Written by: Sejal Nagjee

 

 

Landscape design planning is an exciting time. Our backyard is more than space, it’s our own personal retreat.

 

Here are a few points to remember as you design your landscape.

 

The Importance of Irrigation Planning

 

One of the most critical components of landscape design planning for homeowners is irrigation planning.

 

From choosing the right placement and type of equipment to establishing how much water your landscape requires – proper irrigation is essential.

 

You’re spending time and money to make your landscape beautiful, so be sure it’s watered sufficiently neither over or under-watered.

In the summer in the UAE, it can be 40-50 degrees centigrade. It’s essential to water your plants and grass 3 to 4 times a day.

 

In winter, 2 to 3 times a day is sufficient depending on your plants.

 

One way to ensure your landscape is being watered sufficiently is to install an irrigation system.

 

Not only will this ensure it waters your garden on a schedule but it also reduces over-watering, which can cause sick plants and trees.

 

Plant A Herb Garden

 

Including a herb garden in your landscape design is an instant way to create a “happy space.”

 

Basil is a great choice as it does well with hot climates.

 

In fact, I’ve never met an aromatic or savory culinary plant I didn’t love! There are many options to consider when deciding on a herb garden.

 

Whether you are looking to plant an ornamental, a medicinal, a windowsill, or a cook’s herb garden, you will be thrilled with the results.

 

One of the key elements of a thriving herb garden is timing. Be sure to plant them between October and May to enjoy the best fruits of your labor.

 

Mint, chili’s, aubergines, tomatoes, lemongrass, rosemary, basil, cauliflower, cabbage, okra, or watermelon all do excellent in these months.

 

Protect Your Outdoor Decor

 

Some of the most astonishing backyards include outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and living areas.

 

Enhance these areas with a splash of your personal style such as colorful rugs, cushions, and decorative throw pillows.

 

I suggest always storing your outdoor cushions when not in use. When continually left uncovered, mist and water condensation can collect on the cushions, which can lead to mildew.

 

Protect Your Pergolas

 

Chances are, your pergola serves to create a distinct outdoor space, such as a dining or living area.  Be sure to cover your pergola to make it waterproof so you can enjoy it all winter long.

 

 

Covering your pergola will protect your furniture from sandstorms, rain and water condensation.

 

Because it rains so infrequently in the UAE many homeowners overlook this.

 

Add Decor In Your Landscape Design Planning

 

You may not want to completely revamp your landscape but you can give it a refreshing makeover with a little effort.

 

Recent Milestone Project: Murjan, Dubai Marina

 

Consider buying new artifacts, furniture, potted plants, and firepots to get ready for the outdoor season.

 

New landscape decor not only looks great but it also allows you to inject some of your personal tastes into your outdoor space.

 

Milestone Landscaping

 

Whether you want a new outdoor dining area, an infinity pool with a nearby Pergola or an area to relax under the stars with proper planning, your dreams are attainable.

 

Best of all, you can plan your dream landscape within your budget!

 

If you are considering transforming your landscape, contact the design experts at Milestone.

 

Whether you know what you want or need a little inspiration, our team is here to help with your landscape design planning.

 

 

Sejal Nagjee

 

Sejal Nagjee, Milestone’s CEO and Creative Director is a gifted designer. Regardless of the project scale or scope, from homes and offices, hotels and restaurant, to gardens and exterior living spaces, her distinctive style injects a fresh and vibrant perspective to every living space. With over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience, across a wide breadth of interior and exterior design and build projects, Sejal has the skills, passion, resources and industry connections to get the job done on time!

 

The post Landscape Design Planning Checklist appeared first on Milestone.

Written by: Sejal Nagjee

Interior design tips to start the new year right!

 

When you walk into your home, you should feel happy, relaxed, and proud of the space you have carved out for your life. Your interior design can dramatically influence your mood.

 

In fact, research from the field of neuroarchitecture studies examines how the impact of light, space, and room layouts impact our psychological and physical health.

 

Here are a few interior design tips to get a kick start your home refit!

 

Start with the Basics

When it comes time to refit your villa, we suggest always starting with the basics. Think of the “bricks and mortar” foundational elements of your home, to include your floors, your walls, and your ceilings.

 

As you consider these interior design elements ask yourself whether these elements are functioning at their best, or could they use an upgrade? Essentially, if the basic elements of your home are not functioning and up to date, nothing else in your home will work.

 

• Flooring – Flooring can make or break the interior design of your home. Consider upgrading your outdated flooring to durable tiles. Not only will they last a lifetime, they also look fantastic. In fact, new tiles can be fitted on top of existing tiles by simply shortening your doors.
•  
• Regardless of the size of your room, tiles can inject a lovely updated addition to your home. In addition to flooring, larger tiles ranging from 60 x 120 cm and 100 x 100 cm to 120 x 120 cm and 130 cm x 3 m are also available for walls. Refitting from the ground up with tile flooring can make a significant difference to the overall look and feel of your interior design.

