Winter Blues Got You Down? Dream of Spring with Our Vision Builder!
Officially, we’re only a couple weeks into winter, but with the frigid temperatures and snow we had in late fall, it has felt pretty wintery for awhile now. Looking outside on drab lawns and bare trees, not to mention the lack of sunshine, is bound to give most of us a twinge of melancholy. If you’re looking for ways to beat the winter blues, spend some time thinking ahead to spring and planning for your outdoor projects. Our online Vision Builder tool is a great way to get started!
Related: Are Your New Landscape Design and Driveway Winter-Ready in Hinsdale, IL
Begin with Brainstorming
The first step to any project is a good brainstorming session. Now’s not the time to determine the “how”; now’s the time to consider the “what.” If you could have the outdoor space of your dreams, what elements would it include? Put logistics aside at this point; if you want a pool but are worried about your young kids’ safety, that’s okay. You should still add it to your list of wants. (We agree pool safety is incredibly important but figuring out those details is for a later stage in the process.) Take a look at the Vision Builder to get ideas about what elements you might incorporate – everything from fire elements to native plantings and everything in-between.
Next, Focus on Intangibles
During your brainstorm, think about how you want your yard to feel, too. Do you want to have the house people naturally flock to during the summer because it’s a great entertainment space? Would you prefer to have a peaceful enclave with lots of birds and butterflies? Do you envision dining al fresco with your family throughout the summer, ending the evening watching the kids play in the yard as the sun sets? Maybe you want spaces outside that feel almost like separate rooms, so a variety of activities can take place all at once. The feeling you want when you step outside will inform many of your decisions throughout the planning process.
Related: Make an Outdoor Living Space Feel Like Home With Outdoor Lighting and a Fire Pit in Naperville, IL
What’s Your Vibe?
Everyone has their own unique style, and that style carries through to your décor. In most cases, your outdoor space will be an extension of the design style you have inside your home. If the inside of your home is primarily farmhouse chic, a super modern backyard may feel incongruous. That said, if you prefer modern, clean lines, the farmhouse vibe can be brought into your yard with elements like a custom wood slab dining table or a unique container garden. If you need a little inspiration, check out the 8 vibes we curated in the Vision Builder.
Related: 3 Driveway Options to Fit the Style of Any Home in the Wheaton and Naperville, IL, Areas
Now, Prioritize Your List
Now that you’ve jotted down a list of all the things you’d love to have, prioritize it. Of all the features you wrote down, which is your absolute must-do? Which are top 3 below that? Knowing which are the non-negotiable elements will prepare you for the next step of meeting with a landscaper for a design consultation. Remember - you’re still not quite at the “how” stage; we’ll get to that next.
Related: 3 Landscape Design Ideas For Low Maintenance Landscaping in Wheaton IL
Leave the Logistics Up to Us
Clients tell us all the time who tell us they want a certain element, but they don’t think it’s feasible based upon the shape, grade, or some other challenge in their yard. We have a little secret – Carlos loves a good challenge and is most often able to figure out a way to deliver what a client wants, even if they thought it was impossible. One of the reasons you hire a landscape design & build company is for their expertise and experience. It’s our job to take a client’s goals, concerns, and overall vision and create the perfect outdoor space that exceeds their expectations.
Related: Behind the Scenes: Developing a Suburban Oasis in Lisle
There’s no reason to wait to start building your vision. Starting the planning now not only gives you something to look forward to, it also allows us to get a head start on the design, permitting, and even material selection so that when the season begins, we are able to get your project underway. And that means you will be enjoying your outdoor space sooner than you imagined. Head on over to the Vision Builder to tell us what you’ve got on your list, and let’s get started!