Country yard decorating ideas


51 Captivating Courtyard Designs That Make Us Go Wow

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A captivating courtyard design provides a modern home with a special sense of serenity, and allows nature to become a major part of a home’s makeup. Enclosed garden spaces act as personalised nature retreats that feed into adjacent interior spaces via the blurred boundaries of glass walls, retractable doors and atrium ceilings. To explore these glorious spaces a little more and look at the different ways in which they can be implemented, we have put together a vast collection of inspirational designs taken from all over the world. From South America to Spain to Sri Lanka, from Africa to Japan to India, we cover them all.

Twinning is winning: Why settle for one courtyard if you can have two? It’s hard to distinguish the boundaries in this amazing modern home – and that’s kind of the point. Courtyards on each side of a walkway bring nature smack into the centre of this living space.

Extend the same interior ceiling finish out over an exterior courtyard design, like this continuous wood slat ceiling that completely disregards the border.

Make a courtyard part of the decor. This highly tailored courtyard design looks as though in disguise as a botanically patterned area rug – though the tree growing out of it is a bit of a giveaway.

You will be surprised to know that this is in fact a cancer care building in Scotland. The Royal Incorporation of Architects, in Scotland, named it as the best building in the country back in 2012 for its bold and welcoming design that is so unusual for the healthcare industry.

Light it up with lanterns. This Japanese home has lanterns dotted around its courtyard patio to provide a magical glow at twilight.

Make the most of an exterior courtyard by including some modern outdoor chairs into the layout, or add a full dining suite for al fresco dining opportunities.

Everybody loves a bit of rock ‘n’ roll – incorporate some big rocks into the courtyard landscaping for a strong architectural effect.

Create different levels. By adding decks and platforms to your layout you can define eating areas or an outdoor kitchen. Decorate courtyard decks and patios with potted plants or raised plant beds.

Make a frame with plants. A low maintenance patio can be framed by dense borders of greenery.

If green borders still sound like too much maintenance for you, then how about a softly bubbling water feature to create an atmosphere of zen instead?

A contemporary outdoor fireplace is sure to give the wow factor. This hearth extends almost the full length of the courtyard between two pebbled plant beds. The plant in the left corner is the European fan palm.

Romance a special Señorita or Señor in a Spanish courtyard. You can flamenco dance the night away around the columns of romantic arches – try not to fall in the water feature though.

This rather fancy visualisation was one of the entrants to an Evermotion Secret Gardens competition held in 2016.

Take the plunge. You can take a quick cooling dip in a plunge pool at the centre of this moroccan design covered with green and white tile. Comfy sun loungers invite you to stay all day.

Even a narrow space can be transformed into a magical spot. Incorporate plenty of colour in your planting to curate an uplifting view.

This building is actually a crematorium in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong. The shape of the courtyard alludes to the circle of life.

Courtyards don’t have to be flat. A few little hills bring in a touch of the wild.

This is based on the famous Hooper House II by Marcel Breuer, which is a mid century classic.

Cultivate some curtains, like these amazing hanging plants over a reflecting pool.

Build bridges – from one side of a home to the other.

Plumerias are a great plant for courtyards, with their whimsical form.

This one has a 100 year old Plumeria tree, living right at the centre of a modern pool.

Erase walls with a retractable door solution.

Maintain all of your ground space by fashioning a vertical garden, like the multi-tonal walls in this front courtyard design. A cool interlocking design is created at ground level with irregular paving planks and lawn. A fire pit keeps the seating area comfortable in chillier times of day or season.

Form a shaded area over the dining chairs and table for a cooler more comfortable outdoor dining experience in the height of summer, or to provide shelter from unexpected showers.

Welcome to the courtyard bar. This outdoor bar is linked directly to the interior kitchen, to receive drinks and snacks, or simply chat to the chef.

Built-in benches at the borders can double as outdoor dining banquettes.

This concrete bench wraps right around an outdoor kitchen, marking out its perimeter.

Mimic a pergola with wood framing across the ceiling.

A single Japanese Maple tree can bring in shades of green and deep red.

Make a modern path of slab paving stones across wild brush…

… Or across a bed of loose pebbles. These Mexican beach pebbles make a great combination with Foxtail fern.

Live amongst the lily pads with a miniature lily pond. This one butts up so close against a sofa that you could even sit and dip your feet! Latticework overhead creates a cosy covered feel but still lets sunlight filter through.

Even if a courtyard is just a pathway from place to place it can still provide soothing garden views to interior spaces.

Invest in exterior lighting to add drama to the smallest of details.

In a sunken courtyard, flow planting down from upper garden levels. Both this and the previous courtyard are from this beautiful bali retreat.

A courtyard can form the core of the home. Situate an eye-catching nature design at the base of a stairwell to link your levels via a place of natural serenity. Incorporate built-in planters on the landings to tie the levels together.

Sometimes, a pathway and a pool are all you need. Looking at a still pool of water can help quiet the mind, feed the soul, and cool the body. The base of a shallow pool can be lined with stones and pebbles to enrich the feature with a natural look. Create a floating pathway effect by leaving small gaps between large stepping stones, and hiding the fixings.

The architect of the above spaces, Sri Lankan maestro Geoffrey Bawa, is often considered as the father of the “tropical modernism” movement. If you love this style, we encourage you to check out Geoffrey Bawa: The Complete Works.

This is from a house in south India that is based around a 5000-year-old Indian design practice called Vastu, which can be likened to the practice of Feng Shui.

Simple brickwork planters and grass growing between paving stones give a quaint laid-back vibe.

Conjure a dreamlike vista by sinking a water feature into wood flooring, like this house with a courtyard pond.

Create a natural looking ravine by lining a stream with craggy rocks.

Make hills come alive with trees and moss.

Make a display case for your courtyard. This one has its floor patterned by the Japanese zen garden raking technique.

