Tag Archives: Denver Landscape Architectss

ASLA Reveals the Top Outdoor Living Trends of 2013

Every year, more and more homeowners are taking a greater interest in expanding their living space outdoors. As the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville notes “… homeowners want to get more enjoyment out of their yards. They want attractive spaces that are both easy to take care of and sustainable.”

ASLA‘s 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey offers insight into what homeowners want out of their outdoor living spaces. The survey also provides a source of inspiration for those looking to make updates to their landscapes. Below is a look at some of the top trends from this year’s survey.

Outdoor living spaces such as kitchens and entertainment spaces ranked among the most popular outdoor design elements with a popularity rating of 94.5 percent. Gardens came in a close second with a rating of 94.4 percent. Recreational amenities (pools, spas, and tennis courts) followed with a popularity rating of 76.3%.

outdoor kitchen and dining area

Project by Lifescape Associates

Fire pits and fireplaces were the top choice of outdoor living features, according to the survey, with a popularity rating of 97 percent. Grills, seating/dining areas, lighting, and installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, and boulders) also received ratings above 90 percent.

fire pit by Lifescape Associates

Project by Lifescape Associates

Decorative water elements, including ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, and bubblers, were the clear favorite in the category of outdoor recreation amenities.

waterfall by Lifescape Associates

Project by Lifescape Associates

Sustainable design elements also stood out in the survey. Native or adaptive drought-tolerant plants were the top choice (83 percent), followed by drip/water-efficient irrigation (82.5 percent), permeable paving (72.8 percent) and reduced lawn (72.6 percent), among others.

sustainable landscape design elements

Project by Lifescape Associates

Terraces, patios, and decks were the most top choices in the category of outdoor structures for the 2013 survey.

patio/terrace design

Project by Lifescape Associates

To read more about the landscaping trends from the 2013 survey, visit the ASLA website.

Would you like to incorporate any of these trends into your own Denver landscape? Whether you are in need of a more water-efficient irrigation system or are looking to enhance your space with a hardscape, Lifescape is here to help! Contact us today at 303-831-8310, and let’s discuss how to turn your outdoor living dreams into a reality!

Outdoor Fireplaces done Right

If you were not already aware, outdoor fireplaces are in fact illegal in Denver. However, it is important for you to know that there is an easy way around that, which does not sacrifice the aesthetics of your outdoor living areas.  The work around is to run a natural gas line off the house’s system to the fire pit or fireplace and run the flame that way. One reason this is a great alternative is because you can easily flip a switch to turn the fire pit and fireplace. In fact, Lifescape has even done a system that with an iPhone, you can turn the fire pit or fireplace on remotely.  Talk about having a fire ready to go by the time you get home from work!

If you are worried about a permit, Lifescape helps our clients attain permits that are necessary when running gas lines. Eventhough we agree that there is nothing like an open burning fire pit or fireplace, in order to keep our homes, communities and environment safe in Denver, the law helps in protection against those who don’t take special care in keeping fires contained and safe.

Have questions about custom built outdoor fireplaces or firepits? Contact a designer at Lifescape for more information. 303-831-8310.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light up the Night

Now that spring is officially here, we are going to be spending more time outside. Thanks to daylight savings we have an extra hour of sunlight, but since there will be nice cool nights we’ll want to stay out on our patios, porches and decks a little longer than usual. It is important to properly brighten up your landscape with the right lighting to make it safe and add ambiance to your outdoor living spaces. In the evening hours, take a look around your Denver area home to see what areas need some brightening up.

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Are there any areas where lighting can enhance the dramatic shapes within the landscape? Like trees, gardens, structures and etc.
  • Can you see your address clearly?
  • Can evening guests see the sidewalk and walkways clearly?
  • Does your outdoor lighting enhance your home’s curb appeal?
  • Does the amount of outdoor lighting you have make you feel secure in your home?

These are just a few questions you can ask yourself concerning properly lighting your landscape at night. It’s a shame having a beautiful landscape, but only being able to enjoy it during the day. Light up the night at your home and enjoy your landscape no matter what time it is.

If you live in the Denver or Boulder area and need professional help designing and installing the right lighting plan for your landscape, contact Lifescape Associates by calling 303-831-8310.

National Landscape Architecture Month

April is a special month in the landscaping industry because it is National Landscape Architecture Month. This is the perfect time to take a close look at your local community and admire all of its parks, gardens, residential developments and more. All of these things could not take shape, if it was not for landscape architecture. It ultimately takes careful planning, designing, land use management and applying sustainable design practices to create your community and other communities around the nation.

Landscape architecture is the unique meeting of environment and art. It is a profession that combines both creativity and science. Many people think of landscaping on a small scale because they do not realize that landscape architects shape the world we live in starting from the root. The beginning of our communities and the growth of our communities start by planting a seed.

To learn more about National Landscape Architecture Month, visit www.asla.org.

 

 

Light Up the Landscape at Night

Now that we are experiencing shortened days and chilly nights, it is time to brighten up our landscapes to make them safer and look more interesting. In the early evening hours, take a look around your Denver area home to see what areas need some brightening up. Here are a few things to look for:

  • The sidewalk steps should be well lit for evening guests.
  • Your address number should be clearly seen.
  • Are there any areas where lighting can enhance the dramatic shapes of trees and/or structures within the landscape?
  • Are there areas where you would feel more secure if they were better lit?
  • If you are putting your home on the market soon, outdoor lighting is one of the top items that add curb appeal.

If you live in the Denver or Boulder area and need professional help designing and installing the right lighting plan for your landscape, contact Lifescape Associates by calling 303-831-8310.