You don’t have to settle for a boring yard.
If you look out your window and you’re unimpressed with your current outdoor space, it’s probably because of one of these things.
There are 5 common mistakes we see homeowners make when it comes to their yards, so we’re sharing the list with you.
Along with our tips to create a yard you do love, instead.
Click the button below to start your dream yard today. Or, keep reading for expert advice from our designers.
#5 Choosing The Wrong Materials For Your Yard
Materials are so important. A lot of the time, we see homeowners who are focused on nailing down the layout and want to spend the most time deciding which features to add to their yard. But, then often forget that materials really are the icing on the cake that can make or break your yard.
What we see too often are materials that don’t work together.
Maybe one material looks great on it’s own, but then it’s not taken into consideration how that material looks when combined with another material in the space.
Another issue, is not seeing the material in daylight. A lot of the time we choose materials in these really nice showrooms. They have bright lighting, but it is not sunlight, and when you do take that material into the sunlight, it can look like a completely different color.
So, how do you avoid choosing the wrong materials?
Make sure that you bring home samples for all the materials you are considering. Place them all together to see if there’s harmony, if the colors, textures, etc. all work together. And then take them all outside into the sunlight to make sure they all look the way you’re envisioning, when they’re under direct, bright sunlight.
#4 Sub-Standard Exterior Lighting
When the lighting in your yard is great, you really notice it. But, if it’s not, you feel like there’s something missing in your yard, but you can’t quite figure out what that is.
Lighting often gets overlooked, or we see homeowners get toward the end of their project, and they’ve spent their budget on all the big things for their yard that they think will make th biggest impact and then don’t want to dedicate a portion of their budget toward lighting.
But, great lighting is essential if you want your yard to look luxurious.
Great lighting creates an entirely different experience for your yard after dark. You get double the use — of the same space — and get to see your yard in a whole new light.
At night, there’s a whole different vibe and it’s a completely different environment. But only if there’s proper lighting in your outdoor space.
It could be as simple as ensuring there is adequate landscaping lighting, to frame your yard and showcase how big it is. Or, having key lights to spotlight specific features in your space.
If you make the investment in great lighting, it’s something you will absolutely not regret adding to your yard.
#3 Choosing The Wrong Features For Your Yard
Whenever we work with a client, we have them give us a full wishlist of all the features they want to see in their future yard. But, when putting that together, it’s very important to recognize that there’s a wishlist, and then there’s the reality of what will actually end up in your yard.
What I mean by that is that maybe everything that’s on your wishlist won’t fit in your yard. Maybe, it’s not possible with your budget. Or, maybe it just doesn’t make sense based on your other need for the yard.
Sure, you could cram every single thing into your yard. But, that’s not the best use of space and won’t give you a yard you can actually enjoy spending time in.
Instead of looking at your entire wishlist, it’s a good idea to prioritize what are the top 5 or top 8 features you absolutely want for your yard.
A lot of the time, we can achieve a similar look without actually adding the exact feature — like adding steps or lighting to give a yard dimension instead of adding a sunken seating area. Having an infinity spa instead of an entire infinity pool. Or, disguising a rectangular pool with other built in features — so that you can have the safety of an automatic pool cover.
These are all things we’ve done for past clients. And, there are all kinds of creative ways to give you the look and feel you want for your yard, without sticking to your full wish list of features, and it’s important to keep this in mind if you want the best possible yard for the space you have.
#2 Not Understanding Proportions
Having an understanding of proportion is so important for your yard to look and feel high-end.
If you aren’t able to visualize how one element, like a pool, will interact with another element, like a patio, your entire space can end up feeling off. Looking smaller than it actually is. Or, looking cheap.
If you’re not careful about balancing proportions, it’s easy for one area to feel overly large, while another area feels too small for your yard.
All the proportions and size of the features in your yard should be throughout discussed with your designer, which is why we make sure to have those conversations with all of our clients.
This way, you won’t have any regrets about how the space is allocated in your new yard.
#1 Not Having “WOW” Factor
This is the hardest mistake to avoid because “WOW” factor means something different to everyone.
But, at fox terra, we think a yard has “WOW” factor if it has an element of surprise, there are areas to discover, and explore, and if it makes you feel wonder and amazement.
WOW factor can be so many different things within your backyard like a fire features that’s juxtaposed next to a water feature. It could be a spa that turns into a multi-level pool.
Wow factor can mean a million different things, but you know it when you see it.
We’re passionate about finding the wow factor, creating the wow factor, and figuring out what the wow factor means to each and every one of our clients.
So, in order to avoid making the mistake of having that one thing missing from your yard, make sure you work with designers who understand why adding wow factor to your yard is so essential.
Click the button below to finally get a yard you love instead of one you aren’t excited about spending time in. And, don’t wait to reach out! Construction can take a lot longer than you might expect, so the sooner you book your free design consultation call, the better!