A glass case can incorporate retractable glass doors to allow access, and to allow the garden space to be incorporated more fully with the interior when desired.

Pulling up a single patio paving slab can be all the opportunity needed to incorporate a little greenery into your life and living space. Put out a rocking chaise lounge chair and enjoy.

This is a house with multiple courtyards, providing interior spaces with a panorama of picturesque trees and shrubs.

Small potted plants line a bank of shelving in this apartment courtyard area, which allows the greenery to be moved and enjoyed in other areas of the home too. A bright red seat has been fashioned around the base of a courtyard tree, which contrasts with the cool blue of a neighbouring kitchen diner. A glass ceiling blurs the boundaries between inside and out.


Love to see more courtyards? Check out this courtyard design video we put together.

Find more inspiration and tips for beautiful outdoor living spaces here:

50 Gorgeous Outdoor Patio Design Ideas
50 Modern Outdoor Chairs To Elevate Views of Your Courtyard & Garden
51 Modern Landscape Design Ideas That Make You Want To Live Outdoors

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16 Insanely Beautiful Courtyard Garden Ideas With A Wow Factor

To create an inviting courtyard garden on your property, it is essential to personalize your space and add some verdant greenery for an outdoor oasis. Comfortable and attractive seating is a fabulous idea for your outdoor area, as you will want to enjoy the fruits of your labor and entertain family and friends.

Growing vines can help to add visual interest and intimacy while also concealing a part of your wall. Depending on where you live, varying plants will help to add to the overall aesthetic. Have a look below for some fantastic ideas on how to transform your outdoor space into a secret garden that you will wish to spend plenty of time in. Don’t forget to let us know which one of these ideas most inspired you and why in the Comments below!

RELATED: 58 Most sensational interior courtyard garden ideas

1. A farmstead in the Northwest corner of Washington State features this lovely kitchen courtyard, sheltered from the elements. A glass breezeway opens to embrace the sprawling fields to the south. The paver patio is defined by a stone wall and arbor, thoughtfully positioned around and under a 50-year-old ornamental cherry tree. The pathway is composed of Skagit Valley basalt, crushed 1/2″ minus gravel. The lime green plants at the base of the wall are Heuchera ‘key lime’. Pathway lights are the 7206 from Vista Pro. (via Lankford Associates Landscape Architects)

2. This Mediterranean courtyard located in the Silverleaf community of Scottsdale, Arizona features a beautiful water fountain as its focal point. The gardens are lush and regal, accented by pathways and a beautiful iron pergola. (via Berghoff Design Group)

3. Located in Philadelphia, this inviting industrial courtyard brick patio offers a Zen-like feel. A similar outdoor bistro set can be found at Fermob. (via Hanson Fine Building)

4. This Asian-inspired courtyard in Washington DC with a beautiful water feature — lilies and lotuses fill the upper and lower pools. Irises fill in behind the water channel. Ipe planter boxes are set on a stucco retaining wall with vines cascade down. The planter boxes are composed of 16″ H and 36″ L prefab plastic troughs that are clad with Ipe. (via Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture)

5. A backyard in Greenwich Village, New York was completely transformed, including the addition of built-in planting beds, salvaged bluestone pavers, green screen trellis and an abundance of charm. Reclaimed barn doors creates a unique focal point on the wall. A custom fabricated, two-tier planting system enables vines to fill this courtyard garden. (via Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design)

6. A small courtyard garden in London features a lovely country garden brimming with lush plantings. A mismatched bistro table and chairs provides a colorful accent to this outdoor oasis. (via House & Garden)

7. This Mediterranean style courtyard patio features a pergola for shading. Dining al fresco offers an intimate feel thanks to an outdoor fireplace. On the floor, the decorative concrete tiles are 8 x 8 and were imported from Spain. The built-in kitchen countertop is composed of cast cement with a red dye. (via Interior Archaeology)

8. A fabulous townhouse courtyard in London features a mix of clean lines and natural textures. The beautiful garden surrounding the custom built-in bench was designed by Charles Harman. The outdoor dining table was designed by Neptune, while the cushions are a variety of fabrics sourced from Christopher Farr Cloth. (via Benjamin Edwards for House & Garden)

9. An inspiring Mediterranean style courtyard patio features a garden oasis in Pebble Beach, California. The sculpture is by Richard McDonald. (via Anthony Brancato Landscape Contractor)

10. A garden courtyard in Santa Fe, New Mexico provides shelter from the elements courtesy of a 14′ x 14′ square Shade Sail. The space is about 20′ w x 45′ L. The walls are El Rey stucco, color ochre (matched off a paint chip from Sherwin Williams called Sienna). The stone fountain is a custom design costing $1,200, however a similar version can be found at Stone Forest. On the ground is artificial grass called SYNLawn along with Flagstone. A succulent feature wall is 40″ x 40″. It’s made up of (4) 20″ x 20″ plant trays mounted on a board and framed. The plant trays are from Flora Grubb. The vine is English ivy. Lighting is from Rejuvenation. This project took four months to complete! (via Mark Design, llc)

11. In Atlanta, a Georgian home features a lovely and intimate English style courtyard garden. The potted evergreen plants are Boxwood, while the blue flowers are hydrangeas. The trees are Little Gem Magnolias in an espalier form. The stone walkway is antique “York Stone” imported from England. Beautiful benches were custom fabricated out of mahogany. Adding to the intimacy of this space, the walls are a slate colored brick imported from England. The pool dimensions is roughly 8’x6′. (via Howard Design Studio)

12. This cozy and compact courtyard is part of the London home of designer Helen Green. The space consists of simple yet elegant touches, which includes a trellis of roses climbing up the wall. In the center, a cast stone plinth bird bath. Beautiful blooms are potted in an array of vessels — wicker baskets, wooden crates and pewter milk pails.

