How to perfect your property’s landscape design

A beautifully designed landscape offers more than a first impression—it welcomes you home.

When it comes to luxury homes in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, the right landscape design can be just as important as the home itself. A well-designed exterior space can dramatically elevate the appeal of a property, enhancing both its aesthetic and market value.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of thoughtful, high-end landscape design, from selecting the right professional to aligning with local regulations. Whether you’re starting afresh or refining an existing layout, these insights will help you create an outdoor space that complements your lifestyle and architectural vision.

HOW LANDSCAPE DESIGN CAN ENHANCE YOUR PROPERTY

In luxury real estate, a property’s value extends well beyond its architecture and interior design. The surrounding landscape is just as essential— an integral part of the home’s identity and experience. A professionally designed outdoor space not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also increases functionality and market value in meaningful ways:

1. Highlight the architecture of your home. Good landscape design creates visual tension that draws focus to unique architectural features. Strategic use of foliage, structure, and negative space can frame these elements— such as bold modern lines or sculptural forms— and enhance the property’s overall composition.

2. Increase curb appeal. A beautifully designed landscape offers more than a first impression—it welcomes you home. When a landscape feels thoughtfully composed, with well-maintained greenery and graceful proportions, it creates a sense of balance and pride. This harmony between the home and its surroundings not only pleases the eye but quietly communicates care and attention.

3. Maximize your property’s worth. Thoughtful landscape design not only highlights a property’s beauty, but also enhances how it’s lived in. Seamless indoor-outdoor integration extends living areas, while tailored layouts—whether for relaxation, dining, or entertaining—add usable square footage, tying everything into one harmonious experience.

Landscape design principles

No matter how elaborate a landscape design is, there are four basic principles that effective landscape designs follow:

1. Lines

   Lines are one of the most powerful tools in landscape design. They gently guide the viewer’s eye, creating structure and flow throughout the space. Straight lines lend formality, reminiscent of formal English-style gardens, while curved lines evoke a sense of natural movement, making them ideal for relaxed, woodland-inspired settings.

   Vertical and horizontal lines help create visual illusions. The former draws the eye upward, helping spaces look bigger. Meanwhile, the latter helps define zones and establish visual balance. When used all together, lines help you tell a visual story, directing attention, framing views, and enhancing spatial flow.

2. Unity

   In landscape design, unity refers to the sense of cohesion that ties different elements together. A unifying theme— such as a drought-tolerant Mediterranean garden with decomposed pathways and bursts of bougainvillea— can anchor the design.

   Repetition and consistency also help establish and reinforce unity, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be identical. For instance, a mix of native California plants (fragrant sages, sculptural agaves, and soft grasses) can feel far more dynamic than a row of identical shrubs while still maintaining a harmonious aesthetic.

3. Color

   In high-end Beverly Hills lawn care, color is not just decorative; it’s a design element used to elevate the entire experience. Moreover, color is one of the first things people notice in a garden, so landscape designers carefully select palettes based on the season, climate, regional styles, and personal preferences.

   How colors interact also shapes the atmosphere. Monochromatic schemes use variations of a single color for a harmonious, unified look. Analogous colors—those next to each other on the color wheel—maintain balance while adding subtle variety. Complementary colors, positioned opposite each other, create bold contrast and visual tension.

4. Proportion

   Proportion is about how the size of each element relates to the space and to other features around it. Well-proportioned landscapes feel intuitive and inviting, where nothing feels out of place or overwhelming.

   Designers use proportion to guide the eye and create comfortable, functional spaces. Large trees suit open spaces, while smaller features shine in more intimate areas. Repeating shapes, scaling elements appropriately, and maintaining balance ensures that every part of the landscape works together to create a welcoming whole.

The differing textures of gravel, natural stone, and grass create contrast in a landscape.

Types of landscapes

Luxury homes in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles often feature distinctive landscape styles tailored to architecture, climate, and personal taste. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular types found in Beverly Hills lawn care design:

1. Formal: Symmetry, geometry, and timeless plants define formal gardens. Manicured boxwoods, clipped privet, and layered hedges frame stone walkways and classical focal points. Seasonal displays of tulips, white roses, or camellias can be rotated for visual impact. These designs pair especially well with traditional estates.

