The Ultimate Guide to 2024 Houston Landscape Design Trends
Top Ten Landscape Design Trends of 2024
The last few years have been a whirlwind of change, prompting a shift in how we perceive and interact with our outdoor spaces. During the pandemic, our homes became more than just shelters—they became our havens, our offices, and our entertainment venues—blurring the lines between work and leisure. For many of us Houstonians, unable to take our usual weekend trips to the hill country and beyond, our yards emerged as a refuge, offering a slice of the great outdoors within arm’s reach. Some of us picked up new hobbies like gardening, meditating, or grilling and others found ourselves hosting or attending socially distanced get togethers with neighbors in the open air of our backyards or driveways. Gardening surged in popularity, and eco-conscious practices and water-wise became big buzzwords in the landscape design world. We were all using our outdoor spaces differently than we had in the past. 2020-2023 landscape design trends were ambitious, green and garden forward.
Fast forward to 2024, a lot of us have found ourselves back at the office, returning to our pre-pandemic fast paced lifestyles and commutes. Most of us aren’t baking as much bread, and for some of us- ambitious and time consuming landscapes are just not as sustainable as they were a few years ago. We still want to entertain, garden and enjoy our landscapes, we still want the fruit- but without so much of the labor. It is no surprise that 2024’s landscape design trends are all about low maintenance, high reward. Effortless outdoor entertainment areas, sustainability and easy upkeep gardens are all the rave this year and we are here for it! From vertical gardens to outdoor kitchens and even “smartscapes”- 2024’s landscape design trends have a little something for everyone.
So, without further ado, here are the top ten landscape design trends to look out for in 2024:
- Xeriscaping and Water Wise Landscaping
- Low Maintenance Landscape Designs
- Maximizing Entertainment Areas
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Edible Gardens and Vertical Gardens
- Minimalism: Less is Greener
- Smart Landscapes
- Native Plants
- The Dark side of Gardening
- Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
Xeriscaping and Water-Wise Landscaping:
Xeriscaping and water-wise landscapes are without a doubt the hottest trend of 2024, and for good reason. Less water in our landscapes is not only good for the planet, but good for your wallet. By utilizing drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems, homeowners can create vibrant, eco-friendly landscapes that thrive in our Texas climate.
Low maintenance landscape designs:
Unfortunately, most of us just don’t have the time for those high maintenance gardens anymore. That’s where low maintenance landscape designs come in. By incorporating durable materials, strategic plant selections, and easy-to-maintain features, we can create outdoor spaces that look pristine year-round with minimal effort. Say goodbye to endless hours of pruning and watering, and hello to a garden that practically takes care of itself. With the right landscape design, you will have anyone fooled into thinking you are a master gardener- without ever having to lift a finger.
Maximizing entertainment areas:
In 2024, outdoor living is all about creating inviting spaces where friends and family can gather and make memories. From cozy fire pits to spacious lounges, maximizing entertainment areas is a top priority for homeowners. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, catching a game on an outdoor entertainment system, or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, 2024 is the year to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertainment destination.
Outdoor Kitchens:
Why limit culinary adventures to the confines of the indoors? Outdoor kitchens are taking center stage in 2024, offering a seamless blend of cooking and entertainment in the great outdoors. With state-of-the-art appliances, stylish countertops, and ample seating, your backyard can become the ultimate culinary hotspot.
Edible Gardens and Vertical Gardens:
The farm-to-table movement meets modern design in 2024 with the rise of edible gardens and vertical gardens. From fresh herbs to juicy tomatoes, and citrus trees (a Houston garden staple) homeowners are embracing the idea of growing their own food right in their backyard. Vertical gardens offer a space-saving solution for urban environments, allowing you to cultivate a lush oasis even in the tightest of spaces.
Minimalism, Less is Greener:
In a world filled with clutter and chaos, the minimalist approach to gardening offers a breath of fresh air. By focusing on clean lines, simple shapes, and a curated selection of plants, minimalist gardens create a sense of calm and tranquility.
Smart Landscapes:
Technology meets nature in 2024 with the advent of smart landscapes. From automated irrigation systems to app-controlled lighting, homeowners can now control every aspect of their outdoor space with the touch of a button. Smart landscapes not only enhance convenience but also promote efficiency and sustainability, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful garden while conserving resources.
Native Plants:
This is one of our favorites! Embracing the natural beauty of Texas is a top trend in 2024, with homeowners opting for native plants that thrive in our unique climate. From colorful wildflowers to majestic oak trees, native plants add depth and character to any landscape while requiring minimal maintenance.
The Dark Side of Gardening:
Bold and dramatic, a dark garden color palette gardening is making waves in 2024. From deep purples to rich blues, dark-colored plants create a sense of mystery and allure, transforming any garden into a captivating sanctuary.
Landscape Lighting:
Don’t let the beauty of your garden fade when the sun goes down. Landscape lighting is a must-have trend in 2024, illuminating pathways, accentuating features, and creating a magical ambiance after dark. Whether you prefer soft, subtle lighting or bold, statement fixtures, a good lighting scheme enhances the beauty of your outdoor space and extends your enjoyment well into the evening.
At FiveSTAR Landscape Design, we pride ourselves on creating custom landscapes that perfectly complement our clients’ lifestyles. Your outdoor space should reflect your personality—a true oasis where you can unwind and connect with nature. We are not a one size fits all design firm and we are not ones to incorporate trends for trends sake but—the landscape design trends of 2024 are ones that can get behind! Whether you are dreaming of a concrete paver garden walkway, a sustainable oasis, an outdoor entertainment area for the whole family, or coming home to a perfectly lit backyard at the end of a long day, we are here to bring your vision to life.
We hope these trends have sparked some landscape design inspiration for your outdoor space. If you are ready to transform your outdoor space into your favorite place, contact us and schedule a free consultation today!