13. A mediterranean style courtyard in Austin, Texas features an exquisite stone water feature as the centerpiece of this dreamy outdoor space. Lush gardens surround outdoor furnishings to create a tranquil oasis.(via Root Design Company)

14. An inspiring tuscan courtyard patio design in Denver, Colorado. The flooring is Colorado buff flagstone, surrounded by creeping thyme. (via Designscapes Colorado Inc.)

15. A modern bungalow in Venice Beach, California features this modern courtyard that provides shelter for convenient dining just off the kitchen. The fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, sourced from Spark Modern Fires. (via Sebastian Mariscal)

16. In Alys Beach, Florida is this refreshing Mediterranean courtyard featuring a “fruit salad tree” as its centerpiece. The tree has 5 different types of citrus fruits grafted together. The table is custom fabricated out of concrete, framing the tree in the center (grown in a nursery until it was the size pictured). The table base and the top are two separate pieces. (via Jean Allsopp)

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How to start decorating a summer cottage

Heading:

Garden and landscape

Author:

Roman

January 28, 2021

Issues discussed in the material:

Designing a summer cottage, and even with your own hands, is a very exciting and endless business. Landscaping is not created by a wave of a magic wand, it is a work that has been carried out for years. Having arranged a summer cottage at your discretion, you will be happy to get out of the city, invite guests there, and arrange holidays.

Landscaping is hard work. It is important to understand where to start. Start - elaboration of the plan. And not in your head, but on a sheet of graph paper, so that you have before your eyes what you want to come to after some time. Thanks to this cheat sheet, everything will be harmonious on the site, and not chaotic.

The practical benefits of designing a summer cottage

If you are going to build a summer cottage, this is a great idea, but very troublesome. In addition to planning and building a residential building, you need to provide for a lot of other nuances: create a design; buy interior items; furnish the premises; purchase decorative plants, accessories, etc. When the cottage is built and furnished, the next step is to decorate the summer cottage with flowers and shrubs.

Your country house should be aesthetic both inside and out. So that you can enjoy the surrounding nature, relax in the garden with a book in your hands, have a cup of tea while watching the sunset, etc.

In fact, landscape design gives not only the beauty of the landscape outside the window, it should be convenient and practical. This is a key stage in the arrangement of cottages, which requires a serious approach. A beautiful house with a well-groomed yard reflects the tastes of its owner, becomes his hallmark.

For those who want to build a residence outside the city, the design of the territory, the design of the suburban area becomes especially important. The house may be small, but the way it is decorated on the outside can attract the attention of neighbors and guests.

In addition, the modern fantasies of designers are easy to translate into reality. Today the market is replete with decorative materials, there are all kinds of green spaces. An equipped cottage with a beautiful territory is more expensive than an ordinary country house. So, when selling or buying a cottage, consider this important factor.

Note that the process of cultural transformation of the site is no less complicated than the design of the housing itself. There are a lot of issues to solve when creating a landscape design, such as its style (classical, English, rustic, etc.), suitable architectural structures, types of plants and planting them in the ground.

How to start designing a summer cottage: the first steps

Country life for each owner is filled with different meanings. Some people go headlong into greenhouse and vegetable gardening. Others enjoy picnics with friends and family outings. Be that as it may, a country house will help the townspeople get away from the daily hustle and bustle. Therefore, they strive to make their site picturesque and cozy.

Not all owners of dachas have access to decorating their dacha with their own hands. You can look at landscape projects from a specialist or simply order this service if you have no time to do such things. He can professionally evaluate the potential of the land allotment and choose the best (even unique) option. It depends on the desire of the owner and the effect that he is trying to produce.

Before decorating the area, do the following:

4 points to consider when designing a summer cottage

But not always the planned project can be completed. Here, a number of important factors should be taken into account, such as, for example, the variability of the weather.

It is possible that some plants will not take root in your area or will develop too slowly. And some will disappoint with their appearance compared to the picture.

When buying plants for decorating a summer cottage, check the climate in which they should grow and whether your region is suitable for them. Consult with a florist and designer, as everything you plant in your property should look harmonious and in a single colorful style.

The task of planting plants on the site is to create a special, peaceful atmosphere. But all of them, of course, need care. Before buying seedlings or seeds, think about what kind of flowers (bushes, trees) should grow in each particular part of the garden.

For example, shrubs can not only decorate your yard, but also play the role of a hedge along its perimeter. In addition, it is better to buy species that can easily tolerate pruning.

The green fence can be of different heights, which determines the choice of plants. For example, currants or boxwood are suitable for a low hedge. For a higher fence, it is better to plant hawthorn, juniper and barberry.

Before landscaping a plot, you need to choose what you want to get in the end. It is known that flowers and a smoothly cut lawn will give originality even to a small courtyard.

The best period for landscaping a dacha is the height of spring. At this time, plants perfectly adapt to new conditions, so that later until late autumn they will give charming beauty to their owners.

The most original design of a summer cottage is landscape design in the form of a winter mini-garden with exotic plants. Beautiful flowers, fountains and small sculptures between tubs or pots will decorate the appearance of the estate, bring comfort to it and will cause a lot of emotions among guests.

Once you've got your plantings out of the way, it's time to think about trails. In addition to their main function, beautiful paths often decorate the appearance of the estate. Their width, composition and design can greatly increase the attractiveness of the site.

Suitable building materials: natural stone, wood planks and slabs. You can choose an expensive stone (marble, granite) or a budget option (sandstone, limestone).

Those who prefer naturalness and choose unusual design options for summer cottages often use "wild" (unprocessed) stone. Many owners of cottages order rocks with a special texture and unique color.

The disadvantages of such materials are their high cost and heavy weight. In addition, in frosts, these stones are covered with ice. And their porous structure needs special treatment with a water-repellent composition.

