Hottest design trends for 2014: Gardens and landscaped spaces

Gardens have always been a popular house feature for homeowners, but individual trends change due to fashion and new developments in the field.

Landscape architects are the best people to ask about current trends, being at the forefront of the industry, so it may pay to listen to the results of the 2014 residential landscape architecture trends survey, which sets out the key directions the sector is leaning towards and the style elements sure to become popular.

Sustainable and low-maintenance architecture is trumping the stakes again, and popular designs over the next few years are sure to incorporate these ideas. You may want to look out for them in gardens and landscaped spaces as these were deemed the most popular areas, with a 94.2 per cent rating as somewhat or very popular.

Homeowners say designed landscapes ad value to their lives and their property values, according to the CEO and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

"They're interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly," she said.

The survey unveiled some of the design structures favoured by respondents that look set to become in-demand for 2014, so if you are thinking about doing any garden landscaping, this could be food for thought.

Survey results

High on respondents lists were terraces, patios and decks, raking in around 97.7 per cent of the vote. Fencing was another popular addition desired by many, with 88.5 per cent saying it was something they would look into. Pergolas and decks were also popular features gaining 82.9 and 82.3 per cent of the vote, respectively.

Decorative water elements

Fountains and ornamental water features were also popular, so you may need to think about what to do with those submersible pumps seeing as around 83.9 per cent of respondents said these were important landscape elements.

Water features are guaranteed to be popular in 2014 and these are not limited to splash pools, ornamental pools and waterfalls, although 86.1 per cent did say these would be in demand.

Spa and swimming pool installations may be on the rise with 76.4 per cent and 73.8 per cent of American architects predicting the popularity of these items will rise in 2014.

Plants

If you are interested in undertaking some Garden DIY, you might find it interesting to note that native plants are expected to be popular, as are food and vegetable gardens.

Those with a green thumb may want to look for drought-tolerant plants, as these will be a big trend, and consider installing drip or water-efficient irrigation systems, too,