2. Contemporary/modern: Modern gardens are clean, architectural, and low-maintenance. Think rectilinear layouts, water-wise plantings, and hardscape-forward designs. Structural plants such as blue glow agave, phormium, and feather reed grass are often used alongside poured concrete, steel edging, and dark gravel for contrast. This approach suits both the aesthetic sensibility and practical needs of Beverly Hills lawn care, especially with water-wise design becoming a priority.

3. Tropical: Ideal for shaded courtyards or poolscapes, tropical-inspired designs bring a sense of escape right to your doorstep. Use palms like the Mediterranean fan palm or queen palm alongside philodendron selloum, bird of paradise, and hibiscus for bold texture and colour. Proper irrigation and microclimate awareness make this style practical in LA.

4. Mediterranean: Drought-tolerant yet romantic, this classic style features olive trees, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and trailing lantana. Ground covers like creeping germander or dymondia add softness between natural stone pavers. Terracotta pots and gentle water features add a rustic, refined ambiance.

5. Naturalistic: Rooted in sustainability, naturalistic gardens celebrate native beauty. Incorporate manzanita, buckwheat, toyon, and California poppies. Gravel paths, unstructured plant groupings, and salvaged wood accents make these landscapes feel deeply personal, lived-in, and low-impact—especially relevant for conscientious Beverly Hills lawn care.

Essential elements of luxury landscaping

Luxury landscaping is defined by intention—every element serves a purpose, whether it’s to enhance beauty, improve function, or create a sense of retreat. These foundational features consistently distinguish exceptional outdoor spaces from the rest.

1. Water features add life, sound, and serenity to a landscape. Tranquil koi ponds, dramatic waterfalls, and infinity pools create focal points that draw the viewer’s eye. These offer a luxurious feel while masking noise and promoting a serene, resort-like atmosphere.

2. Outdoor living areas combine style and functionality to maximize your yard’s mileage. Gourmet outdoor kitchens, sitting areas surrounding fire pits, and shaded structures like pergolas and pavilions are perfect for entertaining guests.

3. Seamless indoor-outdoor connections create a sense of flow in your property, creating a harmonious transition and extending the living space. Large sliding doors, expansive windows, and open-air living areas blur the lines between the home’s interior and exterior, which can make your property feel larger and more open.

4. Lighting is a vital aspect of luxury landscape design that enhances an outdoor area’s ambiance, usability, and safety. Up-lighting for architectural focal points, path lighting, and underwater illumination transform outdoor spaces into stunning, functional environments after dark.

5. Premium materials and finishes are a hallmark of luxury landscape design. Natural stone pathways and hardwood flooring lend a touch of elegance to your yard while being sturdy enough to withstand the elements.

6. Privacy is an absolute must in the upscale neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Creative solutions such as tall hedges and mature trees can create natural cover from prying eyes, while water features like fountains create ambient noise without being intrusive.

Popular landscape design styles in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles

Home to some of the world’s most prestigious properties, Beverly Hills is a showcase for landscape design that blends architectural diversity with personal expression. While every garden tells its own story, a few key styles continue to define the luxury aesthetic in this region:

1. Modern

   Modern landscape design emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Expect geometric layouts, infinity-edge pools, fire features, and sleek materials like concrete and stone.

   Plant selections are structural and low-maintenance—agaves, ornamental grasses, clipped boxwoods, olive trees, and drought-tolerant succulents like echeveria, aloe, and sedum. Integrated lighting plays a major role, highlighting architectural lines and creating moody, sophisticated nighttime ambiance.

2. Mediterranean

   Timeless and well-suited to the Southern California climate, Mediterranean-inspired landscape design combines romance with resilience. Terracotta hardscapes, stone walls, ornate fountains, and layered greenery define the look.

   Drought-tolerant favorites, such as lavender, rosemary, Italian cypress, olive trees, and bougainvillea dominate these gardens. To add depth, incorporate groundcovers like creeping thyme or silver carpet and accent with wrought iron or glazed ceramics in warm, earthy tones.

