Best Landscape Designs of 2022

Our Five Favorite Landscape Designs of 2022

The start of a new year is unique. It is a time of both reflection and anticipation. We look back on the year that has passed, treasure the good moments, reflect on the challenges, and acknowledge our successes. We look ahead and set intentions for how to continue growing, pursuing goals, and strengthening ourselves in the year to come. In that spirit, here at Ventures we are reflecting on last year’s designs and choosing our five favorites. I sat down with our landscape designer, Jake, three design consultants, Amity, Brandon, and Justin, and project manager Loch to discuss the designs they’re most proud of from 2022 and most excited to build in 2023. Some chose a project that challenged them to overcome tight constraints, others a design that paid homage to the existing home’s unique architecture, or strived to preserve the natural landscape and ecosystem it was a part of. There was one thing that every team member had in common, however; it was really hard to choose only one design! But here they are, each is unique, and beautiful and fills us with excitement and anticipation for the year ahead.

Amity’s pick: Stonevalley Bluff

Clarkston, MI

Amity chose Stonevalley Bluff as her favorite design of 2022 because of how beautifully the design complements the architectural style of the home and neighborhood. “Implementing soft curves throughout the design balances out the squares and peaks of the back of the house.” says Amity “The spaces around the pool and back patio are designed for entertaining. They all flow together seamlessly, from the outdoor kitchen and bar to the pool, spa, and lounge.” The unique curving footprint of the patio, along with the inlay sections of grass-blocked pavers, give the hardscape an organic feel. It’s reminiscent of a provincial village, yet clearly contemporary.

Brandon’s pick: Bay Shore

Suttons Bay, MI

Brandon’s pick is Bay Shore. “This design is for a home near Traverse City. It was important to the client and to us, to preserve the natural beauty of the land. A lot of people think of an outdoor living space and immediately imagine building over the land with large decks, patios, and hardscapes. That’s not what we wanted here.” Brandon explains. “The intent of any outdoor living space is for it to be enjoyed effortlessly; function is as important as aesthetic. In Bay shore the design is visually striking, it accentuates the surrounding property rather than covering it and makes enjoying the outdoors comfortable and effortless.” These results are achieved by incorporating pristinely manicured lawns and landscape beds throughout the hardscape. Clean lines and perfect symmetry assure the design feels intentional and elevated. With a massive overall footprint, the hardscaping covers only a small fraction of the outdoor living space, leaving the rest rain permeable and eco-friendly.

Jake’s pick: Trailwood

South Lyon, MI

For our designer Jake, there’s nothing like overcoming a challenge. His favorite designs from 2022 are actually a pair in the same neighborhood. The Trailwood designs were uniquely challenging because of the properti’s tight spacial constraints. With houses set far back on the property, fitting all the desired elements into a narrow space was a real challenge. “These jobs are my favorite from last year because the whole team contributed ideas to create them.” says Jake “Incorporating all the desired elements with such strict spacial constraints was a real challenge. But the end results are meaningful, dynamic, and functional.”

Both designs feel spacious and incredibly luxurious despite the constraints. Beautifully incorporate fire and water elements bring the ambiance of a luxury resort to these homeowners’ backyards. We completed construction on the first of the Trailwood projects in 2022 and are excited to break ground on the second this year.

Outdoor Entertainment Space ,South Lyon, MI

Justin’s pick: Potomac

Northville, MI

Potomac is Justin’s favorite design of 2022. “With the steep slope in the backyard, we had to get a little creative. I love all the different elevations from the walkway, to the pool deck, down past the pool’s elevated exposed beam to the lawn.” Justin explains “This design creates a very usable and functional backyard. There are multiple areas for people to hang out whether it's up on the deck or around the pool and I love the linear lines within this design. It keeps it cohesive with the house and makes for a very clean look.”

Loch’s pick: Hammond Court

Bloomfield Hills, MI

After struggling to decide between several top contenders, Loch finally settled on Hammond Court as his favorite design of 2022. “I love how the really modern design blends with the natural setting of the wooded backyard,” says Loch. “The two may seem at odds but Jake’s use of landscape beds throughout the multi-tier design melds the two together. I also love how the multi-level design creates an elevated view of the rear yard.”