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The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado released its list of top 10 home and garden trends for 2007, which include outdoor rooms, exterior lighting and water features. Highlights of the list include:
Multicultural Style – Consumers are bringing their vacations home by incorporating landscapes influenced by other cultures (e.g., Italian, French, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern style gardens, courtyards and fountains) into Colorado yards.
Melding Interior and Exterior Design – Outdoor living continues with a strong emphasis on creating a cohesive flow between interior and exterior spaces. Outdoor rooms meld colors, textures and styles with a home’s indoor spaces. Backyard retreats, including meditation areas, reading nooks and living rooms also are growing in popularity.
Big Impact for Small Spaces – The trend toward smaller yards causes homeowners to make the most of their small spaces by enhancing privacy, selecting plant material designed for small spaces and choosing designs that maximize functionality.
Exterior Lighting – Homeowners want to extend enjoyment of outdoor spaces into after-dark hours. Hard-wired lighting is now illuminating more gardens, trees and nighttime activities while enhancing security.
Water Features – Trends include installing several water features throughout the yard, as well as pond-less features and fountains to enhance sight and sound.
Landscape Makeovers – The reality TV craze to refurbish homes and landscapes has spilled into the mainstream. Consumers are looking at ways to refresh a dated landscape or start from scratch by incorporating new decks, patios and gardens.
Planning is in – More homeowners are looking at blueprints to help them design their landscapes by creating garden plans on their own or hiring professionals to create well-designed yards to fit their lifestyles and budgets. <HOME>
Posted July 20, 2007, 3:47 p.m., EST
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