   

   Drought-tolerant favorites such as lavender, rosemary, Italian cypress, olive trees, and bougainvillea dominate Mediterranean-style gardens

3. Modern Bohemian

   In a city as creative as Los Angeles, eclectic and bohemian garden designs have emerged as a popular choice among artists, designers, and anyone seeking a more relaxed kind of elegance. These gardens mix a variety of plants, outdoor furniture, and artistic features, creating a relaxed space that is airy and comfortable.

   Natural textures— rattan, reclaimed wood, raw linen— combine with casual plantings and personal accents like ceramic pots, mosaic tables, and hanging lanterns. PLants like lavender, sedum, California ferns, kangaroo paw, and trailing vines can be arranged in loose, layered groupings to evoke a lived-in, sun-drenched charm.

4. Xeriscape

   Given the region’s dry climate and evolving water regulations, xeriscaping has become both a design statement and a practical solution. This landscaping style emphasizes water efficiency without sacrificing beauty.

   Elements include gravel or decomposed granite paths, drip irrigation systems, and mulch to retain moisture. Plantings are selected for resilience and architectural form—aloe, agave, manzanita, red yucca, desert spoon, and purple sage are popular choices. When thoughtfully executed, a xeriscape garden delivers a clean, refined look aligned with the goals of modern Beverly Hills lawn care.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PERFECTING YOUR LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Designing an elegant outdoor space requires more than just great taste—it calls for thoughtful planning, expert insight, and attention to detail. In upscale neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, where curb appeal and long-term investment go hand in hand, high-end landscaping plays a vital role in enhancing your home’s value and everyday experience.

From selecting the right plants to mastering Beverly Hills lawn care, here are practical tips to help you achieve a landscape that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

1. Choose the right landscape designer

   The right landscape designer will not only bring your vision to life, but also ensure that the design complements your home’s architecture and lifestyle. So, look for someone with experience working on luxury homes in Beverly Hills, where regional styles and site-specific challenges require a high level of expertise.

   Review their portfolio, read client testimonials, and ask for references. Make sure they understand both aesthetic and logistical considerations— everything, from hardscape materials to water usage.

2. Know the local regulations

   Before you break ground, it’s essential to understand the zoning laws and permitting requirements in your area. Beverly Hills enforces strict landscaping regulations to maintain the character of their neighbourhoods. These may include rules around fence heights, retaining walls, plant selection, and the use of water features. Homeowners are encouraged to choose drought-tolerant plants and incorporate low-water gardening practices as part of the city’s broader sustainability goals.

3. Create a master plan

   A master plan is a detailed, long-term blueprint for your outdoor space, outlining the layout, materials, plantings, and hardscapes that will shape the design. Working with your designer to create a phased plan allows you to prioritize features based on your timeline and budget.

   A good master plan can also reduce long-term costs. Even if you are not ready to install certain features— like an outdoor kitchen or pool— it is wise to plan ahead by installing utilities (such as gas or electrical lines) in advance. This kind of foresight ensures future updates are seamless and cost-efficient.

4. Set a budget

   Setting a clear budget upfront helps guide design decisions and ensures you stay on track. Furthermore, it allows your designer to prioritize the elements that matter most and break the project into achievable stages if needed.

   In addition to the initial investment, consider long-term maintenance. Luxury landscapes often require ongoing care, including irrigation, seasonal planting, pruning, and lawn treatments. Lawn care in Beverly Hills in particular calls for expert attention, given the region’s water-use regulations and year-round growing season.

Designing an elegant outdoor space requires more than just great taste—it calls for thoughtful planning, expert insight, and attention to detail.

EXPLORE LUXURY REAL ESTATE WITH JOYCE REY

Perfecting your property’s landscape design is a key step in enhancing its beauty and functionality, especially in the exclusive real estate markets of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.

Discover the pinnacle of luxury living with me, Joyce Rey, the trusted name in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles real estate. Whether buying or selling, experience unmatched expertise, discretion, and global reach. Contact me at 310.291.6646 or send an email to begin your journey toward the most exceptional properties Beverly Hills has to offer.