Tropical plants, serene settings, and tropical designs; sound like a vacation? Well, it doesn’t have to be. That’s because there are plenty of things you can do to your own garden to make it feel like an exotic escape year-round.

At State of Art Landscaping, we understand how important it is to have a unique outdoor space. That’s why we’re here with our most impactful design tips that will make your garden feel like a beachside resort.

Tropical Plants

The most obvious way to transform any outdoor area from ‘basic’ to ‘exotic’ is to use tropical plants. Of course, these plants will need to be able to survive in the climate and soil type you live in so just be sure to double-check that the ones you are interested in will be able to thrive.

Some examples of plants to add are Tropical Hibiscus, Majesty Palm’s, black-eyed Susan Vine, or Red Dipladenia. Alternatively, try potting tropical-looking plants (especially palms) which can add quite an ‘exotic’ statement. But, just be sure to bring them back inside before the first frost as they are likely not to survive it.

Use Plenty of Linens

Another trick to making an area appear more ‘exotic’ is to use plenty of linens in the space. For example, it can be something as simple as hanging curtains from a pergola to give it a beachy cabana feel.

Also, consider placing a rug under a table, or on the patio, to make the space appear more welcoming. Depending on the look you want to achieve for the space, consider adding a pop of color with a bright yellow, blue, or orange one. Or, opt for a more calming effect by choosing something softer like gray or cream.

Regardless of what you decide, all of these linen features will need to be UV-resistant and specifically made for the outdoors to avoid getting stained or damaged.

Just be sure to have plenty of pillows and cushions on all the furniture so that sitting outside is comfortable.

Use Natural Materials

Whether you’re looking to add a table, pergola, waterfall, or other backyard addition you should use natural materials to achieve an exotic look. That’s because materials such as wood and stone will give off a more natural and earthier feel as opposed to man-made ones which tend to come off as ‘modern’.

Consider Adding a Bar

Every exotic vacation resort has a bar nearby, and your backyard escape should be no different. For those with more space, consider adding an outdoor entertainment area, complete with a prep kitchen. This will be great for entertaining guests without having to run back and forth from the house.

For those with smaller spaces, you can still achieve this by adding a bar cart or cabinet and stocking it with all of the essentials.

Water Features

Another idea that really brings out a tropical feel is running water. Hearing the sound of a fountain or water nearby is a great way to make the space feel secluded and serene. To achieve this, consider adding a small waterfall. This can be done as an addition to an existing pool, as a wall feature, or simply as a stand-alone device.

Whatever you decide, there are water features available in all styles, sizes, and price points. So you are guaranteed to find something that will fit your design dreams.

Add Impactful Lighting

Owners shouldn’t forget about lighting when it comes to creating the ideal exotic outdoor space. Lighting is important in creating a cozy and serene vibe that takes owners well into the night.

To make it tropical, consider using something unique like lanterns and string lights that bring a warm glow to a gathering area. Another idea is to add pot lights or lanterns to walkways to make getting around the space accessible. Finally, accent lights should be used to show off features like waterfalls or plant beds.

However, you will want to avoid any overly bright lights or sleek features as they can come off as ‘modern’.

Ultimately, regardless of what you decide to put in the space, creating an exotic escape is possible. If you’re unsure how your space will look, get in touch with one of us at State of the Art Landscaping. We work with owners to truly understand their needs and can come up with a plan to achieve the backyard of your dream.

See how we can help by calling 703-421-3666 or emailing admin@stateoftheartlandscape.com.