 

• Wall Enhancements – When it comes to refitting your walls, there are so many options to choose from. Whether it’s repainting, adding stone cladding to wallpaper or wood paneling, there is certain to be a wall enhancement within your budget and personal style. A few wall enhancements can transform your interior design. You can even get creative by combining these different options from room to room within your home.
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• • Ceiling Enhancements – Just as wall enhancements can transform your space, you can instantly add some attractive touches to your interior design with ceiling enhancements. As you plan your home refit, consider upgrading existing ceilings with an additional bulkhead, drop ceiling, wood enhancements, a fresh coat of paint, and/or custom lighting fixtures.

•  

 

Enhance Your Interior Design with Furniture

 

Look around your home. Is your furniture dated? Do you wish to upgrade your furniture? Whether you want to add a few new pieces or completely redecorate a room, furniture is a great place to start.

 

When it comes time to select your furniture for your interior design, we recommend selecting your design theme before you purchase your furniture. Once you choose your home theme, you can choose your furniture to line up with your interior design theme (i.e. modern, traditional, naturalist, etc.).

 

Fabric upholstery can be a very interesting addition to your décor, as there are endless choices for colors and textures. You can even mix and match colors within the same room. For example, you can pair neutral grey or beige sofas with one or two colorful accent chairs. A few pieces of well-placed furniture can really enhance your interior design.

 

Light Up Your Space

 

Lighting can play a huge role in transforming your interiors. Is your lighting updated and modern? Does your lighting scheme work to enhance and highlight your home to its fullest potential?

 

Not only can lighting make your space more functional, but it can also be used to create a certain mood. For example, adding soft, concealed LED strip lights in ceilings can create a relaxed and inviting mood. How about some amazing standing lamps? You would be amazed the impact adding modern chandeliers to ceilings or walls can make.

 

Artwork and Decorative Accents

 

Art can make or break your interior design. Adding a few small pieces of art to a large wall really will not create much of an impact. However, larger inspirational and intriguing artworks can really make an impact to transform your space.

As you decide on what art add to enhance your walls, be sure to consider what colors will work best with your room. Additionally, you can use different mediums for art, such as wood, metal, tile, marble, pebbles, and 3d works of art. When used in the right combination, these various works of art are very intriguing.

 

Once you have the walls squared away, take a look around your various rooms. How are your carpets and rugs looking? Updating your carpeting or adding lovely accent rugs can really transform a room. For example, you can use rugs below your bed or near the seating area for an instant change. Experiment with color, shades, and textures. You’ll be amazed at the difference this simple change can make.

 

Typically, a bed occupies a large space, so accenting this area of your bedroom provide an instant, cost effective change to your interior design. Bedspreads and throw cushions provide home owners another simple way to update their interior design. When combined with a lovely bedspread, colorful throw cushions create a welcomed change to any room.

 

Add Some Life with Plants

Plants, weather real or artificial, instantly invite an added charm to any interior design scheme. Weather it’s a living wall, potted plants, or a vertical garden, plant life can play a significant role in your space.

 

You can even start simple by adding greenery or flowering potted plants, multiple pots in a cluster, or placing similar pots on a pedestal to bring life and harmony to any wall.

 

 

 

At the end of the day, the best interior design elements are the items that make you the happiest while enhancing your space. Combined, these items will place the final touches of happiness into your interior design scheme.

Here at Milestone, our design team wants you to feel comfortable in your home. We encourage you to visit our show villa or to contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

 

Sejal Nagjee

 

Sejal Nagjee, Milestone’s CEO and Creative Director is a gifted designer. Regardless of the project scale or scope, from homes and offices, hotels and restaurant, to gardens and exterior living spaces, her distinctive style injects a fresh and vibrant perspective to every living space. With over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience, across a wide breadth of interior and exterior design and build projects, Sejal has the skills, passion, resources and industry connections to get the job done on time!

 

The post Interior Design Tips to Refit Your Home in the New Year appeared first on Milestone.

Written by: Sejal Nagjee

Recent Milestone Project: Emirates Hills

 

Here are a few tips to plan your swimming pool project.

 

If you’re spending a lot of time in your backyard, a refreshing pool is the simplest way of transforming your space into a personal oasis.

 

From entertaining your friends to daily enjoyment with your family, a pool is a perfect way to cool off and unwind after a long day.

 

Be Aware of Your Space

 

The first step in planning your backyard swimming pool project is to determine how big your pool will be and where you should build it.

 

Whether you have a large or a small backyard, you can plan a pool to fit your needs. When planning, consider the scale of your landscape design and your garden.

 

How Much Space Do You Have For The pool?

 

If you have a small backyard, you don’t want to build a pool that’s too large for your space. It will leave you little room to move, entertain, or plant a garden.

 

However, if you’re working with a larger outdoor space, the right size pool will create the perfect balance between your pool, hardscape elements, and garden.

 

Recent Milestone Project: Jumeirah Park

 

Location, Location, Location!

 

Just as important as the size of your swimming pool project is its exact location.

 

Where you place your pool will depend on the zoning in your area or neighborhood. You also need to consider who will be using your pool.

