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FINISHING TOUCHES TO YOUR PROJECT – PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Creating your dream backyard isn’t just about plants or pavers, it’s about creating a cohesive and inviting space with harmony between each element. Whether you’re planning a small courtyard or a sprawling garden, understanding the principles of design can make all the difference.

Fundamental concepts form the backbone of great landscaping, from proportion and balance to form and texture. These principles help ensure your backyard feels harmonious and thought out, while also enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Ready to transform your outdoor space into a visual masterpiece? Let’s dive into it!

PROPORTION

  • • The way things relate to each other with respect to size (big, medium, small) is very important in residential design as we want elements that are in proportion to each other.
  • • Too much variance in size creates confusion as we can’t relate one element to the next.

BALANCE

  • • A state of equilibrium, equality in weight, amount, value or importance.
  • • Two types of balance; symmetrical and asymmetrical.
  • • Backyard composition incorporates a mix of hard landscaping (e.g., pavers, retaining walls) and soft landscaping (e.g., plants, lawns).

INTERCONNECTION

  • • When interconnection is utilised, the eye can move smoothly from one element to another.
  • • Consider visual lines, such as hedges or rows of plants, which can subtly connect spaces and guide the eye.

UNITY

  • • Ties the landscape together.
  • • Grouping three elements of the same kind together creates a strong sense of unity.

REPETITION

  • • Selected plant materials should be repeated throughout the landscape.
  • • Helps guide the eye smoothly across the space, linking different areas of the backyard.
  • • Can include repetition of plant species, colours, textures and shapes.

FORM CHECK

  • • Form (shape or outline of a three-dimensional shape) can be determined by lines, direction and arrangements.
  • • Very powerful element – people can often perceive a form when only a portion of it is visible.
  • • Familiarity, and the suggestion of form is enough, it encourages the eye to fill in the blanks.
  • • The primary consideration is what forms work well together.

TEXTURE

  • • Most important for home landscaping projects.
  • • Provides variety interest, contrast.
  • • Texture is significant when considering scale, particularly in smaller backyard areas.
  • • Texture is found everywhere, soft and hard landscape. Can be both seen and felt.
  • • Rough or smooth, course or fine – texture creates a tactile experience.
  • • Tip: With greenery, fine texture exaggerates distance and gives the feeling of a larger, more open space. Rough texture minimises distance.

For inspiration and ideas to help you incorporate these concepts, check out our look books and inspiration galleries.

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General Requests

Adbri Masonry products are not available in WA. A limited range of Brighton Masonry products are available through Bunnings Warehouse.

For general WA requests, please complete the form below.



WA customers click here to view Brighton Product Range

Download Brochure -  WA Special Orders Brochure

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A limited range of Brighton Masonry products are sold available through Bunnings Warehouse.
For general NT requests

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