Top Trends in Landscape Design in 2023

Discover the forefront of landscape design as we unveil the top trends shaping outdoor spaces in 2023. From sustainable havens to tech-infused sanctuaries, this year’s design landscape is a fusion of innovation and natural beauty. Let’s look at the most trending topics!

1. Sustainable Landscaping

As climate change continues to be a pressing issue, more and more people are turning to sustainable landscaping practices. This includes using drought-tolerant plants, incorporating rain gardens and bioswales to manage stormwater, and using permeable paving materials.

2. Outdoor Living Spaces

    With more people spending time at home due to the pandemic, the demand for outdoor living spaces has surged. In 2023, we can expect to see more homes with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas designed for entertaining and relaxation.

    a pedestrianized street with high human comfort, imagined by AI (Bing)
    A pedestrianized street with high human comfort, imagined by AI (Bing)

    3. Naturalistic Design

    Naturalistic design is all about creating landscapes that look like they belong in nature. This means using native plants, designing with a focus on habitat creation, and using organic shapes and materials to create a sense of flow and continuity.

    4. Smart Landscaping

    Technology is making its way into landscape design, with everything from automated irrigation systems to smart lighting and sound systems. In 2023, we can expect to see more integration of technology in landscape design, with a focus on making outdoor spaces more comfortable and convenient to use.

    5. Vertical Gardens

    Vertical gardens, or living walls, are becoming increasingly popular in urban environments where space is at a premium. In 2023, we can expect to see more creative use of vertical space in landscape design, with living walls used to create green screens, outdoor art installations, and even entire facades of buildings.

    A vertical garden modeled with Lands Design in Rhino, designed by Rosana Almuzara.

    6. Biophilic Design

    Biophilic design is all about incorporating elements of nature into the built environment. In landscape design, this means using natural materials, designing with a focus on views and daylighting, and creating spaces that promote health and well-being.

    7. Minimalist Landscapes

    Minimalism has been a popular trend in interior design for some time, and now it’s starting to make its way into landscape design as well. Minimalist landscapes are characterized by simple, clean lines and a focus on negative space, with a limited palette of materials and colors.

    8. Regenerative Landscaping

    Regenerative landscaping takes sustainability a step further, aiming not just to minimize harm to the environment but to actively improve it. This involves using practices like soil regeneration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity restoration to create landscapes that are more resilient and ecologically healthy.

    9. Wildflower Meadows

    As interest in naturalistic design continues to grow, we may see more landscapes designed as wildflower meadows. These spaces are typically filled with native wildflowers and grasses, which provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife while also creating a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape.

    A wildflower meadow modelled with Lands Design in Rhino

    10. Microclimates and Microhabitats

    With climate change leading to more extreme weather patterns, landscape designers may start to focus more on creating microclimates and microhabitats. This involves using design elements like windbreaks, water features, and shade structures to create areas of the landscape that are more hospitable to certain plants or wildlife species.