Landscape Design Principles: Color

The next principle of landscape design is color. Color adds interest and variety to the landscape. Color is found in the flowers, the foliage, the bark and the fruits of various plants. Green foliage is the dominant color by quantity but other colors capture more attention because of the contrast to the green foliage that also has various shades. Color can also be found in rocks and boulders, paving bricks, outdoor structures and hardscape goods like ceramic containers, glass ornaments and sculptures.

Color creates interest and variety in the landscape. Colors can affect perception, balance, emphasis and emotions. Cool colors like greens, blues and pastels tend to be calming and are used in areas for relaxation. Warm colors like reds, yellows and oranges tend to be more exciting and are used in areas for entertaining and parties. The ‘temperature’ of colors affects the perception of distance. Cool colors seem to move away from you and seem further away while warm colors seem to move towards you and seem closer. A trick landscape companies use is by receding colors one can make a small area look larger. Neutral colors, like white, are versatile. They can be used both as a background color or used in conjunction with bright colors in the foreground. An all-white garden can be very dramatic if done correctly.

Color can also be used to attract attention and direct views. Using bright colors can create focal points. Bright yellow has a high contrast against other colors and attracts a lot of attention. A small amount of an intense color has as much visual weight as a larger amount of a more subtle color. Color can also be affected by light. Brighter, sunny areas make colors more intense. Filtered sun or shady areas make colors more subtle.

When completing a landscape design, landscape contractors may ask the colors you like. There are always likes and dislikes. And remember have fun with it!