 

For example, where will people sit and relax? How can you maximize or minimize wind and sun exposure?

 

We also consider taking into account how people will enter and exit the pool.

 

For example, where will your family and friends sit and relax? How can you maximize or minimize wind or sun exposure?

 

Additionally, many homeowners spend just as much time looking at their pool as they do swimming in it.

 

It’s worth considering how your pool will be viewed from the rest of your backyard, and from your home.

 

Know Your Options

 

Which kind of pool do you want?

 

Perhaps you want a skimmer pool, an overflow pool or even an infinity pool.  Perhaps a plunge pool, a lap pool or a baby pool.

 

Do you desire a Baja step where you place sun loungers in the pool?

 

While your possibilities are endless, your first step is making a choice.

 

The lowest price points for our custom swimming pool projects, skimmer pools do not have an overflow channel or a balance tank. The water level of a skimmer pool is approximately 15 cms below ground level.

 

These pools are ideal for those who have space but are working with a limited budget.

 

Recent Milestone project: Emirates Hills

Overflow pools are designed with an overflow channel and a balance tank to regulate the inflow of extra water into the channel and then into the tank.

 

The water level is the same as the ground level. They look beautiful as you can see the water right on the ground.

 

Infinity pools seamlessly extend into the horizon for a very aesthetically pleasing and relaxing addition to any outdoor living area.

 

They are raised above the ground and appear as if they are disappearing in the distance. Infinity pools are as pleasing to the eye as they are for entertaining when the temperatures rise.

 

Plunge pools provide a smaller deep swimming pool that’s specifically designed to refresh on a hot day!

 

You can also enhance your plunge pool with a waterfall or other exquisite water feature. The pools are smaller in size and mainly built to relax and unwind.

 

Lap pools are narrow and long, ranging from 2.7-3 meters wide and 15-30 meters in length, and they provide a nice length for those who love to swim as an exercise.

 

Make A Splash With The Right Depth

 

Just as important as the size of your pool is the depth of your swimming pool project.

 

Will you be lounging in your pool, swimming laps, or watching your children jump and cannonball into the deep end of your pool?

 

Depending on your needs, your pool depth can range from 90 – 1.6 m for a standard depth or full pool (which is about the same height of 1.4 m to walk).

 

Choose The Right Pool Pump

 

Once you’ve determined the size, depth, and type of pool – you should consider whether you want an underground or over ground pool pump room.

 

Over ground rooms are more cost effective and they can be more convenient to use.

 

Over ground control rooms can also hide easily behind a feature wall to keep your landscape design looking unscathed.

 

Not only are feature walls useful to hide a pump room, but they are also useful to conceal a shower or changing room area for pool guests.

 

Your Milestone Swimming Pool Project

 

A swimming pool is the ultimate backyard addition. With the right pool design in your backyard, your pool can become the center for entertaining family and friends.

 

Whether it’s a barbecue by water or your children spending their day splashing away the heat, a swimming pool is a stunning, fun addition to your backyard.

 

Contact a member of our team to get started on your pool project today!

 

Sejal Nagjee

Sejal Nagjee, Milestone’s CEO and Creative Director is a gifted designer. Regardless of the project scale or scope, from homes and offices, hotels and restaurant, to gardens and exterior living spaces, her distinctive style injects a fresh and vibrant perspective to every living space. With over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience, across a wide breadth of interior and exterior design and build projects, Sejal has the skills, passion, resources and industry connections to get the job done on time!

 

The post Tips For Planning The Perfect Swimming Pool Project appeared first on Milestone.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Planning your landscape design is an exciting time. Whether you want a new outdoor dining area, an infinity pool with a nearby Pergola or an area to relax long into the evening under the stars, planning your dream landscape design is attainable. Best of all, you can plan your dream landscape within your budget!

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you plan your dream backyard while sticking to your budget.

Know Your Budget

The first step to sticking with a budget is knowing how much you can spend. Knowing your budget will help you choose between the various hardscape and landscape options available to create your dream landscape design.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

In design, we typically categorize landscape into the following four pricing categories, ranging from 550 dirhams per square meter to 1,500 dirhams per square meter. Your exact price point will depend on the structures and features you build.

To start a project you will need to:

1. Take your total plot area and subtract the existing ground floor built up area of your villa, garage, and service blocks (if applicable). For example, if your total plot is 10,000 square feet and a total built-up area is 5500 square feet.  3,500 square feet would be the total built-up area of your ground floor and garage. Do not count the first floor.
2. Now you will be left with 6,500 square feet of land to be developed.
3. Once you have determined your square footage to be developed, multiply the number by .09 and you will arrive at the square meter to be developed.
4. In this example 6500 sq.ft x.09= 585 m2. You would have 585 square meters of land to be developed.