Wooden paths are preferred by those who like aesthetic environmental friendliness. Various types of wood will allow you to embody excellent ideas for decorating a summer cottage with your own hands. Although such material is considered short-lived, many estates adorn it. The most durable types of wood are oak and larch.

Before laying boards or slabs, they are treated with drying oil so that they do not dry out right before our eyes. Trunk cuts are often used in creating landscape design. It looks beautiful. And if gaps form during laying, they are covered with gravel, sand, crushed stone or wood chips.

Architectural structures will be considered separately. First of all, these are sculptures, bridges, fountains and other elements that change the landscape.

The main thing is to find a qualified designer, whose project will not damage the laid communications, such as electrical wiring, irrigation system, etc. And what he created on his own will be practical, safe and harmoniously combined with the general style. After all, this is very important for those living in your territory.

Perhaps the most original solution in improving the landscape of a summer cottage is to build water objects (fountains, ornamental ponds, mini-pools, etc.). If you want, you can make your own “little Venice” in a country house so that it pleases the soul for a long time.

Ideas for designing a summer cottage

Let's talk about interesting options for arranging your summer cottages. There are several tricks for this.

A good way to decorate the territory, very popular abroad, is a laconic green lawn in front of the house with a flower bed and beautiful paths. As a rule, 3-4 types of grass are sown there. The grassy lawn needs systematic care. If you do not have time to wait for everything to grow up, use the roll option. Then the lawn will immediately become uniform and dense.

Method of decorating facades, walls, pillars, drainpipes and other supports with climbing plants. For these purposes, decorative supports are often used - lattices, arches, special screens. Today there is a modern technique of vertical gardening with cascades of pots with ornamental plants and flowers.

Each owner prefers to plant a certain type of trees: someone likes fruit-bearing plants, and many of us love decorative ones. Be that as it may, when buying seedlings, you need to take into account the growing conditions - soil type, lighting, microclimate, terrain.

In addition, plants must be compatible for normal development. Conifers (spruce, fir, thuja, yew) and most bushes (lilac, jasmine, hawthorn, cotoneaster) need the least care. If there are trees of the right size in the garden, you can hang a hammock or swing.

The most common design option for a summer cottage is flowers. Although caring for a flower bed is a painstaking task, the owner can safely turn his fantasies into reality. All flower beds (flower borders) are usually divided into two types: regular (have a strict geometric shape) and landscape (arbitrarily created). The latter can appear even in a very strange place (for example, a flowerpot in a brick fence).

Alpine hill - a landscape composition imitating a fragment of a high-altitude landscape. In the design of country cottages, this is a hill, decorated with multi-textured stones (granites, slates, limestone) and mountain flowers. Of all the methods of decorating the landscape, the rock garden is the most refined, especially against the background of a water cascade or stream. Usually perennials and conifers are planted here, as well as bulbous flowers (dwarf pines and spruces, tulips, crocuses, alpine poppies).

A centuries-old method of landscaping summer cottages to create comfortable places for recreation - architectural structures. Here the palm is held by gazebos, different in style and composition. For a long time, another type of decorative elements of the garden has come into our everyday life - pergolas, arches, gazebos, especially picturesque among climbing plants.

There are many different ways to decorate an area with a pond. Before choosing a design option for a summer cottage, consider the general concept. So, a water cascade, waterfall or mini-stream is in perfect harmony with the rock garden. A beautiful pond is combined with the landscape style. A plot in a regular style is usually equipped with a fountain built from any kind of stone. A skillfully made fountain or spring can claim a central role in the design of the dacha.

A rare summer resident will refuse the temptation to install a sculptural figurine or even a group in the garden. With proper placement, it will give the landscape completeness. And placing an object in an unfamiliar place is a great mood booster. When choosing what to put on the site, you need to consider the proximity of styles. For example, a cute gnome will look wild with an oriental rock garden.

10 styles of garden landscaping

  1. Classic French garden

    Otherwise it is called regular. The style is based on the concepts of the Renaissance and demonstrates our undeniable dominance over nature. A clear geometry of forms, straight paths, strict symmetry create a feeling of a man-made influence of a living master on all these creations. Nature is secondary in this case. Beautiful design of a summer cottage by a designer is the main task.

    Here you will not meet the curvature of natural lines and the inaccuracy of forms. The paths are exceptionally straight, the trees are equally trimmed, and the picturesque green hedges are well maintained and symmetrical. A special place is occupied by elegant gazebos, graceful flowerpots, beautiful fountains and topiaries.

    At the same time, you need to know: the ethnographic garden needs a lot of space (at least 15 acres). On a limited piece of land, only a French corner is possible in the form of a fountain and a sculptural composition.

    Color : A riot of greenery with a splash of noble silver and bright strokes (two or three are enough).

    Trees and bushes must have a pyramidal crown, these are maple, linden, arborvitae, spirea, etc.

    Flowers : roses, phloxes, alpine violets, lilies, irises. They can be replaced by others according to your taste. The main rule is not to focus too much attention on them.

    Reservoirs regular shape : artificial ponds, mini-fountains, bowls.

    Small architectural forms (MAF) : beautiful pavilions, wrought iron benches, Florentine flowerpots and white statues of mythical heroes.

    Paths should be extremely straight with the simplest surface: stone, gravel, concrete tiles and other materials that do not attract too much attention. Flagstone, mosaic and wooden cut are not used here.

  2. English style

    A similar landscape design of a summer cottage (the photo above is an example) is in complete contrast with the previous one. Wild, slightly neglected, the beauty of nature, at the same time neat and representative - these are the features inherent in the English style. Here the main emphasis is on the rhythm and layering of plants, since it is they who transform a chaotic picture into grace and conciseness.

    The specificity of English design is irregular shapes, asymmetry, rounded corners and soft bending of lines. At first, it gives the impression of negligence, especially in comparison with the French garden. But still, under the imaginary simplicity, long work and selfless love for nature are hidden.

