DESIGN
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With its stunning mountains and picturesque scenery, northern Utah offers a perfect backdrop for naturalized landscape designs. While the term "naturalized landscape" may bring to mind thoughts of wild and untamed gardens, that isn’t necessarily the case. All design styles, from rustic to modern, can incorporate naturalized elements that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
In this post, we will explore six design styles that are well-suited to landscapes in northern Utah. Whether you prefer a more rustic look or a contemporary design, you’ll find a style that resonates with you.
Utah is known for its diverse terrain and natural beauty, offering homeowners a unique canvas for creating captivating outdoor spaces. At Sunline, we believe a well-designed landscape can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property while contributing to the overall quality of your life.
Thoughtful landscape design takes into account the region's climate, terrain and native plant species, focusing on sustaining our precious natural resources. Your design should also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation and connecting with nature.
Regardless of the style you choose, all good landscape designs include these five key elements: line, form, texture, color, and scale.
Lines guide movement and help accentuate design features. Straight lines create a formal design, while curved lines suit informal landscapes. They can be made using hardscape or plant materials, adding visual interest and defining your property’s aesthetics.
Form establishes the overall shape and structure of plants and hardscape features, creating visual balance and defining the design's focal points. It adds architectural interest and creates a sense of harmony.
Texture plays a crucial role in landscape design by adding depth, visual interest, and tactile appeal. It can create contrast and harmony, enhancing the overall aesthetic and creating a more engaging outdoor space.
Color is a powerful tool in landscape design. Thoughtful color choices can evoke emotions, create visual interest, highlight focal points, and enhance the overall beauty and impact of your landscape.
Scale ensures a harmonious relationship between your landscape features and the surrounding environment. By considering the proportions and sizes of plants, hardscape features, and structures, a well-balanced scale is achieved, creating a visually pleasing and cohesive outdoor space.
The most suitable landscape design style for residential properties in Utah depends on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, the specific location within Utah and the architectural style of the home. That being said, here is a brief overview of six popular design styles that work well in our area.
This design choice is inspired by the mountains and incorporates natural elements such as stone, timber, and native plantings to create a harmonious outdoor space. It often features rugged pathways, rock gardens and water elements that blend seamlessly with the landscape. The Mountain Rustic style focuses on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing homeowners to enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of their surroundings.
This style gets its inspiration from the unique beauty of the desert. It emphasizes sustainability and water efficiency, utilizing drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping principles. The design incorporates rock elements and gravel pathways, creating a natural and low-maintenance environment. Earthy color palettes inspired by the desert landscape, such as warm browns, sandy beiges, and vibrant reds, add to the authentic feel of the design.
Contemporary landscape designs focus on clean lines, minimalist aesthetics and strong architectural elements. This style embraces simplicity and elegance, using modern and sleek materials — such as concrete, steel, and glass — to create a polished look. Plants are chosen thoughtfully, with an emphasis on those with architectural qualities, such as ornamental grasses or sculptural succulents.
The English Garden style is a timeless and classic approach to landscape design, emphasizing lush greenery, colorful flowers and structured layouts. It features manicured lawns, tidy hedges, and intricate topiaries that create a sense of order and elegance. Symmetrical designs and formal garden structures, such as geometric pathways and archways, are common features of this style.
Landscape designs inspired by the East create serene and harmonious outdoor spaces. This style incorporates elements such as stone pathways, water features and bamboo to evoke a sense of calmness and natural beauty. Meticulously pruned trees and shrubs evoke the principles of Zen gardening and encourage a deep connection with nature.
This design style blends modern and rustic elements, combining natural materials such as stone and wood with metal accents. The color palette tends to be neutral and earthy, complementing the natural surroundings. This style emphasizes functionality, simplicity and a connection with nature.
The design style you choose should reflect your personality and complement the aesthetics of your home. To make this process easier, you can start by identifying elements that resonate with you, such as certain colors, textures or themes.
You should also consider seeking professional guidance. Professionals can provide valuable insights and offer inspiration to help you create a visually pleasing landscape design, which can be immensely helpful — especially if your style isn’t immediately apparent.
While these landscape styles have different aesthetic goals, they all have a single purpose — to create a landscape that reflects your personal style and gives you a beautiful space to enjoy with your family and friends.
If you’d like to know more about landscape design and how to bring your vision to life, the designers at Sunline Landscapes are here to help. Simply book a consultation to get started.