Depending on your budget  there are different categories of projects:

• Low-end budget – 585 square meters at 550 dirhams/sq. m = 321,750 Dhs.
• Mid-range budget – 585 square meters at 700 dirhams/sq. m = 409,500 Dhs.
• Mid-range with some features – 585 square meters at 850  dirhams/sq.m = 497,250 Dhs.
• High-end budget – 585 square meters at 1100 dirhams/sq. m = 643, 500 Dhs.
• Luxurious budget – 585 square meters at 1550 dirhams/sq. m = 906,750 Dhs.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Anything below 550 square meters can prove challenging. Typically, below 585 sq. m indicates to the landscape designer that you are not looking to invest for the long term. Perhaps this is a rental property or you plan on moving in near future. In this case, we would suggest a minimal landscape design with minimal features.

If you fall within the 1550 dhs / m2 rage, you might want to consider including a pool, Waterproof shade structures, water features, tough 3 cms thick granite or 2 cms thick porcelain for larger areas of the driveway.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Additionally, you could include fireline, firepots, high-end water features, sculptures, and other accessories, such as a koi pond, immaculate lighting, and high-end planting.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

You live in Emirates Hills, Dubai hills and are building a villa for many years to come using high-end materials. You love to entertain and want to utilize your villa to entertain friends, family, and business associates. It’s your own personal resort!

Plan Your Features

As you start to plan your landscape design, take a moment to consider all of the features you want in your backyard. If you don’t plan your features these items can add up quickly. Not to mention, you need to make sure you have space in your landscape design for all of the items you wish to incorporate.

Water features, swimming pools, lighting features, planting, living walls, and automated irrigation systems work together to create a stunning and functional landscape design. As you think about the features you desire, be sure to consider your existing landscape features and plant life.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Plan enough numbers of seating and how you wish to spend your time in the garden.

Phasing Your Project

Due to the arid nature of the UAE, villa owners should at minimum cover their soil with artificial grass, pebbles, or even a minimal landscape. This will allow you to develop your landscape in the future as your budget permits.

If you are working with a limited budget, we suggest breaking your project into various phases.

• Phase 1 – Generally, this first phase includes completing all groundwork required for your landscape design project. During this phase, all civil works including excavation, ground clearing, removing of debris, concrete works, tiling and paving of pathways should be completed.

Additionally, all wiring, irrigation, plumbing, electrical, and digging (i.e. a pool), will also be developed during phase one. During this phase, your design team will remove all salty soil and replace it with sweet soil, which is optimal for planting and grassing lush lawns.

• Phase 2 – During the second phase, you will start to build your landscape spaces. During this phase, you will build your outdoor kitchen, backyard barbecue, concrete seating areas, wooden embellishments, customized furniture, and customized dining areas.

• Phase 3 – During this last phase, your design team will focus on the finishing touches of your landscape design. Depending on your needs, this may include sculptures, wall arts, feature walls, works of art, pottery, firepots, swing, special outdoor furniture, and other decorative accents.

It’s important to note that there is always a loss when you complete your project in phases. Typically, phased work requires one thing or another being redone or uprooted. Additionally, as the landscape ages between phases, more and more work will arise.

For those starting with a minimal budget, we would recommend starting with artificial grass, pebbles and plants and irrigation as it can be easily used at a later date. Grass can be removed and used and pebbles reused. Taking plants into consideration, you can plant tall trees and tall bushes and plant short bushes and ground covers later.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Create a Master Plan

Plan your entire space. A Master Plan will make your phasing easier in the future, as your designer will have a general understanding of what you envision once all of the work has been completed. Phasing your landscape design in a planned way will help to curtail your losses in the end.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Milestone Landscaping

Entertaining your family, friends, and colleagues from the comforts of your backyard provides homeowners with an exciting opportunity to create the ultimate backyard party. However, when you plan ahead you can create your dream space well within your determined budget.

If you are considering transforming your landscape, contact the design experts at Milestone. Whether you know what you want or need a little inspiration, our team is here to help.

The post How to Budget Your Landscape Design appeared first on Milestone.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Your backyard is the perfect place to throw a party. Whether you plan on throwing an intimate dinner party for a few close friends, or a large party for your colleagues and business associates, building your landscape for the ultimate backyard party is fun and exciting.

As the Founder and CEO of Milestone, I have compiled a few of my favorite landscape design tips for building the ultimate backyard party.

Plan Your Garden for Entertaining

Properly planned seating is essential to the success of any party. I always start my backyard design process by taking into account how many guests mt client will be entertaining on a recurring basis.

For example, are you planning on hosting more intimate events with 10-15 people, or will you be throwing larger events with 30-100 people? To accommodate your guests, you must consider where they will sit and relax during your event.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

As you look around your landscape space, consider where you can incorporate seating areas. Depending on your needs, you can add seating near the dining area, bar area, outdoor kitchen or barbeque, or near the pool. Adding seating across all of these areas will really help your party to come alive.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Water, Fire, and Feature Walls to Create the Ultimate Backyard Party Space

There are few things in life I enjoy more than the soothing sounds of water. Water is the perfect way to create a relaxing and tranquil tone for your ultimate backyard party. Water features, such as fountains and water walls, create a peaceful ambiance for your backyard party while helping guests to unwind and rejuvenate.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

In adding a custom water feature to your backyard landscape design, you don’t need to have any other decorative decor’ (unless you want to). A water feature combined with a fire feature will also work wonders for setting the tone for your backyard landscape design.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Firewalls, living walls, and other feature walls create an awe-inspiring backdrop for your backyard party. Not only do they look amazing, but they also serve as a great conversation starter for your party guests!

