blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

 

Whether you are thinking about selling your home or want to create a more functional space, take a good look at your landscape design. Not only will a thoughtfully planned landscape design increase the value of your home, but it will also enhance your lifestyle with a functional outdoor space.

 

 

Here are a few of our favorite landscape design tips to set you on the path to enhancing your landscape and garden.

 

Ageless Landscape Design Ideas

 

When it comes to landscape design, there is no great loss for yearly trends. However, trends come and go. Not only will themed gardens lose their charm over time, but they may not appeal to the next person who buys the property.

 

 

As you consider your landscape design, think about what will work for you now and long into the future. Consider ageless designs that will remain functional and aesthetically appealing 10-15 years down the road.

 

 

Design your hardscapes in neutrally colored materials, injecting coloured with your greenery and flowering plants. Creating a simple and elegant usable design will help to increase the value of your home and appeal to a wider range of potential buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future.

 

Create Designated Outdoor Spaces

 

Outdoor spaces provide a place for you to connect with nature while spending time with family and friends. It’s essential to design outdoor spaces that meet the needs of your lifestyle. However, keep in mind what would appeal to potential buyers.

 

 

Think of what you enjoy outdoors. Is it reading? Regardless of how large or small your backyard is, you can create distinct spaces for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. From outdoor kitchens and barbeques to designated seating areas and play areas, the right design will make the most of your space to enjoy long into the future.

 

 

Do you need a pool and a jacuzzi? Do you enjoy swimming? If the pool is not used, it only adds up to additional water bills and maintenance costs. It also takes away a large piece of land. So make it if you will use it regularly.

 

Shade Structures

 

As the temperatures increase throughout the year, you need to make sure you can enjoy your backyard even during the hot summer months. Custom made, high-quality shade structures will help to increase the value of your home.

 

Pergolas and gazebos not only create a designated space for your landscape design, they provide shade and relief from the heat and sun. Consider solid wooden or aluminum shade structures for outdoor kitchens, outdoor dining, barbeques, and seating areas. Not only will you enjoy these structures for years to come, but they will also appeal to future buyers.

 

 

Shade structures surely add a cozy feeling and allow lights, fan and music speakers to be used to create a nice corner. An elevation in design is of great use in lighting up adjoining grass areas and fill up a large empty space with light by using height to add directional spot lights.

 

Energy Efficient, Sustainable Design to Increase the Value of Your Home

 

Custom, energy-efficient, sustainable landscape lighting is an instant way to increase the value of your home. The latest advances in lighting technology and design allow all wiring to be placed underground, which significantly increases the aesthetics of your landscape design. Additionally, LED lighting options use less power, which equates to instant cost savings.

 

 

You can also increase the value of your home with automatic irrigation systems. With smart water systems, the timers or controllers use technology to automatically adjust your watering schedule to your weather, plant, and soil conditions. Your plants will receive the water they need when they need it. Not to mention, you’ll save money on your water bill when they don’t need it!

 

Alternatively, artificial grass is a great alternative to live greenery. Not only does it looks natural, but it also greatly reduces your water bill.

 

Keep it Simple

 

Like many other aspects in landscape design, less is more. Keep it simple and clean. The idea is to create a natural oasis to enjoy with your family and friends. If you stick to the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a landscape design that will increase the value of your home.

 

Use long lasting materials

 

Using outdoor porcelain tiles which is so close to natural stone and available in large sizes is a great choice for outdoors. It is now available with many suppliers including RAK Ceramics. Porcelain avoids quick weathering that happens in natural limestone, sandstone and travertine marble. Natural stone like brushed finish Travertine marble, Limestone, Sandstone, Flamed granite are always great so use them on entrance landing, steps and treads, small patio areas and use porcelain for a long lasting flooring option.

 

 

At Milestone, our team of designers will work with you to create your space home while increasing the value of your home. We take great pride in turning your visions into a reality to enjoy for years to come.

 

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation. Need a little inspiration? We’d love for you to stop by our show villa. Either way, we look forward to working with you.

 

blog

by Sejal Nagjee

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for a way to increase the value of your home, enhancing your exterior lighting design is a great place to start! Exterior lighting will simultaneously enhance the curb appeal of your villa while adding value to your home. 

 

 

 

 

A well thought exterior lighting design will highlight the structural features of your home, to include pathways, water features, fire pits, herb garden, and more. Additionally, exterior lighting will help you define your exterior spaces, to include dining and seating areas.

 

 

 

 

Start with Underground Wiring

 

Completed during the preliminary design stages, you only have one chance to set the wiring. All of your wiring should be placed underground from the start of your project.

 

Underground wiring helps to preserve the natural beauty of your landscape design. Additionally, underground wiring will not be damaged by weather, wind, or other natural elements.

 

 

 

Together with your design team, you will determine the number of lights and number of circuits, as well as the load and placement of switches and automation. Correct planning of your exterior lighting will allow you and future owners to use your garden after the sun goes down. Most view at night is your own internal view as lakes and golf courses facing villas do not see them at all at night as they are not lit.

 

 

Light Up Your Garden & Increase the Value of Your Home

 

You’ve gone to great lengths to increase the value of your home with an extraordinary landscape design. However, your outdoor space is useless without proper lighting. Exterior lighting design will allow you and future owners to enjoy your backyard long after the sunsets.

 

Be sure to add light to highlight your landscape features, such as seating areas, bar and barbeque areas, and dining areas to enjoy these spaces under the stars. Use focus lights on water features and other garden features.

 

 

 

Lighting design can be used to turn your backyard into your personal resort. It can make your home look very glamorous, highlighting the architectural accents of your villa. Additionally, proper landscape lighting can enhance smaller gardens.

 

Highlight the View

 

Many people purchase properties for their stunning views. While you can use lighting to highlight your natural view, you can also create a view with exterior lighting! Using the proper lighting, homeowners can highlight their gazebos, pergolas, water features, sculptures, outdoor dining areas and much more. Feature trees like olive or palm trees are highlighted too.

 

 

 

Additionally, you can use exterior lighting to create a mood and ambiance, while including functional lighting for paths and security.

 

Invest in Energy Efficient Lighting

 

Custom, energy-efficient, sustainable landscape lighting is an instant way to increase the value of your home. The latest advances in lighting technology and design allow all wiring to be placed underground, which significantly increases the aesthetics of your landscape design. Additionally, LED lighting options use less power, which equates to instant savings on your energy bill.

 

You can also increase the value of your home with automatic exterior lighting. With smart lighting systems, the timers or controllers use technology to automatically control your lighting. Your backyard will be illuminated based on your needs.

 

 

At Milestone, our team of designers will work with you to create your space home while increasing the value of your home. We take great pride in turning your visions into a reality to enjoy for years to come.

 

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation. Need a little inspiration? We’d love for you to stop by our show villa. Either way, we look forward to working with you.