year

HAPPY NEW YEAR LANDSCAPE FRIENDS!

HERE ARE OUR THOUGHTS ON THE TOP 5 DESIGN TRENDS OF 2018:

(1) SMALL GARDENS

Small gardens have always been around; however, the trend to choose a more intimate yard rather than the large yard with an expansive lawn has risen in the last year. To make these small yards attractive the features within the design must be able to be used efficiently. This mindset not only creates a unique design but gives people everything they want in a small space. For example, by making a raised planter 18” H with a 15”-20” lip, it now has the ability to be used as a seat. These easy tricks within the yard make small gardens very enticing.

Mackinnon Ranch House was one of our smaller residential projects, we maximized the available space by pushing into the slope and planting vertically up against walls. Click for more information about the project.

Mackinnon Ranch House was one of our smaller residential projects, we maximized the available space by pushing into the slope and planting vertically up against walls. Click for more information about the project.

(2) ALFRESCO DINING

Many people have covered back porches off their kitchen that they use occasionally for outdoor entertainment. With this style, owners tend to stay around their house and not use all of their outdoor space. By placing the covered dining away from the house this gets the user out into the garden for a more immersive experience. This new space can become distinctive by designing a simple overhead structure, changing the flooring material under the structure, and by using potted plants to enclose the space. As a bonus we like to add fire pits or spas by this area to extend the dining experience into the evening.

Our new project in Encinitas, California proposes an alfresco dining area not attached to the house and near a fire pit to encourage people out into the landscape.

Our new project in Encinitas, California proposes an alfresco dining area not attached to the house and near a fire pit to encourage people out into the landscape.

Another new project in Carlsbad, California proposes an alfresco entertainment area that will draw the crowd out towards the rear of the yard.

Another new project in Carlsbad, California proposes an alfresco entertainment area that will draw the crowd out towards the rear of the yard.

(3) DEXTEROUS DECKS

Using decks as multifaceted tools that blend into the landscape is new compared to the alternative: floating squares. Working around existing trees and boulders for a natural effect and will not distract from the landscape and will enhance the overall effect. Decks can move people from point A to point B, they can be a porch off the house, or they can be that differentiating flooring material stated above in the alfresco dining area.

Low-impact boardwalk is gentle on the site and feels immersed into the landscape. There is something about walking on a boardwalk, is it the sound? the feel? If possible it is a great alternative to concrete.

Low-impact boardwalk is gentle on the site and feels immersed into the landscape. There is something about walking on a boardwalk, is it the sound? the feel? If possible it is a great alternative to concrete.

(4) SENSE OF ENCLOSURE

Creating an oasis in the outdoors. Most of our clients this year wanted to fully enclose their yard, mostly for privacy, but also to give themselves an “escape.” The challenge for us at Falling Waters was how do we make an enclosed yard, especially the front, still welcoming.

In our recently completed project in Cardiff-by-the-Sea we fully enclosed the space with tall plantings and feature walls so that neighbors and other exterior sights are cut from view and all attention stays within the site. Click for more informati…

In our recently completed project in Cardiff-by-the-Sea we fully enclosed the space with tall plantings and feature walls so that neighbors and other exterior sights are cut from view and all attention stays within the site. Click for more information about the project.

(5) INSPIRATION BY TRAVELING

Traveling is our number one way that we get inspiration for new and unique design. Nothing stimulates creativity more than seeing how different cities, states, and countries use the landscape as a function and as an aesthetic. You can read all the books in the world; however, going and being immersed in a new culture will teach you more than just words, it will show you physically how people use the landscape for art, for living, and for homes.

Last spring the Falling Waters Landscape team had the opportunity to go explore Austin, Texas. Ryan Prange the head designer and owner of FWL grabs at the chance to learn by traveling as much as possible. This year we expanded our clientele horizons because of this trend.

Exploring the gardens of Austin, Texas.

Exploring the gardens of Austin, Texas.

OUR 2019 PREDICTIONS

  • More spaces designed for fun entertainment, more people are designing their homes to be all inclusive. I believe people backyards will become the hub of entertainment for family and friends.

  • A trend towards warmer colors of red and orange rather than stark greys and whites. There are cyclical trends from color to lack there off. We believe people are craving color and how the landscape can provide it.

  • Since people want the all inclusive yard they need versatile spaces that are both for casual days with family and also can be dressed up for a more formal occasion.

  • Also the trend of micro gardens used in small patios. This allows for gardening in any home type.

Ryan Prange