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Light it Up

Lighting is a very important aspect for any backyard party. This is particularly true if you are hosting evening events. When you plan an efficient lighting scheme into your landscape design, you will not require additional lighting for future backyard parties. Not to mention, if you have to rely on your floodlights for evening events it will really spoil the mood of the party.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Mood lighting is not only effective for creating an ambiance, but it also serves to light up pathways during evening parties. If you plan on hosting backyard parties you will need to add mood lighting, feature lighting, functional lighting, and spotlighting. Cohesively, these lighting elements will work together to create a successful backyard party.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Plan Your Entertainment Area

When I throw a backyard party, I don’t simply want to host – I want to entertain! Consider where you plan on hosting and entertaining in your backyard space. Will you be entertaining in a seating area under your Pergola, next to your bar area, or around the outdoor dining area?

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Once you determine where you will entertain, you want to ensure you add comfortable seating with pillows to entice your guests to relax and unwind. On the other hand, you don’t want to add too much seating for your space. The last thing you want is for your guests to be hampered by excess furniture or cluttered pathways.

Decorative Accents

Another important aspect for successful backyard parties is accessories. Think of these accessories as the icing on the cake of your landscape design. From ornate sculptures and decorative accents to living walls or a swing with plants, these accessories will place the finishing touch on your landscape design.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Milestone Dubai

Entertaining your family, friends, and colleagues from the comforts of your backyard provides homeowners with an exciting opportunity to create the ultimate backyard party. From smaller intimate gatherings to large corporate events, if you stick to my design tips you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate landscape design for successful entertaining.

If you are considering designing your backyard for the ultimate party, contact the design experts at Milestone. Whether you know what you want or need a little inspiration, my design team and I are here to help.

The post Designing Your Landscape for the Ultimate Backyard Party appeared first on Milestone.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Whether you are thinking about selling your home or want to create a more functional space, take a good look at your landscape design. Not only will a thoughtfully planned landscape design increase the value of your home, but it will also enhance your lifestyle with a functional outdoor space.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Here are a few of our favorite landscape design tips to set you on the path to enhancing your landscape and garden.

Ageless Landscape Design Ideas

When it comes to landscape design, there is no great loss for yearly trends. However, trends come and go. Not only will themed gardens lose their charm over time, but they may not appeal to the next person who buys the property.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

As you consider your landscape design, think about what will work for you now and long into the future. Consider ageless designs that will remain functional and aesthetically appealing 10-15 years down the road.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Design your hardscapes in neutrally colored materials, injecting coloured with your greenery and flowering plants. Creating a simple and elegant usable design will help to increase the value of your home and appeal to a wider range of potential buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Create Designated Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces provide a place for you to connect with nature while spending time with family and friends. It’s essential to design outdoor spaces that meet the needs of your lifestyle. However, keep in mind what would appeal to potential buyers.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Think of what you enjoy outdoors. Is it reading? Regardless of how large or small your backyard is, you can create distinct spaces for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. From outdoor kitchens and barbeques to designated seating areas and play areas, the right design will make the most of your space to enjoy long into the future.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Do you need a pool and a jacuzzi? Do you enjoy swimming? If the pool is not used, it only adds up to additional water bills and maintenance costs. It also takes away a large piece of land. So make it if you will use it regularly.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Shade Structures

As the temperatures increase throughout the year, you need to make sure you can enjoy your backyard even during the hot summer months. Custom made, high-quality shade structures will help to increase the value of your home.

Pergolas and gazebos not only create a designated space for your landscape design, they provide shade and relief from the heat and sun. Consider solid wooden or aluminum shade structures for outdoor kitchens, outdoor dining, barbeques, and seating areas. Not only will you enjoy these structures for years to come, but they will also appeal to future buyers.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Shade structures surely add a cozy feeling and allow lights, fan and music speakers to be used to create a nice corner. An elevation in design is of great use in lighting up adjoining grass areas and fill up a large empty space with light by using height to add directional spot lights.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Energy Efficient, Sustainable Design to Increase the Value of Your Home

Custom, energy-efficient, sustainable landscape lighting is an instant way to increase the value of your home. The latest advances in lighting technology and design allow all wiring to be placed underground, which significantly increases the aesthetics of your landscape design. Additionally, LED lighting options use less power, which equates to instant cost savings.

Image credits: Pinterest

You can also increase the value of your home with automatic irrigation systems. With smart water systems, the timers or controllers use technology to automatically adjust your watering schedule to your weather, plant, and soil conditions. Your plants will receive the water they need when they need it. Not to mention, you’ll save money on your water bill when they don’t need it!

Alternatively, artificial grass is a great alternative to live greenery. Not only does it looks natural, but it also greatly reduces your water bill.

