4 Landscape Design Ideas for Warm and Welcoming Backyards in Wheaton and Hinsdale, IL Areas

Creating an outdoor living space suited for gatherings big and small is the goal of many homeowners. Every square foot of the backyard should be utilized at some point either for entertaining, working, or just relaxing. One of the best ways to start thinking about improving your outdoor living space is to start with an overarching theme. Consider your location and surrounding architectural styles that may perfectly suit your home and landscape. Much of America is situated on or near farmland, so a farmhouse atmosphere might be an attractive option for your landscape. Here are 4 landscape design ideas for warm and welcoming backyards in Wheaton and Hinsdale, IL areas.

Honoring the Land

Sometimes doing too much landscaping work to land could negatively affect the feel of the overall space. If gifted by a gorgeous open area, keep some of it natural so that nothing feels forced. Using an open concept with your landscape, it could be planned that certain sections of your backyard have certain uses while plenty of it remains untouched. This allows transitions between each area that exemplify the relaxed atmosphere of living the country life while still enjoying the conveniences of the modern world. Work with your landscape design team to preserve this relaxed atmosphere and still get the most out of it while keeping a clean design.

Inspired By Nature

Keep a sense of harmony with your surrounding area as much as possible. Your land has had native plants growing on it for far longer than any of us have been around. Those plants are perfectly suited for living there and will help achieve that level of harmony. Use native plants as your advantage; they are just as attractive and easier to maintain than their exotic cousins. Keep wild grasses growing as best as possible. Avoid incorporating plants and grass that need extra watering. Plant local flowers in different areas that will attract harmless bees that will then help pollinate the rest of your plant life. Best yet, plan your outdoor living space around natural features like rock outcroppings and shade trees to best give tribute to the beautiful land.

The Right Colors for a Warm Welcome

Barn-red has become such a staple in the American farmhouse aesthetic, but bright colors don’t need to dominate your landscape. Pops of color can be interesting but don’t go overboard, to avoid distracting the eye from the natural beauty that already exists. By using soft or neutral colors, you can subtly bring attention to the surrounding landscape and enhance the visual balance of your landscape. In general, earth tones feel warm and welcoming while cool tones offer a more sophisticated appearance.

A Cozy Gathering Space

One of the oldest gathering places for humans has been the fire. By building a fire pit or outdoor fireplace on your patio, you can ensure the fire will be the center of activity regardless of season. Fire pits, although primal in a sense, can be beautiful and honor the local area using locally sourced stone or concrete wall units that look as though they could have been picked from the landscape. Work with your landscape design team to come up with the perfect location for your fire pit - one that’s not far from the house, but far enough away to feel like a separate area.