Minnesota Landscape Trends

2023 Landscape Design Trends

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Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023!

The pandemic has left a distinct impression on the landscaping industry. Over the last three years, we have seen a growing number of homeowners ready to invest in their outdoor living spaces. While many preferences have remained consistent, others have evolved and inspired a new era of landscape design trends.

Since summer 2022, we’ve seen these trends develop into the new year:

bluestone swimming pool deck with custom pool house

This spacious bluestone pool deck boasts plenty of room for lounging and entertaining.

1. The Backyard Resort

Homeowners are discovering a true value in having outdoor spaces equipped with a kitchen, fire features, swimming pools, and plenty of space to run and play. Many are also adding features to ensure that they can make the most of their space all year round. The longer you can have an outdoor space available to host friends and family, the better!

Improving Life Outdoors: Outdoors Rooms, Pools, Fire Features, and More!

Luxurious Lakefront Lodge

A resort-style rustic home on the lake equipped with a game room, outdoor kitchen, multiple patios, lighting, and fire features. Winner of 2021 NALP Award of Excellence.

Afton Oasis

Luxury swimming pool design and pool house with bluestone pool deck, party barn, fire patio, and sophisticated softscape.

Home Sweet Home

Idyllic stay-at-home backyard with a pool house, outdoor sound system, putting green, outdoor kitchen, hot tub, lighting, lower-level fire pit, and fire table.

swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, spa and fireplace with covered pergola

Synthetic turf is a durable alternative to a high-maintenance lawn.

2. Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf has become increasingly popular in recent years, with some brands so convincing that it's hard to see the difference between the artificial stuff and the real thing. Synthetic grass is durable, low-maintenance, and pet-friendly, and it keeps your lawn looking vibrant and green year-round.

low-maintenance garden and yard, fire table, path lights, swimming pool

Eliminating turf saves water and time.

3. Conservation and Sustainability

Consistent with what we predicted last year, water conservation and sustainability remain a priority. Technology has always been a driver in our industry, and now it's being put to use for both convenience and conservation. High-tech irrigation systems that deliver the right amount of water at the right time and are controllable from a smart phone are helping homeowners maximize efficiency. In other instances, homeowners are selecting more sustainable options, such as permeable pavers.

Conservation in action: Take a Tour!

Ohm Sweet Ohm Wins Awards for Sustainable Building

Net-zero home with energy-saving features and a sustainable landscape design is recognized by Green Builder Media, AIA Minneapolis.

No-Mow Forest Backyard

This backyard blends modern and natural elements together to create a low-maintenance outdoor living space with a plunge pool, terraced patios, a fire table, water feature, and a outdoor great room.

Sustainable Landscaping

Southview Design is committed to healthy and sustainable landscaping practices.

modern house with swimming pool and minimalist landscaping

A modern home with an open, minimalist backyard landscape design.

4. Minimalist Softscapes

Sometimes less is more. An increasing number of homeowners are seeking a "soft modern" aesthetic with an open and minimalist vibe. This means fewer structural components and minimal softscape. The result is a modern, open space that evokes a sense of calm and serenity.

Modern Landscape Inspo: Minimalist Softscape Designs

Modern on Minnetonka

Designed in partnership with John Kraemer & Sons and featured on the 2021 Artisan Home Tour, this modern masterpiece made a bold transformation.

Swimming Pool Overlooking Wetlands

Retaining walls transform a featureless slope into a multi-level backyard resort with a swimming pool, patio, wood-burning fireplace, and hot tub.

Dream Home Landscape

Luxurious modern landscape design complements this Rustic Belgian inspired dream home.

front yard rain garden minnesota

A front yard rain garden uses native plants to control runoff.

5. Native Landscape Design

Environmentalism is "in." As homeowners show increased concern for the environment, more are requesting a softscape design that supports the local eco-system. Utilizing geographically local plants helps the ecosystem thrive by enriching the soil, reducing water runoff, and attracting pollinators.

backyard vegetable garden

Hobby gardening has taken off. Many have found joy in growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

6. Self-Sustainability

More than ever before, homeowners are showing a renewed interest in self-sustainable practices. From backyard veggies to rain gardens and more, hobby farming and self-sustainability is having a big moment in 2023.

This modern front yard landscape features Corten steel planters and vibrant, overflowing perennials.

7. Corten Steel Accents

Corten steel is all the rage among modern enthusiasts. From steel planters to edging and other unique accents, many are looking to this durable product to give their landscape design an elevated modern touch. Check out Southview Design's Minneapolis Modern Makeover to see how this family implemented Corten accents into their front yard landscape design.

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