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We all want a magnificent home that stands out amongst the rest. However, we also want a villa that blends with its natural environment and neighborhood.

 

Designing the exterior of a home can be a complex process of color choices, materials, and balancing shape and lines. It’s an overwhelming and exciting experience for designers and homeowners alike.

 

So, we’ve put together a few basic exterior design principles that will help make your home a haven with a visually appealing exterior.

 

 

 

 

Balancing Shape with Symmetry

 

As will all types of design, balance and symmetry play an essential role in achieving a well-designed exterior. Every home requires some semblance of balance and symmetry to create an aesthetically pleasing design.

 

It may be the eye-catching allure of a symmetrical contemporary home, where the windows are large or a smaller front door with smaller windows.

 

It could be a home where the balance is achieved through roof lines and outdoor pergola elevations to balance the heights.

 

Regardless of your home style, there are a variety of ways to accomplish an exterior that is proportional to your home – some through obvious symmetry, while others are a bit more subtle.

 

Either way, a properly designed home has an exterior that is proportional and balanced.

 

 

 

 

Form Follows Function

 

Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, invented the phrase, “form follows function”. Essentially, this means that the purpose of the building should be the foundation of the design.

 

When designing your exterior consider the following: What is the purpose of your villa? What do you plan to use your home for? Consider your family needs and then decide what is required in your home (or yard) to accommodate those needs.

 

Ultimately, The exterior of your home will mimic the form of the interior designs that you have chosen.

 

Materials and Textures

 

With the surplus of options, it can become overwhelming deciding what materials you should use on your home exterior. Between wood, marble or flamed granite, aluminum, steel, Porcelain, paint , and natural concrete finish – how do we make our final decision?

 

 

 

 

It’s always best to balance durability with aesthetics. Naturally, you want the exterior of your villa to reflect your personal style. For example, if you prefer a rustic look you may want tumbled crazy cut stone stone and wooden bark.

 

If you are a modern minimalist, you may prefer the lines of sleek steel or simple wood panels. At the end of the day, stick with the theme of your home and what blends best with the natural environment.

 

Landscaping is Essential

 

Landscaping your home requires far more than simply planting a tree in your backyard. When designed the right way, your yard will become an extension of your home and personal tastes.

 

From gazebos and pergolas to living walls and custom water features, your yard should be a peaceful retreat for you and your family.

 

 

 

 

Don’t let your yard fade into the darkness when the sun sets. Proper lighting is essential for home safety and nighttime appeal. Choose lights that mimic the style of your home.

 

For example, traditional villas look fantastic with lantern-style chandeliers hanging over a covered entrance, or flanking the garage. Modern homes look amazing with angular steel lights.

 

Not only will these custom lighting fixtures look beautiful, but they will also keep you yard lit and functional into the wee hours of the night! Looking for a few more landscape ideas? Check out our 10 Tips to Enhance your Landscape Design.

 

 

 

 

Create an Outdoor Entertainment Area

 

Spending time outside with our family and friends dining and entertaining is a fun and memorable experience. Yet, dining al fresco is only part of the fun!

 

Outdoor kitchens and living areas are an amazing way to add value to your home and quality to your life. An outdoor kitchen or living area allows you to cook, eat and entertain comfortably in your backyard.

 

Between pergolas, gazebos, waterfalls, and fire pits, there are many amazing options to incorporate into your outdoor living space that will make it an essential part of your daily life.

 

While the design of your home exterior can be a complicated process that is full of decisions and choices, a well-designed home can be achieved with patience and a little help!

 

During the design process, we suggest that you follow the above mentioned tips and when in doubt consult a professional. The Milestone Design Team is always ready to help you achieve the home of your dreams!

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We’ve talked about ways to improve your exterior and backyard with amazing design ideas, sizzling outdoor kitchens, gorgeous pools, and lush gardens, so we thought it would be fun to show you a few awe-inspiring designs that surely turned a few heads!

