Learn how to add curb appeal that compliments the style of your house
In this blog post we’ll show you how to design the perfect landscape for your bungalow or craftsman home
How do we use design elements to really make the front yard compliment the house? When thinking about designing a landscape for a Portland bungalow or Craftsman style home it’s important to consider the architectural characters that make these homes so warm and inviting. In this landscape, designed by Harmony Design Northwest and installed by Landscape East & West,a palette of softly rounded shrubs with colorful perennials and small accent trees compliment the charm of this NE Portland bungalow.
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- Craftsman Bungalow Before
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- Craftsman Bungalow Before
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- Craftsman Bungalow Before
Look to your exterior for design details
Take notice of the wide steps, cozy welcoming porch, and just the right blend of clean lines and accents that form the perfect combination. Embrace the cottage style with plants that give you interest all year round, whether with foliage color, texture, different heights or seasonal blooms. You want to mimic the structural layers of the house when planning the garden. This means using different heights of plants to lead the eye toward the doorway. Have fun with taller plants near the corners of the porch to frame the house.
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- Vertical accent plants punctuate the house columns while the cottage style plantings compliment the home’s trim.
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- The bright red containers mimic the red door for a playful yet sophisticated landscape.
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- Traditional hedges and path borders keep this style simple and serene.
Use both outside and inside details for inspiration
For example, if the porch columns have a stone accent, update the front pathway and driveway with a similar stone paver to pull it all together. Create a raised garden bed with matching stone wall along the front yard. If the trim or wood siding is a warm earthy color, use a red toned paver or brick for the pathway or front patio. Find inspiration in the interior design features such as wooden built-in cabinets and staircase. Build a pergola over new decking with decorative pendant lighting inspired by the interior staircase banister. Add a new gate that reflects the built-in buffet.
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- Craftsman Staircase
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- Craftsman Pergola & Lighting
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- Craftsman Sideboard Buffet
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- Craftsman Style Garden Gate
Plants we love for bungalow and craftsman homes
It’s easy to create curb appeal and a welcoming vibe the right plants. Here are some of our favorites.
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- Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’
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- Lagerstroemia indica
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- Pinus Mugo
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- Kniphofia uvaria
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- Choisya ternata
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- Hydrangea quercifolia
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- Clematis ‘Bee’s Jubiliee
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- Lonicera sempervirens
Plants for structure:
- Pinus mugo Mugo Pine
- Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Dwarf Balsam Fir
- Hydrangea quercifolia Oak Leaf Hydrangea
- Choisya ternata Mexican Orange
- Euphorbia characais ‘Wulfenii’ Euphorbia Spurge
- Carex Sedge Grass
- * Euonymus japonicus microphyllus ‘Green Spire’ Green Spire Euonymus
- Polystichum munitum Western Sword Fern
Plants that impress:
- Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle
- Cotinus coggygria Smoke Bush
- Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ Coral Bark Maple
- * Acer griseum Paper Bark Maple
Climbing Vines:
- Ipomoea Morning Glory (annual)
- Clematis ‘Bee’s Jubilee’ Bee’s Jubilee Clematis (perennial)
- * Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet Honeysuckle (perennial)
* Plants used in the featured landscape designed by Harmony Design Northwest
It’s all about unifying the landscape with the architectural style of the unique house. Now you have the inside landscape design tips to make it all come together.
Keep enjoying our series, “How To Design The Perfect Landscape For Portland Home” with Harmony Design Northwest by subscribing to our newsletter and be on the lookout our April post where we will feature landscape design for mid-Century modern homes.
Featured photo landscape designed by Harmony Design Northwest in collaboration with Landscape East & West. Installation by Landscape East & West.