A stunning, well-designed landscape can transform any business property into an inviting, professional, and visually appealing space. Achieving balance is one of the most essential elements of this type of landscape design. Balance ensures every component complements the others harmoniously, whether you’re constructing a modern entryway, a tranquil outdoor seating area, or an expansive garden.
This guide dives into this concept and how it pertains to landscape design, providing detailed insights into the various types of balance. We’ll also give you some actionable tips for achieving balance in your business’s landscape design.
Symmetrical Balance
Achieve symmetrical balance by mirroring one side of a design. In many ways, it would be like if you could fold a mirror in half; each side would carry equal weight and reflect the other. This type of balance is common in many formal landscape designs, where businesses want to create a sense of order and elegance.
A popular application of symmetrical balance can be seen in entryways to office buildings. Imagine a pathway lined with trees of the same type and size on both sides. The repetition of identical elements creates uniformity, often conveying professionalism and structure.
Begin with a central focal point to implement symmetrical balance effectively. For example, this could be a water feature or a striking piece of architecture. Then, flank this central feature with matching plants, shrubs, or other natural objects on either side. While symmetrical balance exudes sophistication, it is best for businesses that desire a formal, predictable aesthetic.
Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical balance offers a creative alternative for businesses wanting to create a more dynamic, less rigid feeling. Unlike its symmetrical counterpart, asymmetrical balance relies on visual weight rather than identical elements to achieve equilibrium.
For instance, picture a modest tiered planter arrangement placed on one side of an outdoor café entrance. You might place potted plants of varying sizes and heights on the opposite side of the entrance to balance the visual weight. Though the two sides are not identical, the overall design feels balanced and cohesive.
Asymmetrical balance is particularly effective for creating natural or informal spaces. It’s also more adaptable to landscapes with irregular shapes or where symmetry would feel rigid or over-controlled. The key to mastering asymmetry lies in considering the size, shape, color, and texture of your materials. Each element should complement the others without appearing out of place.
Radial Balance
Radial balance operates around a central point, kind of like symmetrical balance, but this one focuses on all elements radiating outward in a circular pattern. Imagine the spokes of a wheel, with plants, pathways, or structures fanning out uniformly from the center. While radial balance is less common than the other types, it creates a strong visual focus and can be highly effective in courtyards or circular seating areas.
For example, a central stone firepit surrounded by concentric rings of seating, plants, and gravel paths exemplifies radial balance. It draws the eye toward the center, creating a sense of flow and organic symmetry.
Ensure the center point stands out as the primary focal feature to use radial balance successfully. This point could be a sculpture, a seating area, or even a unique plant arrangement. Continuing outward, select elements that echo the curves of the design and maintain a sense of rhythm in their placement.
Best Advice for Achieving a Balance
While understanding the structural aspects of balance is critical, successfully bringing harmony to your landscape also requires careful attention to specific elements of your design, such as color, texture, and form. Mastering these elements ensures your design looks balanced on paper and feels harmonious in person. Here are some additional tips for achieving balance in your business’s landscape design.
Color
Color is one of the most powerful tools for achieving visual balance. Too many bold hues can feel overwhelming, while too few might make your landscape appear dull. Striking the right color balance starts with selecting a cohesive palette.
Begin by identifying one or two dominant colors. For example, deep greens can serve as the backdrop, while accents of light pink or orange flowers add vibrancy. Echo similar colors throughout the landscape to create connection points. If one side of a pathway features a splash of lavender blooms, balance it on the other side with clusters of smaller flowers in a complementary purple hue.
Additionally, consider the impact of seasonal colors. Incorporate greenery that looks vibrant year-round and layer in seasonal plants to bring a rotating variety without disrupting visual harmony.
Texture
Texture refers to the surface quality of plants, hardscaping elements, and decorative features. Combining smooth, glossy textures with rough or fuzzy surfaces can add depth and interest.
For example, you might pair delicate ornamental grasses with coarser bark mulch or sturdy stones. A smooth ceramic planter can balance the roughness of tree bark nearby or the softness of leafy vines cascading down a trellis.
Keep contrast in moderation when integrating texture. Too much variety in texture can make a space feel chaotic, while too little may appear monotonous. Aim for a mix that feels natural yet intentional.
Form
The form or shape of your landscape features can also define balance. Think about tall vertical elements, sprawling horizontal forms, and rounded focal points. Each form has its own visual weight, and you achieve harmony when no single form dominates the space disproportionately.
For instance, balance a tall lamppost with a cluster of rounded bushes placed at its base. Similarly, a row of angular hedges might pair well with curving pathway lines or rounded pebble beds. Considering how forms interact with one another creates balance and underscores the intended mood of the space.
Proportions Matter
Pay attention to proportions when balancing color, texture, and form in your design. Larger spaces benefit from more substantial focal points (such as a grand pergola or a bold water feature). Smaller areas require scaled-back elements to avoid visual crowding.
The type of harmony you’re likely going for here comes from aligning your design with the functional purpose of the space. A corporate courtyard might lean on subdued forms and textures to foster a calm atmosphere, while a restaurant patio might invite a playful mix of whimsical forms and bright colors.
Trial and Error Enhances Vision
Lastly, remember that balance is as much a feeling as it is a science. Walk the landscape and view it from different angles. Test combinations and be open to adjustments. What matters most is not strict adherence to design rules but crafting a space that resonates with its users.
Look to the professionals if you’re really unsure of how to get the balance just right. Commercial landscaping services have tons of experience with nailing the balance in a way that allows it to make your business stand out from the rest. Their experience might be just the thing you need to draw in the customers you’re looking for.
