Sometimes the best place to start when thinking through a new landscape project is the theme. One classic theme that stands the test of time is a farmhouse atmosphere. These five farmhouse-inspired landscape design ideas for backyards in Huntington and Oyster Bay, NY, will turn your backyard into a comfortable, traditional, and enjoyable space.
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Open Concept
Much of the beauty of farmland is in its openness and picturesque views. With your landscape design team, your landscape could be planned in such a way that still allows you to have different sections of your yard for different purposes, but keeps the space open for easy transitions to and from each one. For yards with a view, you could request that the view be a central part of your landscape design. You might choose to position a deck or patio so that it looks over the sunset, or have your favorite view framed with neatly pruned trees on either side. A great farmhouse-inspired landscape creates a relaxed atmosphere, with a clean design, as well as attention to how people will move easily through the space.
Nature Inspired
Another important concept for a farmhouse-inspired landscape is staying consistent with the natural setting. Incorporate a variety of native plants into different areas of the landscape. Embellish the front entrance and patio area with hanging planters and colorful flowers. Plant flower beds or various types of shrubbery to frame the front of the house and walkways. Embrace the true spirit of a farm with a vegetable and herb garden that will provide both beauty and nourishment to the home. Give careful consideration to placing plants in the best areas for their sun or shade needs so that they can thrive naturally. These are all ideas the landscape design could draw upon.
Farmhouse Colors
A farmhouse-inspired style is not the same as barn-inspired—pops of barn-colored red throughout your landscape is not a requirement. If you like red and want those pops of color, go for it! However, that doesn't necessarily have to be a part of your landscape if it’s not your taste. Neutral colors, or a soft color palette such as white, light blue, and natural foliage tones, can be perfect for subtly brightening up a landscape while not taking away from the beauty of the natural environment. You probably want to stay away from bright colors that will give your backyard a more modern, contemporary look.
Local Materials
Just as you will choose native plants to liven up your landscape, you may want to ask about incorporating local materials and native stone. Decorative boulders, rock outcroppings, stacked stone walls, or irregular flagstone could will fit in seamlessly with the environment and add to the natural, traditional look you’re hoping your landscape design will achieve.
Outdoor Furniture and Decorations
When adding the finishing touches to your landscape, to retain the farmhouse fee, you could opt for furniture made from traditional materials such as wood or wicker. Consider where a picnic table would be most useful or add in some cast iron patio furniture. Include farmhouse accents with a white picket fence—even if it’s just one small section as a decoration or background in your gardens. Look for rustic, vintage- looking items or upcycled goods such as old carts, wagon wheels, old ladders, gardening tools and weather vanes.
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