    Color : A riot of green as a backdrop for lush flower beds.

    Trees and green bushes : all conifers, branched fruit species, hazel, red ashberry, rosehip bushes, hawthorn, jasmine, white svidina.

    Decorative foliage and flowers : roses, phlox, hosta (funkia), begonia, hydrangea, delphinium, fragrant herbs, sage, bluebell, moss. The composition should look simple, unpretentious, beautiful. In this style, landscaping vertically (bottom-up) is very important.

  3. Country

    This style was invented in Britain at the end of the 19th century. In translation, country means "rural", "village". That was the name of those English gardens where, in addition to flower beds, vegetables and spices were planted. The design spread throughout the world, but in each region it acquired peculiar features. In other words, country style (the so-called rural yard) involves the design of a garden in a summer cottage. A garden in this spirit is devoid of exotic and outlandish plants. Cultures characteristic of the area are suitable for decorating the landscape.

    The epithet "village" does not at all hint at complete bad taste. It is important not to overdo it here. Be wise with color and accents, which you need to take very little.

    Trees and bushes : all fruit species (pear, plum, apple, including berry bushes - currant, gooseberry). In addition, lilac, wild rose, sea buckthorn, bird cherry, hawthorn, red mountain ash and viburnum.

    Ornamental foliage and flowers : peonies, dahlias, gladiolus, bicolor daisies, marigolds, hosta and bracken.

    Reservoirs : artificial lakes or streams similar to real ones.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): artificial wells (bridges), models of mills, wattle fences, old utensils (buckets, tubs, barrels and pots, cart wheels, scoops, circles from mills), statues of fairy-tale heroes.

    Paths : wood flooring, log saw cuts, broken stone tiles, pebbles, crushed stone and sandstone.

  4. Russian Estate Style

    Designing a summer cottage in this spirit combines the look of different directions. But a lot passed into it from classicism and baroque. This is noticeable in the numerous columns and Greek sculptures, in the architecture of the buildings and the color schemes of the garden.

    Natural exoticism, intricate compositions and many levels in design are excluded here. The emphasis is on decorating the area in front of the house. All decisions should be concise and simple.

    Color : watercolor palette and shades.

    Trees and shrubs : conifers (spruce, pine, yew, juniper), deciduous varieties (red rowan, maple, viburnum, jasmine, barberry), branchy plants with a squat trunk.

    Decorative foliage and flowers (preferably in mixborders ): asters, petunia, calendula, kosmeya, phlox paniculata, hyacinths, lilies and columbine (aquilegia), herbs, bulbous plants. Flower beds of this style are characterized by any shape, the absence of barriers and fences.

    Ponds : Irregular mini-ponds, traditional fountains.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): tapestries, pavilions, curved arches, prefabricated pergolas, round rotundas, a lot of forging (gates, benches, lamps), columns, covered porticos, Greek statues, amphoras.

    Paths : winding paths filled with gravel or sand.

  5. Provence

    Such a design of a summer cottage is not only the style of one of the southern regions of France, it is a sign of respect for all the provinces of the native lands of P. Cezanne and E. Delacroix. These are famous vineyards, sunny rural landscapes, lavender steppes, spicy smell of herbs. Another Provence - the breath of the sea breeze, the immense expanse of water, fishing villages.

    The problem is that this image is difficult to recreate in the Russian middle zone, where there is no shore or sun. However, it is not difficult to model the details and convey the atmosphere of the Mediterranean in the estate.

    Color : pastel and monochrome shades (beige, lavender, light green, lilac, blue, light lemon).

    Trees and bushes: fruit-bearing species, grapes. Cypress, sycamore, olive, orange, inherent in Provence, can easily be replaced with linden or apricot.

    Ornamental foliage and flowers : Bulbs, ivies, petunias and aromatic herbs (thyme, basil, sage and rosemary).

    Reservoirs : artificial fountains, bowls and mini-wells made of stone.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): comfortable gazebos, light furniture, prefabricated pergolas, tapestries, an abundance of flowerpots and decorative planters.

    Paths : Paved winding paths of small width.

  6. Scandinavian garden

    For almost a whole year, the Scandinavians are raging frosts, and therefore the descendants of the ancient Vikings endure bad weather and do not complain about the cold. They perfectly benefit from the most difficult weather conditions.

    Functionality, conciseness, simplicity - the three basic foundations of style. Due to the fact that cold and gloomy weather reigns in Scandinavia for a long time, residents use plants that look great at such a time to decorate the garden.

    Color : brownish, green or grey.

    Trees and bushes: the bulk are conifers, evergreen mahonia, cotoneaster.

    Flowers and ornamental foliage plants: lavender, heather, clematis, delphinium, ivy, cereals and winter greens. The garden is characterized by ornamental vegetable gardens and low-maintenance vegetable hedges.

    Reservoirs : cascades of rocky waterfalls, fast-flowing streams, decorative asymmetric ponds.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): artificial grottoes, alpine slides, rockeries, rattan and wicker wicker furniture, wood flooring, a lot of stone in design solutions.

    Paths (as straight as possible): flagstone, saw cut wood, concrete slabs of any configuration.

  7. Chinese style

    The symbol of such a garden is self-knowledge through interaction with nature. Making a summer cottage in this style is to create harmony of the five main elements. These are earth, fire, water, metal and wood.

    The Chinese dacha design is an attempt to model the nature of the real Celestial Empire. The classic oriental garden is thought out very subtly: it cannot be seen in its entirety, from whatever point you look.

    Color : a riot of greenery and rich, vibrant colors.

    Trees and shrubs: fruit species (plum, cherry and almond), planted in tubs, with specially trimmed foliage.

