Why should we hire an outdoor expert company for outdoor living spaces and not an interior designer?

In our everyday lives, there is a great deal of design around us, and it plays an important role in our everyday lives. It enhances our emotional and physical well-being and shapes the environment in which we live. Indoor and outdoor living spaces share many similarities, but also have distinct aspects. Interior design focuses on visually appealing, functional spaces within buildings whereas exterior design concerns outdoor environments. Although they are both subsets of design, outdoor living still requires expertise.

Why is outdoor living design different?

With outdoor living, your home becomes an extension of your lifestyle. Outdoor design experts have extensive knowledge of materials and construction methods to ensure outdoor spaces are built to last. There are several factors to consider here, including climate conditions, seasonal variations, planting design, and site drainage. These factors are generally not a major aspect of interior space design. Here’s how a design expert adds value to an outdoor space and why they are different: 

1. They plan for the outdoors efficiently

Outdoor design experts utilize the space to its fullest potential by considering local climate, wind direction, sun and shadow patterns, rain and other pertinent factors. The placement of décor items, furniture, and plants can be determined by keeping track of which areas receive full sunlight (8–10 hours per day) and which only receive partial sunlight (2-3 hours per day). Outdoor design experts also plan proper drainage and irrigation to prevent water-related issues.

2. They are skilled at handling the technicalities

Technical aspects should never be overlooked while focusing on outdoor space style and beauty. They are pros at designing and executing outdoor structures like pergolas which are multi-functional and multi-seasonal additions to your exterior living space. From lighting design to flooring to irrigation and drainage, they execute every technical detail with perfection. Remember, the devil lies in the details.

 3. They consider load factors

When designing an outdoor space like a terrace garden, the load on the floor slab increases. This is because of the addition of soil, planters, and shading structures like a pergola or patio furniture. This might result in structural damage. Outdoor design experts consider various load factors like wind, live, and dead loads before designing. They make smart design choices like using small / medium-height trees, lightweight soil mixtures, and lightweight planters for ensuring the safety of your structure.

4. They choose the finest hardscaping materials & finishes 

Hardscaping materials should also be durable and easy to maintain, while fitting the budget. Quality materials and professional installation are key to creating a beautiful outdoor space that lasts for years. An outdoor design expert selects materials and finishes that withstand extreme weather, appeal to clients, and most importantly require relatively low maintenance.

5. They select the right planting scheme

When designing an outdoor living space, plants are key. Outdoor design experts use plants to add color and texture to the space. Terrace gardens or front lawns may contain a variety of species, including xerophytes, perennials, annuals, ornamental plants, evergreen trees, or palms. An outdoor expert has a thorough knowledge of plants and often collaborates with horticulturists to bring out the best in your space. It acts as a focal point, a design feature, and offers multi-sensory experiences. Admit it, without plants your outdoor space would be incomplete! 

LifeWall is a leading landscape firm that creates outdoor living for the next generation and transforms your outdoor areas. Whether installing your garden plan or renovating your existing outdoor area, LifeWall is a one-stop solution to bring your outdoor dreams to reality. Call us at 09355932113 to book a visit, or click here to Get started.