blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

In pergola design plans, a pergola forms a shaded area, a passage, sitting areas, or a walkway on vertical posts, which support horizontal beams that can be accented with garden plants or with wood shades.

 

 

 

 

Whether freestanding or built off an existing structure, pergolas provide an exceptional way to add structure, shape, function, and beauty to your yard. Additionally, these pergola design ideas offer helpful tips and tricks of the trade to enhance your outdoor space.

 

 

Work with Your Existing Landscape

 

 

When considering your pergola design, take a good look at your existing landscape design. Oftentimes, there’s a natural spot in your backyard for a pergola. However, don’t let your existing landscape elements deter you from adding a pergola to your yard.

 

 

 

 

The flexibility of pergola design enables modifications to best fit your needs and requirements. For example, an existing tree provides natural shade.

 

 

 

 

The versatility of pergola design allows for a pergola’s roof to be built around an existing tree (when necessary).

 

 

 

 

Alternatively, if you’re short on square footage, you can build your pergola off of an existing structure.

 

Pergola Design as a Transition

 

 

Some pergola designs inject both a decorative and functional design for your space. For example, when you build off of your existing villa, you can accentuate the architectural design elements of your home.

 

 

 

 

Consider adding textural materials on the exterior repeat of your pergola design to offers a welcoming, softening the transition between your villa and deck areas. You can also design your pergola transition between spaces in your landscape (i.e., between your pool area and outside living area, etc.).

 

 

 

 

 

Pergolas are also a great way to ease the transition from your home to other hardscape amenities, such as a pool and outdoor kitchen. Depending on your space, you can set the pergola’s roof boards as needed to shield the sun.

 

 

 

 

Create a Designated Space

 

 

While a pergola can be designed to stand alone, it also works well with other outdoor structures, such as a deck or patio. Depending on where you place your pergola, it can also help designate the various zones in your yard, such as a seating area or walkway.

 

 

 

 

Cramped for space? Not to worry. Even a small pergola design can help to accent a home’s patio, providing an intriguing backdrop, while creating the feeling of a separate space. Regardless of the size, a pergola is ideal for an outdoor seating area, dining area, or even by your pool.

 

 

 

 

Pergolas are a natural fit and integrate well with other outdoor living amenities. Depending on your pergola design, the large beams of can blend with the bulky structure of the stucco fireplace.

 

 

 

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Create a Focal Point

 

 

A pergola is versatile. You can design your pergola in a range of structures. Whether you want to create a charming and cheerful seating structure, add a focal point to your garden, or draw attention to a specific area of your yard – the right pergola design will help!

 

 

 

 

Although space and budget play a role in your pergola design, in general, the “rules” of pergola design are adaptable. For example, you can play with multiple heights in a pergola’s ceiling to add visual interest or add columns to create a more formal look. The choices are limitless!

 

 

 

 

When designing a pergola, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Start today by contacting a member of the Milestone design to discuss your pergola design needs.  

blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

Partnering with the right landscape design team for your project requires careful consideration. After all, the design stage of the landscaping process influences every consequent step.

 

Additionally, hiring the wrong landscape design team can cost you time, and money. Not to mention, headaches and stress. Luckily, you are not alone!

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re looking for a complete landscape overhaul or a simple garden design, the expert landscape design team at Milestone is here to help.

 

Here are a few tips to help you avoid landscaping woes during your next project by partnering with the right landscape design team from the start!

 

 

Landscape Design Starts with Relationships

 

 

The best landscape design projects begin with a great partnership between the design team and the client. First and foremost, you need to like your design team. Secondly, you’ll be spending a great deal of time with your landscape designer and their team.

 

 

 

 

Landscape designers aren’t mind readers. You need to tell them what you have in mind for your project, as well as your project budget. It’s important that you tell your landscape designer what you like, what you desire, and what you need from your landscape design.

 

 

Experience and Examples

 

 

You wouldn’t hire a doctor without knowing how experienced they are. Why would you hire a landscape design team without knowing their experience? What sort of experience does your landscape team have? Are they licensed and bonded? Be sure to check their certifications and professional affiliations.

 

 

 

 

Before you hire a landscape designer, ask to see examples of their previous projects. Additionally, ask for a list of references. While many reputable companies cannot give references of their entire client list (due to confidentiality agreements), most should be able to provide a few project testimonials.

 

 

Regulations and Building Codes

 

 

Before you enter into a landscape design contract, be sure your potential designer understands local zoning regulations and building codes. They should also be able to find out what (if any) homeowner association rules apply to your property.

 

For example, what are the local requirements for how close to the property line you can landscape? How high can you build a pergola? The last thing you want is to hire a team that does not understand local building laws and regulations. Correcting errors means extra time and money for you.

 

 

Know Who Will Supervise Your Project

 

 

It’s important to know who you will be working with once your landscape project is underway. Larger companies, with several crews and supervisors, often require several project managers. Depending on the size of your design, your project may be assigned one or more supervisors and several crew teams.

 

 

 

 

Regardless, you should know who to direct your questions and concerns to from the start of your project. The last thing you want during your potential time of need is to be scrambling for answers.

 

 

Milestone Landscape Design

 

 

At Milestone, we base our landscape designs on the individuality of each client and the unique quality of every site and every home. From the start, we view our relationship with our clients as a true partnership.

 

We want to fully grasp your perspective, to allow us to focus on meeting all the objectives of your project. We will not stop until we deliver the space you desire.

 

Our landscape designers will take the time to listen to your needs, wants, desires, vision, and dreams. After all, this is your space!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about we can take your landscape design to the next level, contact a member of our team for your free design consultation.