The use of color in our lives is critical in several different aspects - from the way that we dress, to the way we decorate our homes, and even landscape our properties, affecting our perception and psychology. Color is introduced into the landscape with the materials used in walkways, driveways, patios, and outbuildings, as well as through the choices of plantings that form part of the landscape.
By carefully considering color choices and consulting with a landscape design professional, you can add depth to your landscape design in Oyster Bay, NY, and create a more aesthetically and psychologically pleasing environment. Here are some pointers on how to achieve this:
Keep It in the (Color) Family
The first rule of thumb for color choices within your landscape is to include variety while keeping the colors complementary. These decisions are where the color wheel comes in handy. Using a color wheel, you or your landscape designer will be able to determine which colors work together and avoid color choices that will result in a jarring combination.
The key for your color choices, both for your hardscape and softscape designs, should include combinations that work together as secondary pairs and tertiary combinations. This simple rule will keep you from making unfortunate decisions that can be difficult to resolve once investments and constructions have been completed. This guidance is helpful, particularly when choosing flowers to include in your landscape as well as accent and border options for walkways, driveways, or patios.
Monochromatic Is Shallow
A connected issue related to invoking depth with color choices within your landscape is avoiding monochromatic shallowness. To avoid issues with clashing, homeowners will sometimes attempt to match shade for shade among all pieces. While this choice will limit mismatched color, it doesn’t add depth, and the resulting aesthetic can seem shallow.
Add some interest by choosing to layer colors. Even if subtlety is important to you, you can choose to use several shades of the same color to create surprising visual depth. You can even go a step further by choosing two primary colors, the secondary complement, and the tertiary options as well. These will serve as bridges between the colors, making your planting beds and structures more visually interesting.
Create Negative Space
Adding depth can also be accomplished by introducing negative space within the design. For example, a black privacy fence, black paver choices with lighter accents, and other dark shades in the background all contribute depth to the overall design. Choosing to break up a single color with pops of vibrancy is another alternative.
From the smallest choice of planting to complicated and permanent hardscape constructions, your color decisions matter, and with detailed guidance provided by a professional in the field, your choices, while still your own, will best complement your home and the entire landscape, with the sum of designs being more powerful than their parts. The Platinum Group works closely with homeowners in ensuring that expertise is lent to the homeowners personal preferences in realizing an attractive and well-balanced project.
RELATED: MATCHING YOUR LANDSCAPE TO YOUR HOME'S ARCHITECTURE
Image courtesy of Unilock.