    Ornamental foliage and flowers : irises, chrysanthemums, tree peonies, rose bushes, magnolias, daffodils, dahlias, begonias, artificial grasses, stunted ground covering plants. In this design, the European lawn is not applicable.

    Ponds : ornamental ponds (with live fish), flowing streams, stone bowls.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): Chinese pavilions with very curved roofs, national lanterns, main gates with a canopy, stone ensembles, animal figurines. Arched bridges and inconspicuous fences are very relevant.

    Walkways : Narrow winding paths made of natural stone, pebbles or gravel.

  8. Japanese style

    The philosophy of the Japanese garden is similar to the Chinese, but in some aspects there are still some differences. The design of a summer cottage in this style looks more refined and stocky, without striving upwards. Structures, smooth stones, undersized plants are close to the ground.

    A great emphasis in such gardens is placed on the tiered arrangement of flora and the periodic repetition of forms, which makes the design more rhythmic. Here often come across trees with umbrella crowns and spherical bushes. It is worth emphasizing the shape of the nivaki. This is the formation of a crown in the form of a triangle, where the next upper tier is narrower than the previous one.

    Colour: A juicy green with soft tints and a consonant combination of bright spots. In autumn, there is an abundance of crimson-yellow colors.

    Trees and shrubs : Cherry, plum and quince, lush ornamental apple trees, almonds, Persian lilacs, hawthorn, sweet bird cherry, Japanese spirea, maple and other species with patterned leaves. In priority - weeping and sprawling umbrella crowns.

    Decorative foliage plants and flowers: Hosta (funkia), irises, chrysanthemums, grasses, clematis (clematis), Japanese astilbe, fern, moss and wild grapes.

    Reservoirs: ornamental ponds, artificial waterfalls and streams heavily rimmed with rocks.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): oriental gazebos, dry streams (artificial bed filled with pebbles), numerous stone compositions, low lamps and bells, flat bridges. Structures should be light, floating, and doors should be sliding.

    Paths : gravel and flagstone pressed into the grass.

  9. Oriental

    The design of a summer cottage in this spirit is otherwise called Arabic, Mauritanian or Muslim. According to the classics, this is a small courtyard, hidden by a fence from prying eyes. Here, all the details impress with multicolor brightness. These are fountains and pools lined with colorful mosaics. A shady place where you can take a break from the heat at noon. And, of course, a fragrant orchard with a sweet and spicy aroma.

    Arabic style is recommended for fans of rich shades, but do not overdo it with variegation, otherwise the color revelry with demonstrative chic risks turning into vulgar chaos.

    Color : colorfulness and brightness are welcome (terracotta, yellow and blue of any tones are a priority).

    Trees and bushes : peaches, apricots, apple trees, pears, mock oranges, hydrangeas, spireas.

    Ornamental foliage and flowers : peonies, rose bushes, lush marigolds, irises (cockerels), chrysanthemums, wild grapes, lavender, ivy (chedera) and herbs. Emphasis on large-flowered plants with persistent aroma.

    Reservoirs : a central fountain (pool) of a geometric shape, along the contour of the courtyard - a babbling stream with a concrete or stone channel.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): graceful arches and canopies, spherical tables, arbors with high lancet windows, benches (benches) with colored pillows, lantern niches, wall recesses for flowerpots, bird drinkers and feeders. Numerous stained-glass windows and tiles, oriental motifs in the stained-glass windows.

    Tracks : mosaic or multi-colored tiles.

  10. Natur Garden

    The task of eco-style is to represent the naturalness of nature, which does not require human intervention at all. The concept of maximum non-intervention was developed by Piet Oudolf, a landscape designer representing the New Wave movement. They created a step-by-step instruction for designing a summer cottage, which you can follow on your own.

    What is typical for a naturgarden garden: lack of strict frames, multi-layered, year-round and easy care. The main emphasis is on the naturalness of the landscape (even if unattractive) and the flora characteristic of a particular area.

    Color : calm, soft colors (blue-blue, golden, pale lilac).

    Trees and shrubs: weeping willows and native crops. Here it is important not to burden the green space. All fruitful breeds should be invisible against the background of wild fauna.

    Ornamental foliage and flowers : echinacea, asters, chrysanthemums, perennial rudbeckia, tansy, chamomile, purple foxglove, ornamental onion, lobelia, stachys (chistes), wormwood, eringium (eryngium), moss, fern, Moorish lawns.

    Ponds : must be as natural as possible.

    Small architectural forms (MAF): recreation areas are decorated with pots or flowerpots. Structures (arbors, outbuildings) should not stand out too much against the general background of the ecogarden. Here, furniture made of wood or rattan, wood cuts, and ordinary swings are very relevant.

    Paths : inconspicuous paths paved with paving stones or small paving slabs.

Decoration of suburban area zones

When arranging country cottages, the harmony of aesthetics and practicality is valued. Territory zoning is considered to be a very successful solution to this issue. This allows you to rationally and beautifully landscape the suburban area. Do-it-yourself decoration (photo below) is possible in the following areas.

  • Barbecue

Family or friends picnics, holiday feasts and afternoon teas can be arranged here. Most often, gazebos or pavilions are built in these places, where they install barbecues, barbecues, even stoves (if, of course, the area allows). Such zones on plots often repeat the style of a residential building. To create a cozy atmosphere, you can use Provence, chalet (mountain hut) or any oriental style.

  • Garden

For this purpose, you need to choose a bright place in the southern part of the garden, where the sun often hits, because vegetables are thermophilic. Do not break beds under branchy fruit trees. Poor lighting will negatively affect the crop, and it can also suffer from chemistry for treating the garden. More recently, it has become fashionable to create a decorative garden in country cottages. It simply decorates the territory of the estate.

