Symmetry is incredibly pleasing to the eye and has always been sought after in everything from architecture to facial structure. However, perfect symmetry risks looking predictable and perhaps even boring, especially in the cutting-edge realm of modern design. If you feel like a symmetrical landscape design simply would not be able to capture your personality and aesthetic flair, consider the following tips for creating an asymmetrical landscape design in Hamptons, NY, instead:
Achieving Balance
It is essential that any outdoor design remains balanced. Without balance, one area of the landscape is likely to draw all the attention while the rest of the backyard goes unnoticed. Asymmetrical designs in landscapes achieve an informal balance effect, which is far more difficult to understand and achieve than the formal balance created by a symmetrical design. Instead of simply mirroring elements on either side of a reference point, one must attempt to balance the intensity of either side. The general intensity can be increased by factors such as scale, color, and the number of features. A large evergreen tree, for example, can be balanced by three smaller trees. Cool colors tend to appear more subdued than warmer colors and, therefore, a small collection of red or orange flowers can be used to balance a much larger bed of blue or purple flowers.
RELATED: 5 IDEAS FOR TAKING YOUR ISLIP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
A Double-sided Walkway
Asymmetrical landscaping surrounding a central walkway can establish the path as a portal into two realms. Consider flanking the left side of your walkway with a long, manicured hedge. Then you could allow a lush collection of shrubs and evergreen trees to peep out behind the hedge, creating the look and feel of a secret garden getaway.
On the right side of the walkway, opt for gravel or decorative stones in the place of a vibrant green lawn. Feel free to experiment with rockscaping and xeriscaping on this side of the walkway. While a few stunning succulents will provide a small splash of greenery, a huge color contrast will persist between the neutral shades and grays deployed on the right and the vibrant colors showcased on the left. Making the xeriscaped area larger than the highly vegetated area employs scale in an effort to balance a more intense color scheme. Plenty of boulders, rocks, and succulents will also create noticeable texture that may offset the visual intensity of the nearby greenery.
A Freeform Pool and Patio
An asymmetrical landscape design is best achieved where the pool and patio are concerned. Instead of opting for a symmetrical square, rectangle, or rounded shape for your pool or patio, look into creating a freeform structure that curves and winds unexpectedly. Gunite pools can be built to any shape and size and tend to be the best candidates for freeform poolscapes. A curvaceous pool layout, when paired with complementary materials, can easily convey a tropical, beachy, or lagoon-like look and feel. Freeform pools mimic natural bodies of water and can be paired with a stone deck, greenery, and rock formations that further support the natural aesthetic theme. Consider embellishing your freeform pool with a waterfall to achieve a dramatic twist on your tranquil design.
Image courtesy of Unilock