 

There are thousands of impressive and unique designs and styles to add to your collection of garden landscaping ideas, but we’ve listed ten here. Have a look!

 

The Garden Studio

 

A beautiful garden design will transform your backyard into a little heaven. Designing a space where you can relax, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature will do wonders for your mind, body, and soul.

 

This garden studio is mesmerizing and offers a beautiful place to unwind and relax. What we love: The pergola inspired shed creates a space to sit and dine and the lush green Murraya Jasmine  spreads a lovely fragrance.

 

Who wouldn’t want to sit back and unwind here?

 

 

 

 

Maximizing the Space

 

Your backyard doesn’t have to be huge to turn it into a space that you will absolutely love.

 

This backyard is short on space, but the designer maximized every square foot by incorporating Stone clad retaining walls, patio furniture for outdoor eating, and cantilevered pergola to cover the outdoor kitchen area.

 

What we love: this sleek pergola not only creates a separate space but also offers relief from the sun and heat during those warm summer months whilst you cook.

 

 

 

 

The Asian Pergola

 

What’s not to love about an Asian-inspired backyard? From the tiered roof to the Zen inspired greenery, every detail of this stunning design is a sum of the larger design scheme.

 

What we love: the outdoor seating, sun loungers are  embedded within beautiful greenery and carefully collected outdoor sculptures and a pool set within spacious, clutter free garden gives the area a vibrant feel.

 

 

 

 

Backyard Lagoon

 

This backyard design has a lot to love! The massive pool resembles a sparkling lagoon, with a jacuzzi and water feature. Not only is this area peaceful and relaxing but it also adds value to the home.

 

What we love: the decorative stone wall stretches past the stone pool deck to hide the pool pump room and shower and tropical Balinese feel brought by the Palm trees.

 

 

 

 

The Terraced Garden

 

This stunning home full of windows offers a beautiful view of the garden and pool, while the raised steps adds the culminating touch through the lighting.

 

This thought-provoking design once again proves that you can do a lot with a space with careful choice of levels. What we love: the steps and pool deck, flanked by the outdoor bar and Barbeque area, giving it a simple open modern feel.

 

 

 

 

The Remote Hideaway

 

If you’re looking for seclusion, off the beaten path, this is the yard for you. The resort like feel, meandering grass, different levels, multiple seating spaces create a feeling of being far away from the busy world.

 

What we love: as the sun sets, curl up on the gazebo cushions and sip a drink, chat with friends and enjoy the serenity of the calming space around you.

 

 

 

 

The Estate

 

From what we’ve seen so far, the most impressive backyards have dedicated spaces for each area. The yard below has a fire line incorporated within the bar counter encircled by chairs to entertain and relax with family and friends.

 

Further, back is the outdoor dining area and water feature. What we love: the unique foliage and architectural designs add just the right amount of character to this amazing back yard!

 

 

 

 

The Outdoor reading corner – Inspiration

 

I would love to have a corner like this! Everyone needs is a cave retreat when you want quiet time outside to write your vision, dreams or simply to think.

 

What we love: the beautiful wall tiling pattern, neutral colors beautifully combined, natural bamboo surrounding the little area.

 

Cool Children Play Areas

 

This cool children play tent creates a cozy corner for them to relax and play. It’s a little tent, very cost effective and cute. What we love: A special corner for children in any shaded area.

 

 

Photos from Kidsofmania.com and Pinterest

 

 

Garden Dining Area

 

Modern and spacious, a 3 m long table sits in the center of a waterproof pergola. What we love: Solid wood shade structures, bar and a warm feel to this garden. Totally clutter free!  Stunning!

 

 

 

 

From lush gardens to manicured yards, there is inspiration to be discovered in a variety of backyards. If you’re looking for a little help to turn your backyard into a relaxing getaway, the designers at Milestone are always ready to help.

 

Already have an amazing backyard? We’d love for you to share it!

 

• Editorial Note: some images were picked up from the net as inspirations from Pinterest and Houzz.com