  • Place of rest

A quiet corner in the garden can become a comfortable area for relaxation. Perhaps even a few places, if your square footage allows. Choose any style: comfortable terrace; a beautiful bench in rose bushes; elegant mini gazebo; secluded lawn, hidden from prying eyes; where you will not be prevented from sunbathing and meditating. It is important that you enjoy your vacation.

  • Dining area

When there is no place to place a gazebo (grill or barbecue) in the country house, or you simply do not want to do it, organize an outdoor dining area instead. You can improvise by placing a table and stools under a branchy tree.

Those who take a responsible approach to family recreation often put a terrace with an awning near the house, even better - under a canopy. Usually this place is arranged in a provincial (Spanish patio, French Provence) or traditional style. Wooden and reed interior items, floral ensembles and hedges are appropriate here.

  • Playground for children

Children's play areas are rarely found in modern dachas. The maximum is a swing placed on a small lawn. But even in a small space, you can find a place for a sandbox, an inflatable slide or a mini-pool. Now there are a lot of interesting, bright offers on the market - prefabricated swings, slides, etc.

Most of the time people stay in cities among artificial materials and the latest forms. Therefore, over the years, we appreciate the unity with nature more and more, we strive to become the owner of our own home, where you can take a break from business and just breathe clean air. Landscaping and design of summer cottages from improvised materials will allow you to create your own personal paradise from an ordinary plot of land.

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Summer cottage design: ideas, examples, photos

Summer cottage design is a set of measures and solutions for landscaping. Its main task is to create a beautiful, harmonious and comfortable space

Photo: shutterstock.com

Landscaping is a lot of hard work. It is important to understand where to start. Together with experts, we figure out how to equip a summer cottage and how to make it cozy and pleasing to the eye.

Experts in the article:

  • Yulia Andreeva, designer at Domeo;
  • Yulia Belukova, General Director of FOX Property, an elite real estate agency;
  • Svetlana Javakhyan, Director of the Imperial Garden Design Department.

Benefits of site design

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When a person buys an apartment or builds a house, he immediately thinks about how to equip living quarters. Someone attracts a designer for this, someone does everything himself, but everyone is immersed in the process with all their hearts, says Yulia Andreeva. According to the expert, it is very strange that people do not treat landscape design with the same scrupulousness.

“It is strange to plan a view of a neglected lawn, randomly planted plants or outbuildings. Therefore, the design of sites should be done purposefully and systematically - zoning, taking into account the interests of all family members, ”adds Yulia Andreeva.

In the country market, customers often pay attention to whether the garden is already organized, whether the site is leveled, whether the lawn is sown and whether paths are laid, whether there is a barbecue area or other place for recreation. If everything is organized and done with high quality, then this adds an average of 10% to the price, Yulia Belukova explains. And vice versa, if the house is located on an unsuccessful uneven terrain, and from landscape design there is only a shed for garden tools and a bench, then you can safely count on a discount, the designer says.

Many consider landscaping a hobby. They strive on their own or with the help of a landscape designer to express their character and taste on the site (Photo: shutterstock.com)

See also: Landscaping in the country: plants, materials, styles his knowledge and experience. And also on what result is needed in the end. If there is no understanding of what kind of drainage system or runoff is needed, then it is obvious that you will not be able to cope with this task on your own, warns Svetlana Javakhyan. And due to lack of experience, the owner in any case will spend many times more time than a specialist.

The expert will immediately see where the terrain needs to be taken into account, where additional soil stabilization is required, where this or that plant will grow better and how green spaces can be combined with each other. According to Svetlana Javakhyan, it is better not to plant coniferous trees next to fruit trees. And ornamental flowering plants do not grow well in the shade and in areas where groundwater passes close. This is not even a design issue, but the technical part of site planning, the expert explains.

“Landscape design is more complex than interior design. This is work with living beings - plants that grow, change, get sick with improper care. And all these aspects must be calculated for the future, when we still have bare land, ”adds Yulia Andreeva.

Svetlana Javakhyan, Director of the Imperial Garden Design Department:

— Difficulties may arise due to incorrect planning, errors in laying the automatic irrigation system. A heterogeneous relief or a narrow area also complicates the organization of landscape design. Mistakes can occur in lighting planning. Either everything will be so economical that nothing is visible, or, conversely, overexposure will occur. The whole problem of country houses, where the owners are trying to organize landscape design themselves, is that they start right away with beauty. The owners may have a good eye and even personal experience on the previous site. But you must always start with what is underground. The very rough work that needs to be taken into account, because it is not visible to the eye. Many initially do not want to spend money on it. But without this it is impossible to maintain the beauty that is located on the surface.

See also: Black color and mirrors: how to equip a summer cottage with your own hands

What you need to do before designing a summer cottage:

  • draw up a site plan;
  • measure all buildings on the site, along the border of the site;
  • designate the conclusions of all communications and tracing of communications underground, especially gas ones;
  • mark on the plan where septic tanks, wells and well hatches, water wells, etc. are located;
  • note what kind of view opens from one side or another of the site, whether the windows of the neighbors overlook your house or whether the view opens on the power lines. If so, in the future you will have to make a conditional screen;
  • take into account the movement of the sun, identify shady areas where only shade-tolerant plants can be planted. And some flowering plants only in well-lit areas.

You can draw up a site plan yourself. Can you invite a specialist? (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Where to start designing a summer cottage

The ideal approach to the design of the site consists of three stages:

  • survey . Let's see what's already there. We identify the technical features, advantages and disadvantages of the site;
  • design . We prescribe how to eliminate weaknesses and strengthen the advantages - add something, remove something, correctly position it, prepare the soil for planting, and so on. A design solution is being prepared for what is being implemented in the future;
  • embodiment . The practical part, in which everything that is planned on the site is implemented.

