The most expensive landscaping element per square meter, swimming pools have become works of art, with technologically advanced features such as improved pumps, fountains, jets, LED lighting, filtration systems, covers and automatic cleaning systems with Chlorine free units and heat and chill pumps.
Pool Dominates the Landscape as it is the biggest feature. There are many types of pools :
Skimmer pool : Water level is 15 cms below ground level and it is the cheapest type of pool . It can be made beautifully and can look very simple and nice with water skimming below the edge.
Overflow Pool : Water level is the same level as ground level. It makes a beautiful look in the landscape and is medium range price.
Infinity Pool : The most exotic pool and expensive pool, mainly used to show water disappearing into a lake or water. It can make a beautiful water feature when showing the water falling from the higher edges and is visible from the house.
Lap pools : Mainly used by swimming Enthusiasts to exercise regularly and swim laps. Fixing a Wave machine to build resistance is also possible.
Splash pools and Jacuzzi : It is a Fun pool and is small and just meant for fun and not swimming as the size is small. It is just a relaxing place and could include a water feature.
Pools no longer stand separated from the rest of the landscape and can bind and become the focus of it.
We are now able to ensure that the pool is as flexible as the landscape by incorporating more than one element whether it be to provide an ability to lap, enjoy a jacuzzi, fountains, jets, kids play, shade, pool bar, wet lounge, planting, or architectural walls.
Many pools now use all three types of edge treatments utilizing them in the best way to achieve the maximum functionality as we explore how to incorporate more levels and different layouts.
Ceiling, flooring and walls define a space. Each one of them are of prime importance whilst designing your Interiors as ceiling is a big mass that is seen.
Ceiling height is very important before you think of what to do. Most Homes come with about 3 meter high ceiling and have a concrete slab or premade Gypsum ceiling to hide the AC ducting and lighting wires.
Some Villas have a tall double floor ceiling height whilst others, have the top floor and lobby space that has a tall Roof. Green Community Villas have a huge slanted roof so the top floor rooms get a slanted tall ceiling.
Here are some tips on what one could do to enhance the ceiling and what materials could one use:
Enhancing slanted ceiling with wood looks great. It will give a warm, natural look and give a cozy gazebo kind of effect. It fits in with both modern and classic interiors.
Painting the ceiling in a different color and giving some wooden edging.
Applying wallpaper in the ceiling.
Leaving the ceiling as it is and adding wooden overhangs in different textures.
Using Mashrabiya or wooden cutouts with acrylic and making an additional overhang over the existing ceiling.
Making different cubical depths with gypsum, combined with wood.
Adding overhanging shaped cut outs combined with lights.
Adding shapes colors and textures in the Children room ceiling if you desire to make themed rooms.
Enhancing Kitchen ceiling with 60×60 readymade gypsum tiles for easy access and then having Gypsum ceilings or wooden enhancements.
White ceilings are great and make the house look large. When enhancing the ceiling, be careful that if the ceiling is wooden and darker, it may make your space look smaller so keep the walls and floor lighter as a contrast.
It is possible to enhance rental homes too with nice ceilings, cost effectively, which could be removed easily.
Winter is fast approaching and it will get progressively cooler from now onwards. It’s already party time in Dubai and the UAE.
Let’s look at some of the ways we can spruce up our garden to build useful, functional spaces where one can entertain people in beautiful surroundings.
If you are renting a property for the purpose or if you have a limited budget, consider some of these ideas to make the space look good.
Tips for A Party Ready Backyard:
● A well mowed lawn and professionally pruned plants create favorable first impressions.
● Use decorative lights to light up plants, trees and shrubs and to create a nice and warm ambience.
● Wooden accessories like gazebo, pergola, fences, gates, and decking can be used to give the venue a professional look.
● You can also add potted plants, accessories, and sculptures to further enhance the look of the place. Make sure the selected plants do not trigger an allergic attack in any of your guests. Some of the common culprits are dandelion, velvet grass, and acacia.
● Make sure none of the accessories have protruding and sharp edges which can potentially be dangerous to your guests, especially kids. On the other hand, if you own the space and need to upgrade your garden to get it ready for the party season, we recommend the following measures.
● Tidy up your lawn, prune and shape plants. Adding some interesting and exotic new plants is a good idea. This can also serve as a great conversational topic at the party.
● Make sure the lawn is mowed and plants look healthy. Wildlooking lawn, wilting flowers and yellowed leaves do not really make for a great ambience at your party.
