What's Your Outdoor Furniture Future?

Many people are redesigning their outdoors or having a landscape design done now -- and I love it. One thing that sometimes gets overlooked, though, is outdoor furniture. Like garden art, furniture should be carefully chosen to reinforce the 'look' of your garden.

When I design outdoor spaces, every plant, every art piece is chosen to compliment the theme or style of the garden. Modern is bold and clean. Contemporary sparkles. English or French -- no matter what your style is, your furniture (and artwork) should be the exclamation point on the end, not the question mark.

Quick tips for garden art placement:

There are three basic kinds of placement for art -- accent, focal point, and hidden reveal.

Accent

Accents give the garden more texture, color, and interest. This could be a unique birdbath or a rustic bench. The flower pots on your deck are also accents.

Focal Point

Focal points are meant to 'wow' you. Bold, beautiful, they're the center of attention. Too many focal points can make a garden look busy, so select only your favorites. Focal points make a statement.

Hidden Reveal

Don't you love garden surprises? I love coming around a corner and finding something special -- something tucked into a nook where you almost didn't see it.

No matter what piece you choose, it should 'work' with your landscaping. Know what style or feel you want in your landscape. Every detail should reinforce that feeling.

Placement Ideas

If you've got a large piece, make sure that it's in the spotlight. Don't place other focal points near it. It's distracting.

A wall or hedge makes a nice backdrop.

If it's a focal point, it should be big enough to be easily seen. If the piece is smaller, consider putting it on a pedestal.

Placing a larger art piece at the curve of a path beckons travelers.

A polished stainless steel garden globe would really make a statement in a shallow pool. (I don't know if they float, but I suddenly want to try this!) Also think of how great a cluster of them would look nested in a low groundcover. It would be a great way to bring light to a shady corner.

Want curb appeal? Make sure that your sculpture or art can be seen from the street or driveway.

As you look at garden art for your garden, think about the space that you'll be placing it in. It will make a huge difference in how it all turns out.

http://www.the-art-of-landscape-design.com/garden-art.html

 

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