Image credits: Pinterest

Keep it Simple

Like many other aspects in landscape design, less is more. Keep it simple and clean. The idea is to create a natural oasis to enjoy with your family and friends. If you stick to the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a landscape design that will increase the value of your home.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Use long lasting materials

Using outdoor porcelain tiles which is so close to natural stone and available in large sizes is a great choice for outdoors. It is now available with many suppliers including RAK Ceramics. Porcelain avoids quick weathering that happens in natural limestone, sandstone and travertine marble. Natural stone like brushed finish Travertine marble, Limestone, Sandstone, Flamed granite are always great so use them on entrance landing, steps and treads, small patio areas and use porcelain for a long lasting flooring option.

Image credits: Porcel-Thin

At Milestone, our team of designers will work with you to create your space home while increasing the value of your home. We take great pride in turning your visions into a reality to enjoy for years to come.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation. Need a little inspiration? We’d love for you to stop by our show villa. Either way, we look forward to working with you.

The post How to Increase the Value of Your Home with Landscape Design appeared first on Milestone.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

If you are looking for a way to increase the value of your home, enhancing your exterior lighting design is a great place to start! Exterior lighting will simultaneously enhance the curb appeal of your villa while adding value to your home. 

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

A well thought exterior lighting design will highlight the structural features of your home, to include pathways, water features, fire pits, herb garden, and more. Additionally, exterior lighting will help you define your exterior spaces, to include dining and seating areas.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Start with Underground Wiring

Completed during the preliminary design stages, you only have one chance to set the wiring. All of your wiring should be placed underground from the start of your project.

Underground wiring helps to preserve the natural beauty of your landscape design. Additionally, underground wiring will not be damaged by weather, wind, or other natural elements.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Together with your design team, you will determine the number of lights and number of circuits, as well as the load and placement of switches and automation. Correct planning of your exterior lighting will allow you and future owners to use your garden after the sun goes down. Most view at night is your own internal view as lakes and golf courses facing villas do not see them at all at night as they are not lit.

Light Up Your Garden & Increase the Value of Your Home

You’ve gone to great lengths to increase the value of your home with an extraordinary landscape design. However, your outdoor space is useless without proper lighting. Exterior lighting design will allow you and future owners to enjoy your backyard long after the sunsets.

Be sure to add light to highlight your landscape features, such as seating areas, bar and barbeque areas, and dining areas to enjoy these spaces under the stars. Use focus lights on water features and other garden features.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Lighting design can be used to turn your backyard into your personal resort. It can make your home look very glamorous, highlighting the architectural accents of your villa. Additionally, proper landscape lighting can enhance smaller gardens.

Highlight the View

Many people purchase properties for their stunning views. While you can use lighting to highlight your natural view, you can also create a view with exterior lighting! Using the proper lighting, homeowners can highlight their gazebos, pergolas, water features, sculptures, outdoor dining areas and much more. Feature trees like olive or palm trees are highlighted too.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

Additionally, you can use exterior lighting to create a mood and ambiance, while including functional lighting for paths and security.

Invest in Energy Efficient Lighting

Custom, energy-efficient, sustainable landscape lighting is an instant way to increase the value of your home. The latest advances in lighting technology and design allow all wiring to be placed underground, which significantly increases the aesthetics of your landscape design. Additionally, LED lighting options use less power, which equates to instant savings on your energy bill.

You can also increase the value of your home with automatic exterior lighting. With smart lighting systems, the timers or controllers use technology to automatically control your lighting. Your backyard will be illuminated based on your needs.

Image credits: MilestoneDubai

At Milestone, our team of designers will work with you to create your space home while increasing the value of your home. We take great pride in turning your visions into a reality to enjoy for years to come.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation. Need a little inspiration? We’d love for you to stop by our show villa. Either way, we look forward to working with you.

The post How to Increase the Value of Your Home with Exterior Lighting appeared first on Milestone.

If you live in an arid region where lush lawns are difficult to achieve, consider desert landscaping ideas with plant life and materials which work with your natural surroundings.

With a little help from the experts at Milestone, you can create a dynamic desert landscape design to turn your backyard into your personal oasis.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

Create a Focal Point

Regardless of the size of your space, you want to create a focal point to work around. Showcase your favorite plants in a place where they are most likely to be viewed.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

For example, you could position striking plants and large plant combinations to highlight your backyard entrance. You could also feature your plants around your pergola, gazebo, or outdoor dining area. Ultimately, place your plants where you’ll be able to enjoy them the most.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

The key to desert landscape design is to incorporate plants that offer multi-season interest. Examples of plants that work well in a desert environment include:

• A patch of Opuntia, also called a prickly pear cactus, offers seasonal color with flowers that bloom through spring.
• The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or China rose, flourishes in the sand with stunning red, or yellow flowers.  
• A stunning Adenium, commonly called a Desert Rose, will inject a bold splash of red to your landscape.
• A palm-tree like beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata) can inject a dramatic crowning touch to your outdoor space.

*For more plant ideas contact a Milestone landscape design expert.

