City garden featuring a brick pathway, lush greenery, vibrant red maple tree, outdoor seating area with chairs and table, and a storage shed, illustrating landscaping design for outdoor living.

Oct

From Problem to Paradise: Solving Outdoor Design Challenges

Guest article by Harley Grandone Every obstacle in outdoor design, whether it’s a limited budget, a small yard, tough climate conditions or tricky drainage, can actually spark creativity. The...

Jun

Incorporating Travel Finds into Outdoor Design

Guest article by Alison Hoover. Feature photo by Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash Among many other benefits, one of the greatest reasons to travel is to break routine...

Mar

The Benefits of Landscaping & Hardscaping

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...

May

Landscaping & Remodeling Trends to Boost Curb Appeal

Most homeowners focus on the interior designs of the various rooms in their homes. After all, it is where they spend the most time. However, as you will soon...

Mar

Landscaping Fads This Year

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...

backyard seating area and courtyard with brick fireplace

Sep

Landscaping Trends

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,...

beverly katz screenshot of interview on Great Day

Jul

Create a Relaxing Outdoor Space

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...

Feb

The Biology Behind Plants That Drive Away Common Pests

Guest article by Lee Park and Rachael Baihn with natural solutions recommended by Exterior Designs, Inc. Insects in your New Orleans home and yard can drive you buggy. A well-designed landscape includes...

Dec

Incorporating a Pergola in Your Landscape

Often when we visit our clients’ homes, we notice they are underutilizing their backyard. More specifically, many homeowners are only using the space directly surrounding their home. Whether they...

Dec

Now is the Time to Add Cool Season Annuals

With temperatures dropping and staying cooler, many gardens lack color and life, but they don’t have to! LSU AgCenter suggests adding cool season annuals to your landscape during the winter to “enhance...

Essential Elements of Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating an inviting outdoor living space requires careful consideration of various elements that contribute to comfort and aesthetics. Key components include seating arrangements, lighting, and landscaping features that harmonize with the overall design. By integrating these elements, homeowners can transform their backyards into functional and beautiful areas for relaxation and entertainment.

For instance, incorporating comfortable outdoor furniture, such as weather-resistant sofas and dining sets, allows for enjoyable gatherings. Additionally, strategically placed lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, can enhance the ambiance during evening gatherings, making the space more inviting.

Top Landscaping Tips for Homeowners

Homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces can benefit from a few essential landscaping tips. Understanding the local climate and soil conditions plays a crucial role in selecting the right plants and materials. Incorporating native plants not only supports local wildlife but also reduces maintenance efforts and water usage.

Moreover, planning the layout of your garden thoughtfully can create visual interest and improve functionality. For example, using layered plantings with varying heights and textures can add depth, while pathways and borders can define spaces and guide visitors through the landscape.

Innovative Hardscaping Ideas for Modern Landscapes

Hardscaping is an essential aspect of modern landscape design, providing structure and functionality to outdoor spaces. Innovative hardscaping ideas include the use of natural stone walkways, retaining walls, and decorative patios that complement the surrounding environment. These features not only enhance the beauty of the landscape but also improve usability.

For example, a well-designed patio can serve as a focal point for outdoor gatherings, while retaining walls can create terraced gardens that prevent erosion and maximize planting areas. Incorporating elements like fire pits or outdoor kitchens can further elevate the outdoor experience, making it a perfect space for entertaining.

How to Maintain Your Outdoor Living Space Year-Round

Maintaining an outdoor living space requires regular attention to ensure it remains inviting and functional throughout the year. Seasonal tasks, such as cleaning outdoor furniture, pruning plants, and winterizing features, are essential to prolong the life of your investments. Establishing a maintenance schedule can help homeowners stay on top of these tasks.

In winter, for instance, covering furniture and protecting plants from frost can prevent damage. In the spring, refreshing mulch and planting seasonal flowers can revitalize the space, while summer may require more frequent watering and weeding to keep the landscape looking its best.

outdoor living