Read also: How to create a flower garden: types, plants, design tips

Yulia Andreeva, Domeo designer:

— You need to consider how plants interact with each other. How suitable is the soil, water conditions, enough moisture or not. It is important how the plants fit together externally - in height and shape, in their seasonal decorativeness, in the seasons of flowering. All this is a huge number of factors that must be taken into account when forming an ornamental plant group. In addition, it is necessary to plan the site, understanding at what distance certain buildings can be located, how paths can be laid, how to optimally take into account the wishes of all family members. This is a separate large work, which has its own standards of ergonomics. And you need to take into account the location of communications - irrigation systems, drainage, lighting. If the site has a complex shape or complex relief, geoplastics specialists are involved to calculate cartograms of earth masses, retaining walls, schemes indicating where, for example, drainage systems should go.

In what style to design a summer cottage

The choice of style for decorating a plot should be related to the appearance of the house. And aerobatics, when the project takes into account both the external and internal appearance of the house, Yulia Belukova notes. Landscape design styles are numerous, ranging from the classic regular park style, which provides for symmetrical elements, harmony, to natural gardens that mimic wildlife.

“In matters of style, there are no restrictions. You can choose an ethnic orientation, for example, Chinese and Japanese gardens. And taking into account our natural conditions, Chinese and Japanese gardens with conifers will grow well. Or stylize the site in the Scandinavian style - stones, coniferous and ground cover plants, ”says Yulia Andreeva.

See also: How to turn a dacha into an ideal vacation spot: ideas and tips

Design ideas for a summer cottage

Landscape design is more complicated than interior design. This is work with living beings - plants that grow, change, get sick with improper care. (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Lawn. He plays a major role in the landscaping of the site. Soft, well maintained and beautiful lawn gives the site a sophisticated and rich style.

Vertical gardening will surprise guests (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Vertical gardening. Helps decorate the upper level of the garden. It is used to decorate the facades of buildings, as well as the creation of decorative structures from plants and zoning of individual sections of the garden.

Alpine slide will make the site unusual (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Alpine hill. A small alpine slide is made of bright stones with sharp edges. The rocky structure of the borders, laid in a chaotic manner, repeats the features of the rocks, which makes the site not only cozy, but also unusual.

Flower beds decorate the dacha (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Flower beds. If ​​they are in the front area, then this decorative group should be beautiful and front all year round. For example, to preserve its appearance in winter, you need to use evergreens. If we are talking about groups in remote areas or about seasonal residence in the house, then the decorative effect should correspond to the season.

The gazebo on the site creates an additional area for recreation and leisure activities (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Garden buildings. An original wooden gazebo or a beautifully designed seating area not only ennobles the site, but also allows you to relax and unwind in nature.

A pond humidifies the air, and on a fine day, reflections from the rays of the sun on the water add light (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Pond. A small pond not only beautifies the landscape, but also gives brightness, beauty and uniqueness to the site. And the pond also moisturizes the air, and on a fine day, reflections from the rays of the sun on the water add light. The purpose of reservoirs is also different - a simple pond or a pond for fish. In the latter case, there should be no streams, drops, as the fish do not like this.

Garden sculptures can also be small (Photo: shutterstock.com)

Sculptures. Garden sculptures not only improve the mood, but also make the site more attractive and solid.

“The garden can be made a completely design element, provide paths between the beds, raise them above the ground for a decorative effect, make them no more than 1 m wide so that you can easily reach the edge, put stylish benches, plant fruit trees. Flower beds can be both separate elements and as part of other compositions, as the lower tier as a lining for large groups. This story is changing. That is, trees and shrubs are planted first. And then we look at the height of the shrubs, how quickly they grow, in order to understand which lower tier is needed and for what period as visual support. When flower beds are conceived as independent elements, they are designed and incorporated into the design,” says Yulia Andreeva.

See also: Fence, plot, gazebo: what you need to know about lighting a summer cottage

Designing zones for a small summer cottage. Design features

The design of small plots can be compared to the design of small apartments. The difficulty lies in the fact that in a small area you need to fit all the functional elements. Therefore, it is necessary to make some compromises and clearly define what needs to be taken into account in the first place and which zones can be combined, Yulia Andreeva explains.

According to the expert, it is possible to place a guest platform for cars on the general territory of the village. You can make a separate barbecue area, or you can get by with a small platform in the form of a portable grill or use part of the veranda.

If we talk about the rest of the elements - the garden, greenhouses and the site - then most often small plots have a relatively standard layout, Yulia Andreeva adds. Therefore, according to her, it is possible to provide for the design of the perimeter of the site by plants in order to isolate it and hide it from prying eyes, or, conversely, make free space and collect other elements around it.

“The most important thing is proportionality and overall functionality. For example, you should not plant large trees, you can get by with shorter compact forms that will be commensurate with the area of ​​​​the site, ”says Yulia Andreeva.

Elaborate design will make the suburban area beautiful and comfortable (Photo: shutterstock.com)

What's in fashion

The trend of recent years is the rejection of explicit thematic areas: a stationary playground with rubber crumb coating, alpine slides with a pile of stones, fountains. People realized that it quickly gets boring. In addition, it is labor-intensive both in terms of implementation and maintenance. That is, the approach has become more practical, says Svetlana Javakhyan. If the beds, then these are some easy-care small areas with herbs and strawberries. And bulky decorative structures - ponds, waterfalls and grottoes - are single orders.

“Interest in garden sculptures has continued. But these are some significant things for the family. For example, a cast of a child's feet or a work of one of the family members. These can be simple geometric shapes: balls or cubes, which are repeated in the cutting of shrubs,” sums up Svetlana Javakhyan.

Yulia Belukova, General Director of FOX luxury real estate agency:

- Many people perceive the improvement of the site as a hobby. They strive on their own or with the help of a landscape designer to express their character and tastes on the site. We, realtors, recommend contacting professionals in these matters, since in the future, in case of any mistakes or excessive thematic design, it will be more difficult to sell such a plot.


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