We scoured the internet looking for landscaping trends for 2023 and here’s what we found: Surrounding yourself with beauty indoors and out is not frivolous; rather, it’s a worthwhile endeavor that can improve your mood and outlook on life in general. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that homeowners are striving to give their outdoor spaces, porches and homes an aesthetic that makes them happy — ultimately creating a respite from everything else going on in the world. The trends we identify below are simple ways to get you into your yard whether that’s to garden or relax while enjoying the fruits of your labor! Swapping Lawns for Meadows: Homeowners are tearing out their lawns and swapping them for drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants. The appreciation for lawn alternatives continues to grow, with meadow gardens becoming more and more popular….
We scoured the internet looking for landscaping fads for 2022 and here’s the verdict: with some folks still working remotely and others looking to unwind after their commute home, we still see homeowners yearning for the perfect outdoor space. Our landscape designers realize that New Orleans homeowners want to transform their outdoor living space into distinctive, enjoyable retreats that express their personalities while giving them a place to enjoy the sun and recoup from our hectic world. The trends we identify below are simple ways to get you into your yard, while creating a calm place to relax and entertain. Courtyards: Concrete patios are being replaced with pavers and blue flagstone with a clean and repetitive design. Landscape designs are being stepped up with raised beds, benches, and stairways this year. Consider adding a bi-level patio to your space allowing…
When people think “landscaping” they usually only consider plants, trees and bushes. But one important part of landscaping that often gets overlooked is hardscaping. Most people think hardscaping refers to big things like fire pits, paved surfaces, retaining walls, etc. While it definitely does include those things, hardscaping is really just any design element that isn’t living. Benches, walkways, and strategically placed rocks are all considered hardscaping. Incorporating hardscaping and landscaping into your design can add both functionality and beauty. Check out some of the specific benefits below. Correct grade problems and improve drainage An uneven lawn can create a lot of problems, from soil erosion to poor drainage and areas that are completely inaccessible. Adding a retaining wall can help prevent soil erosion and create a flat space for plants to grow. Incorporating a pathway or stairs can make the top or…
Beverly Katz, featured on WWL-TV’s Great Day Louisiana, discusses the best way to start when planning an outdoor-living area and what problems she comes across when addressing New Orleans landscapes. The full interview What is the best way to start when planning an outdoor-living area? The first thing to do is a site analysis. This is when you consider how your outdoor space will be used and by whom. As families grow and evolve, how you use your home changes. And these changes affect your exterior space, too. Do you want someplace to entertain? A play area for children? Need to camouflage yard tools or garbage cans, or simply beautify your backyard? Make a list of the features you already have that you want to keep or you need to work around, like a large tree or swimming pool and…
It’s Valentine’s Day and I can’t help but to think of the love I have for New Orleans – our city is so diverse in its culture, music, food and even landscapes! We have traditional New Orleans courtyards that Exterior Designs has become somewhat of a local legend for designing. We also get a lot of requests for outdoor patios, kitchens and comfortable areas to entertain guests when grilling, boiling crawfish or crabs, or hosting a fish fry. More recently, we have been asked to design meditation gardens. That’s right, a place where residents can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to a relaxing, tranquil garden in their very own back yard. I think this trend is a result of our busy schedules – we’re running around town, working full-time, carting our children to after-school…
Planning a bridal shower, wedding, baby christening??? Or maybe, you want a change—a chance to relax in your courtyard or backyard with welcoming flora and perhaps new hardscape, or lightening. What better reason to refurbish your summertime landscaping? Now is the time to clear away and update last year’s annuals, weeds and overgrowth and make changes. Think of an all-white landscape planted with happy geraniums, gentle Impatiens, crisp wax begonias, elegant Spathiphyllums, and contemplative hydrangeas—in the soil surrounding the landscape or in an array of splendid clay or ceramic pots, in gorgeous colors and sizes to fit within your plan throughout your landscaping. Maybe you want a more colorful palate for your landscaping. This is the time of year—the right season–to make changes to create the look and feel you want for your special moments and events—or just for you….
The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The institution was founded in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and Leila Hardie Moore Williams—collectors of Louisiana materials who wished to share their holdings with the public. So of course Exterior Designs was honored to be selected as their resident landscaper to continually maintain their many courtyards. Each courtyard is designed to be welcoming so guests are encourage to discovered what’s to come. We incorporate seating areas so guests have a good vantage point to enjoy their surroundings. Commercial landscaping is one of the many services offered by Exterior Designs, Inc. A New Orleans landscape designer, Exterior Designs will maintain your commercial landscape ensuring your exterior looks great throughout the year. Contact us to…
Throughout this landscape transformation, Exterior Designs worked with the client to create unique outdoor spaces surrounding this beautiful New Orleans home. We were able to create comfortable outdoor rooms throughout all sides of the residence. From off-street parking to a side entryway and two courtyards, the home’s personality was brought back to life. Check out our before and after photos to see the full landscape transformation.
You have decided to create an outdoor space, now it is time to plan for your hardscaping needs. Hardscaping offers a plethora of appealing options whether you want a paved walkway or driveway or an elaborate outdoor living room. When planning the hardscape phase of your project, the entire landscape of the area must be a consideration. One would not build a house by building a room, then a year or two later, add another room. Your outdoor space has to be given the same consideration as you are designing your space.  You may want to start with a courtyard and a walkway, then your project could eventually include a pool, water feature or retainer wall.  The planning stage should include a professional consultation to help you reach your current and future goals for your space. Next you will want to…