● Don’t forget to polish all the woodwork.
● Bar, barbeque and buffet tables are the most visited areas at parties. Make sure they are well stocked and professionally managed.
● Light up the venue adequately for decorative and safety purposes.
● Make sure drinking water is in plentiful supply.
● Ensure all safety precautions are in place.
● And finally indulge in some personal grooming and get ready to enjoy the party season!
Before we begin with the trending ideas for Gardens, it is important to look at the economic scenario we are faced with today. The reason is simple.
The times that we live in, greatly influence the choices that we make. And those choices define us and the homes and gardens that we live in.
The whole of Middle East region is in an economic turmoil. Oil prices are nose-diving and inflation is at an all time high. Liquidity has becoming tight. Some economists call this a silent recession.
Within this toughening scenario and forecasted reality, lifestyle still does not come to an end.
We are all going to be working hard to produce results and want to come back to a comfortable, convenient, harmonious home that nurtures and relaxes us to start the journey the next day.
We wish to spend quiet time with our family and entertain friends. Celebrations will not stop as we all love to celebrate victories and special occasions.
The writing on the wall is – Spend wisely and focus on “The total cost of ownership”.
In case of a landscaping and a gardening project, this includes estimating a five-year maintenance and upkeep cost break-up, the cost of initial installation, hidden costs, etc.
It is better to take an overall view, as opposed to the ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ approach which is a knee-jerk reaction to such an economic turbulence.
In 2016, we will see the following Landscaping & Gardening Trends:
Trend #1 – Creating Sustainable Gardens
The discerning buyer will want to know substantiated answers to ‘What will allow us to maintain the garden over a long period of time?’ They will choose drought resistant plants like Date Palm, Cycas palms, Zamia and Succulents will be used often.
Perennial bushes like Bougainvillea, Thivetia, Oleander will replace seasonal plants.
For large plots, large quantity of grass will be avoided. Designers will improvise to incorporate more hardscape, pebbles and mulch. Grass is hard to maintain and needs a lot of care.
Side pathways are narrow and have a lot of shadow generally due to both villas standing besides each other in close proximity. Grass is not a good option in such narrow shaded areas.
Paving with some pebbles and plants that can grow in shaded areas may be a great option.
Trend #2 – Low Budget Gardens:
With oil pricing going down and a silent recession setting in, liquidity will likely be low. People will think about creative ideas to lower their budgets. Use of less water saves on utility bills.
Tiling and paving will be extensively used. Using artificial grass instead of real turf, use of paving, decks and pebbles, will lead to lower costs of water.
The initial cost of such gardens may seem high but over a period of time, there will be significant savings on utility bills. Zen and minimal gardens with clean lines will keep things simple, elegant and lower budgets.
Natural stone like Travertine, Sandstone, Limestone are porous materials and absorb salts from the ground and leave a white discharge of salty effervescence on the surface, making the stone look very weathered within a short period of time.
Sealants are needed to protect all natural stones. Very natural looking outdoor ceramic tiles are available and they will not need sealants. Each material has its pros and cons and it is important to understand that before making a decision.
Trend #4 – Modern and Minimal Gardens:
Many will move toward modern and minimal design. Symmetry, groups of plants, clean-cut hedges and simplicity in color will be the preference. Neutral colors; grey, beige, white, black, brown, will be the trend du jour.
Simplicity in design with use of a lot of wood and natural materials will make the garden harmonious. Planting large trees in critical places to highlight the garden may be a great idea.
Trend #5 – Accessorizing your garden:
Use of steel, glass, metal, abstract pots and sculptures to make a statement would be considered a great investment. A garden comes alive with such features when they are large enough to match the expanse of the architecture and the style.
Trend #6 – Investment in Lighting:
Lighting is what makes a garden come alive. Wall features, water falls, trees, plants, pathways, steps, seating, shade structures all need to be highlighted.
The overall ambiance is created by lighting. Dim, ambient, concealed but effective mood lighting will be the way forward. It will no longer be considered a cost but an investment as LED lighting largely reduces the energy consumption.
Trend #7 – Low cost of ownership:
Cost of ownership can be lowered when you can maintain the garden easily. Design will be critical to making low maintenance garden and many will invest in such design. Choosing the correct material will be the key to this.
I hope you found this article useful. Please browse through the website for more landscaping ideas.
