Colors modify spaces, guide the eye, hold attention, bring situations to the fore or tactfully make them disappear into the background.
Colors can visually enlarge or reduce space, create a warm or refreshing atmosphere, and direct the eye to specific elements.
For example, light colors give an impression of open space, while dark colors can bring a sense of intimacy.
Combining bright colors with natural elements such as stone, recycled materials, wood and metal creates interesting visual contrasts.
For a calm, soothing ambience, favor harmonious color combinations, using similar hues or different shades of the same color.
If you prefer a strong, dynamic visual impact, opt for bold contrasts between complementary colors.
Be sure to balance warm and cool colors in your garden.
The judicious use of light and dark tones can also create visual harmony.
Create a pastel flower bed by mixing pale pinks, lavenders and soft blues.
For a garden with Mediterranean influences, opt for warm, vibrant colors such as red, orange and yellow.
In a contemporary garden, play with bold color combinations, for example, combine bright red flowers with stainless steel elements and dark green foliage for a modern, striking contrast.
For a green, harmonious space that's close to nature, colors are mainly represented by shades of green in plants, foliage and grasses.
Opt for a diversity of hardy native plants, such as ornamental grasses, ferns, hostas and perennials.