Image credits: greensouq

Consider Scale

When it comes time to select your landscape elements, the shrubs, rocks, trees, and flowering plants in your yard should complement each other. This doesn’t necessarily mean every design element should be the exact same size. However, as you plan your desert landscape design, scale should be your guide.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

For example, a ring of shrubs positioned around larger desert grasses or flowering plants will create emphasis and density. Larger rocks and boulders can serve as walls or be used to define a specific space (i.e. a path or outdoor dining area).

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

Using a large Olive tree as a focal point in a raised planter box could prove very interesting. The thick trunk and form of the Olive tree is absolutely amazing.

Image credits: pinterest

Using a large tree of height 3 – 4 meters that is mature like, Cassia Fistula, Cassia Javanica, Bauhinia, Delonix Regia will create a great ambiance over time. Lighting up the tree with hanging bulbs will certainly create a feature!

Consider Your Colors

When it comes to desert landscape design, selecting the right colors is essential to creating a harmonious space. Colors should be introduced into your landscape design strategically.

Image credits: fernat

Warm yellow, purple, green and red succulents create excellent focal points in any backyard garden design.

Image credits: shelterness

Image credits: shelterness

Additionally, these versatile, drought-resistant plants can be potted or planted directly into the ground. You can even add them to a living wall for a pop of color.

Image credits: shelterness

Image credits: shelterness

You can also add color to your desert landscape design with natural rocks, or by incorporating colorful furniture and art into your design.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

Use of crushed or polished pebbles and planting fewer plants could enhance the desert theme further.

Desert Landscape Design with a Minimalist Twist

A few well-placed drought-resistant plants can do wonders for your landscape design. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning dry the term means literally dry landscape – xeriscaping is the art of combining minimalist vegetation with a simple, yet attractive natural foundations (usually pebbles or rocks). This intriguing landscape design form is a popular way to landscape backyards in arid regions.

Image credits: sjwater

However, just because you’re opting for minimal plantings, does not mean you can’t get creative! Consider including some unique rock formations, eclectic pottery, or a natural sculpture, such as a skull to create a creative, artistic appeal with intrigue.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai Project – Landscape Design & Transformation

If you prefer a desert landscape design with a bit more depth, consider adding a pond or custom water feature. A lovely pond, with a waterfall feature will help the water of the pond to circulate, and the mirror-like surface will reflect the stunning sunrises and sunsets for an added experience.

Image credits: kagushuuri

Here at Milestone, our design team wants you to love every inch of your backyard. We encourage you to visit our show villa or to contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

Together, we can transform your backyard into your personal oasis.

The post Desert Landscape Design – Tips to Transform Your Backyard appeared first on Milestone.

As the temperatures become more pleasant, we all look forward to enjoying more time outside. Adding the element of fire (fire pits) into your landscape design is a great way to add the finishing touch to your backyard design.

Not to mention, research indicates that the crackling sounds and sights of fire create a relaxation response that’s linked to an evolutionary adaptation dating back to early man!

Whether you are dining under the stars or simply looking to relax with family and friends, fire pit design is ideal for taking your backyard to the next level. Outdoor fire features come in many styles and sizes, and with a little help from the experts at Milestone, we can create the perfect fire pit, fire pot or fireline to light up your backyard entertaining.

Image credits: lifestylefengshui

Fire as a Feng Shui element is often used to enhance fame areas.

Modern Fire Pit Design

A modern outdoor firepit design works in any setting. A classic concrete or stone pit is designed to keep your fire contained safely while providing a focal point for entertaining.

Image credits: trendir

A ready-made fire pit with a table is also widely used. These are available in La Veranda Home&Garden in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. This table acts as a fire pit when in use and otherwise can be used as a coffee table.

Image credits: familyleisure

If possible, consider placing your fire pit design in a nook or corner of your backyard. Add the right furniture and a few small tables for guests to place their drinks, and you’ve created a beautiful little space for entertaining.

Image credits: helena-source

Fire pits are often used in sunken seating areas or in the middle of the seating whilst you entertain.

Create a Separate Space

If you love to entertain in your backyard, creating a separate space for your firepit is a great way to keep things cozy and intimate.

Image credits: Milestone Dubai – Proposed Landscape Plan in Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

For example, a fire pit on a separate patio or under you pergola creates a space designed for relaxing around the fire. This space allows your guests to connect with one another in an area designated for relaxation and entertaining.

Sunken seating Fire Pot

When it comes to your fire pot or fire line design, get creative and think outside of the box. In fact, it’s not uncommon for an outdoor fire pit or firewall to be set into the ground.

Image credits: homebnc

If your space allows it, consider creating a drop-down deck with a seating area around the fireplace. Here you can feature a traditional above-ground fire table, or design a unique fire pot directly in the ground.

Image credits: homebnc

Enhance the View with Fire Pit Design

Typically, outdoor fire pit or fire line design focuses on creating a focal point around the fire table so that everyone feels like they’re part of the group. However, you may have an amazing view in your backyard. Not to fret, you can use your fire pot design to take your view to the next level of breath talking.

