Blog

Atriums Add Captivating Space and Light to A House

Atriums are a popular addition to houses or a design feature because they add “a feeling of space and light.” An atrium typically is a large open space, sometimes several stories high that has a glazed roof. There are large windows also. They are either located right outside main entrance doors to a house or they are in the center of the house. They allow a homeowner to feel like they are outdoors all yearlong! The famous Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina has one of the best examples of a wonderful atrium. While they are great additions to one’s

Read More

Planting as Accents

Accents what are they? We know in decorating they are the final touches sometimes or the one wall painted a different color that captures our attention. It’s the same way in the outside world! Plantings as accents do one thing really well, they grab the attention. They direct traffic and can very subtly direct our thoughts about what we’re seeing there. A plant becomes an accent when it offers something unique. It’s color, form, texture, and size makes it stand out. If you use the same plant over and over something interesting happens. It ceases to have the same impact

Read More

Boulders Key Solution For Shoreline Restoration

Boulders are a versatile way to change, maintain, and transform shorelines and landscape. The possibilities are endless. Maintaining lakeshore can be a constant maintenance concern for homeowners on lakes, ponds, and rivers. Having your shoreline wash or erode away can be frustrating, costly, and scary. Using boulders for shoreline restoration can be the answer to many of these problems. Shoreline restoration has lots of variables that need to be considered and reviewed. Boulders are a great solution because they are natural stones. They can take the severe climate changes, the ice heaving, high water, heavy rains, and pounding waves that

Read More

Dividing Outdoor Living Rooms: 3 Patios & 3 Different Patio Pavers

Are you trying to separate one garden space from another? If you are trying to maintain distinctly different spaces in your yard you can.  You can define areas by simply changing the kinds of paving stones and patterns throughout those spaces. Dividing space in the garden can be done subtly with altering by using different types of natural stone and brick pavers. Creating three different garden rooms by using granite, bluestone, and brick patio pavers in different mixtures can be accomplished.  In one garden the intent was to create three distinct outdoor living rooms. But because of the limited amount of

Read More

Choosing Plants: How A Designer Sees Plants

The last step in landscape planning is choosing the plants. Choosing plants correctly is key to a great landscape. Think of the types of plants you need based on function. Maybe you need a tree to anchor a border, a vine to climb a fence, and a ground cover for a slope where grass doesn’t grow. Planting the right combination of plants in the right place is complex. A common problem with planting is when the wrong type of plant is picked for the wrong function so it underperforms. Another common problem is not considering what the mature size of

Read More

Pools and Spas: Predictable or Not?

It used to be that a backyard swimming pool was a pretty predictable thing. It was rectangular, had a diving board, a couple of ladders, and a shallow and deep end. Times have changed homeowners can choose from different types of pools, new kinds of surfacing materials, high tech lights, etc. A pool or spa can be the perfect recreation item in the backyard. They come in a lot of configurations and serve a lot of different purposes now. So careful planning and installation is key in order for you to get what you want. MN Architectural Landscape Design’s pool

Read More