The colors of stone, brick and paint determine what colors of leaf and flower will complement a house. Repeat some of the house colors in the plantings to create unity, and use contrasting colors where accent is desired. Entry gardens are usually most effective when the color scheme is kept simple and predominantly green. Use plants with brightly colored leaves only in limited quantity for emphasis. Although designers will differ in the relative importance that they assign to these design principles, they are all useful guidelines to follow in planning your landscape.
Simple designs are both easier to care for and often more visually pleasing.
Omit details that will not have a major impact on the landscape to keep it uncluttered. Limit the number of different paving and structural materials, types of plants, and colors in a landscape in order to get maximum impact from each. There should only be one striking specimen plant in most foundation plantings. More will confuse rather than direct attention. While simplicity is essential to good design, there should still be enough variation in form, texture and color to create interest.