Why Landscape Design Should Feel Exciting, Not Intimidating!

If you have ever felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought of redesigning your home or garden, you are not alone. Many homeowners hesitate to start a design project because it seems like a big, mysterious process full of jargon, endless choices, and the fear of getting it wrong. But here is the truth: great design does not have to be intimidating it can (and should) be an enjoyable collaboration that brings your vision to life.

The best design projects do not begin with a mood board they begin with a conversation. As designers, our job is to listen first, to your needs, your routines, what inspires you, and what simply is not working in your current space. Whether it is creating a cozy living room that actually fits the way your family lives or reimagining your backyard for entertaining, good design is personal. You do not need to speak in “design language” you just need to share your story.

Many people think hiring a designer means handing over control. In reality, it is about partnership. A designer’s role is to guide, not dictate, translating your ideas into spaces that feel authentic and functional. From materials and layouts to lighting and flow, every choice is made with your lifestyle in mind. The best part? You do not have to have all the answers. That is what we’re here for!

Don’t Be Afraid of “Custom” or “Designer”

For many homeowners, words like custom or designer immediately translate to expensive, but that is a myth worth letting go of. Custom does not mean costly; it means crafted for you. It means your home or landscape is not pulled from a catalog, but is a reflection of your personality, story, and lifestyle. Custom should be an exciting word, full of possibility. It means you are getting something that fits you perfectly, not something you have to settle for.

Hiring a designer is not about adding unnecessary costs it’s about adding expertise, organization, and creativity to ensure your project runs smoothly. I often think of myself as an organizer, not just of your thoughts and style, but of your space and process. Designers are your partners, helping you make confident decisions, managing installation, and ensuring quality control every step of the way.

Recently, I worked with a client who wanted to remodel their bathroom. They had received a quote from a “seen at the state fair” company the kind that promises quick results but comes with jaw-dropping prices. Their quote covered only the shower, not the entire space. We took their bathroom down to the studs and designed a completely custom bathroom for less than what that company wanted for the shower alone.

Another client faced an HOA mandate to landscape their front yard. The initial quote from a “landscaper” included only the bare minimum uninspired plants and a high price tag. We guided them through a full design process and created a stunning, custom landscape filled with native and adaptive plants. It not only met HOA requirements but transformed the entire yard into something vibrant and personal.

Design Should Feel Like Discovery

At its heart, design is about possibility the joy of imagining how your home or garden could look and feel, then watching that vision come to life. Once you realize it is not about perfection, but about creating spaces that reflect you, the fear melts away. What’s left is excitement and maybe a little bit of wonder.

To recap: Custom is a great word, designers are your friends, and Rooted In is ready to help you bring your next project to life! Click HERE to learn more.