Image credits: beeyoutifullife

A semi-circle outdoor fireplace is perfect for highlighting a great view or skyline at dusk. With the right seating arrangement, guests can enjoy the entrancing flicker of the flames as the temperatures begin to dip after sunset.

Image credits: homebnc

Fire on the Floor

Again, try to think outside of the lanes of traditional fire pits. Instead, consider a fire line design that sits right into the floor of your sunken area. Just be sure to keep your seating area a safe distance from the open flames.

Image credits: beechwoodlandscape.blogspot

Having the firepit set directly into the ground is a creative idea and a unique way to add an intimate focal point to your space.

Fire and Water

An outdoor fire feature is the perfect element to accent your pool. While most gas fire tables use gray or black rocks in their design, you can add beautiful blue rocks to balance the color of the pool water.

Image credits: homebnc

Our design experts can also incorporate elements of water in the space where you design your fire feature. Whether it’s a lovely pond, custom water feature, or soothing water wall, combining the elements of fire and water create an amazing aesthetic.

Add a Flaming Backdrop

An outdoor fireplace doesn’t necessarily need to be the focal point of your backyard space. Rather than gathering around your firepit, consider a firewall in the backdrop.

Image credits: whipplerussell

As the fire burns quietly, it will create a relaxing mood while simultaneously keeping the focus on family and friends.

Sophisticated Planika Fire Pots

A sleek black planika fire pit, commonly referred to as a fire table, is sure to add a level of sophistication to your backyard. Crafted to contain the fire, the surrounding area also reflects the light from the fire, creating a stunning ambiance.

Image credits: homebnc

A ready-made planika fire pot is a unique outdoor fire feature that is sure to lighten up your garden and landscape design. These modern fireplaces provide a unique element of fire to highlight your outdoor seating area to create the perfect space for outdoor entertaining.

Milestone Interior and Landscape Designs

Regardless of the size of your backyard, a custom fire pit, fire line, or readymade planika fire pot is guaranteed to enhance your space, improve your entertaining area, and keep the conversation going after sundown.

Image credits: Milestone project – Landscape Design & Transformation

Here at Milestone, our design team wants you to feel comfortable in your home. We encourage you to visit our show villa or to contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

The post Enhance Your Backyard with Fire Pits, Fire Pots, and Fire Lines appeared first on Milestone.

In pergola design plans, a pergola forms a shaded area, a passage, sitting areas, or a walkway on vertical posts, which support horizontal beams that can be accented with garden plants or with wood shades.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Whether freestanding or built off an existing structure, pergolas provide an exceptional way to add structure, shape, function, and beauty to your yard. Additionally, these pergola design ideas offer helpful tips and tricks of the trade to enhance your outdoor space.

Work with Your Existing Landscape

When considering your pergola design, take a good look at your existing landscape design. Oftentimes, there’s a natural spot in your backyard for a pergola. However, don’t let your existing landscape elements deter you from adding a pergola to your yard.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

The flexibility of pergola design enables modifications to best fit your needs and requirements. For example, an existing tree provides natural shade.

Image credit: diynetwork

The versatility of pergola design allows for a pergola’s roof to be built around an existing tree (when necessary).

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Alternatively, if you’re short on square footage, you can build your pergola off of an existing structure.

Pergola Design as a Transition

Some pergola designs inject both a decorative and functional design for your space. For example, when you build off of your existing villa, you can accentuate the architectural design elements of your home.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Consider adding textural materials on the exterior repeat of your pergola design to offers a welcoming, softening the transition between your villa and deck areas. You can also design your pergola transition between spaces in your landscape (i.e., between your pool area and outside living area, etc.).

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Pergolas are also a great way to ease the transition from your home to other hardscape amenities, such as a pool and outdoor kitchen. Depending on your space, you can set the pergola’s roof boards as needed to shield the sun.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Create a Designated Space

While a pergola can be designed to stand alone, it also works well with other outdoor structures, such as a deck or patio. Depending on where you place your pergola, it can also help designate the various zones in your yard, such as a seating area or walkway.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Cramped for space? Not to worry. Even a small pergola design can help to accent a home’s patio, providing an intriguing backdrop, while creating the feeling of a separate space. Regardless of the size, a pergola is ideal for an outdoor seating area, dining area, or even by your pool.

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Pergolas are a natural fit and integrate well with other outdoor living amenities. Depending on your pergola design, the large beams of can blend with the bulky structure of the stucco fireplace.

Image credit: homesthetics

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Create a Focal Point

A pergola is versatile. You can design your pergola in a range of structures. Whether you want to create a charming and cheerful seating structure, add a focal point to your garden, or draw attention to a specific area of your yard – the right pergola design will help!

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

Although space and budget play a role in your pergola design, in general, the “rules” of pergola design are adaptable. For example, you can play with multiple heights in a pergola’s ceiling to add visual interest or add columns to create a more formal look. The choices are limitless!

Image credit: Milestone Project – Landscape Design and Transformation

When designing a pergola, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Start today by contacting a member of the Milestone design to discuss your pergola design needs.  

The post Pergola Design Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Landscape Design appeared first on Milestone.