One of the most captivating aspects of landscape design is the ability to integrate the outside world into the interior of your home. The view from the window can become not just a decoration but a full-fledged part of your landscape space, creating harmony between the home and nature. At Ecolandscape Studio, we always strive to design properties so that not only the outdoor space is attractive but also the view from the windows becomes an essential part of your daily comfort.
How can you make your window view more than just a random feature, but rather an extension of your interior space? We at Ecolandscape Studio will share several tips and examples on how to use your window view as a landscape design element.
Creating a Frame for the Landscape
One of the simplest and most effective ways to integrate the view outside the window into the overall landscape is to create a “frame” around it using plants. Carefully selected shrubs, trees, and flower beds can not only emphasize the beauty of the landscape but also make it more private, adding elements of seclusion. It is important that the plants do not block the view but rather enhance it.
For example, in one of our projects for an urban apartment, we used decorative shrubs and perennials on either side of the window. This not only brought greenery into the space but also created the feeling that the home is literally «growing» into nature. The plants formed a natural frame around the view of the garden, and the composition changed depending on the season, offering a new perspective every time you looked out the window.
Using Vertical Gardening
When the space around the house is limited and the view of the garden or surrounding landscape needs to be maximized, vertical gardening is an excellent solution. These can include climbing plants, trellises for vineyards, or decorative panels that not only make the space more attractive but also help create the effect of a «living wall.» These elements can block undesirable views while enhancing the visibility of desirable garden areas, all while remaining light and unobtrusive.
In one of our suburban projects, the house was located on a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. We used vertical trellises and vines to create secluded areas in the backyard, while still opening up and highlighting the view of nature through the windows. The growing plants and vines provided privacy but did not obstruct the view.
Designing Terraces and Balconies with a Focus on the View
If you have a terrace or balcony, this could be an ideal spot to integrate the view from the window into your landscape design. Create a comfortable space for relaxation that smoothly transitions into the natural landscape. To achieve this, use materials such as wood, stone, or combined coatings that naturally blend with the surrounding nature.
In one of our projects for a country house, the client wanted to create a space for entertaining guests while maintaining a connection with the surrounding landscape. We proposed solving this challenge by placing comfortable furniture and decorative elements on the terrace, which connected the interior space of the house with the magnificent view of the forest. The terrace smoothly transitioned into the garden, and the views from the window and the terrace were interconnected, creating a sense of unity with nature.
Proper Lighting for Evening Views
When evening comes, many views from the window become especially beautiful and mesmerizing. Evening lighting can significantly change the perception of the garden and make it more picturesque. For example, illuminated plants, pathways, or water features visible from the window create an atmosphere of coziness and tranquility. Proper lighting accentuates key elements of the landscape while adding depth to the perception of the garden and creating a special magic that you want to enjoy over and over again.
In one project, we used lighting to highlight certain trees and pathways that gently led the eye along the river. When night fell, the light softly emphasized the shapes of the trees and the water’s surface, creating an atmosphere of evening calm and seclusion that could be enjoyed right from the window of the house.
It is important to remember that the external view of the garden should transition harmoniously from the window space. In our case, we suggested using mixed plantings of decorative shrubs and flowering plants that not only improved the external appearance but also created smooth lines of transition from the window to the garden. This allowed the garden to be integrated into the interior, making the view from the window an important part of the overall design. Additionally, we installed vertical elements for climbing plants, providing flexibility in changing the appearance of the garden depending on the season. This approach creates a sense of wholeness, where nature and the interior of the house interact perfectly.
Using the view from the window as part of the landscape design is not just about aesthetics, but also functionality. It’s a way to create a harmonious interaction between the interior space and nature. With a thoughtful approach, you can not only improve the appearance of the garden but also transform the space, making it more cozy and private. It’s important to remember that the landscape doesn’t stop at the boundaries of your home; it can be an extension of your inner world.
As Martin Palma, the founder of Ecolandscape Studio, noted: “The task of landscape design is not only to create a beautiful garden but to integrate it with the home in a way that every glance out the window becomes part of your living space.”
