In the world of luxury garden design, colour plays a quiet yet powerful role. While bold floral displays and vibrant planting schemes have long captured attention, a more refined movement is emerging, one which is defined by soft, sophisticated tones that whisper rather than shout. Known as Kusumi colours, this trending palette of muted, powdery hues is shaping the way designers and homeowners envision the modern outdoor space.

Origins of Kusumi

The term Kusumi comes from Japanese design, describing colours that are slightly subdued, dusty, pale, and delicate. These tones have long been admired in traditional Japanese art and textiles, where restraint and harmony are prized above excess. Translating this aesthetic into garden design, Kusumi colours evoke a sense of calm luxury, where every shade feels intentional and timeless. In a modern luxury garden, these colours translate into a palette that feels organic, balanced, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Typical Kusumi shades include:

• Dusty rose and muted terracotta
• Sage green, eucalyptus grey, and olive
• Smoky lavender, powder blue, and ash white
• Soft taupe, stone, and weathered clay

In an era where social media drives visual trends, the Kusumi palette offers a refreshing antidote to high-contrast, oversaturated imagery. The beauty lies in nuance – hues that change subtly with the light, creating depth and atmosphere in a way that feels effortlessly elegant.

Why the Kusumi colours garden trend is so popular

Today’s homeowners are increasingly drawn to outdoor spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and a sense of escape. The Kusumi palette embodies all of these qualities. It’s soothing, timeless, and incredibly adaptable, complementing both traditional and minimalist luxury garden design styles.

In luxury projects, designers often use Kusumi tones to:

• Create continuity between interior and exterior spaces, using similar colour palettes and materials for a seamless flow.
• Highlight texture, as stone, timber, and metal surfaces appear more refined when paired with understated tones.
• Enhance natural light, since soft colours reflect sunlight beautifully throughout the day, shifting gently from dawn to dusk.

There’s also a psychological appeal: in an overstimulated world, these calming hues provide visual rest. They bring a sense of mindful design – a space to breathe, think, and reconnect with nature.

How to achieve the Kusumi aesthetic in your garden

You don’t need a complete redesign to embrace this elegant garden trend – it’s about thoughtful choices and subtle layering going forward. Here’s how to introduce Kusumi tones into your own luxury garden design:

1. Planting Palette

Choose plants with muted foliage and delicate blooms rather than bold colours. Elegant options include:

• Eucalyptus gunnii – for silvery-blue leaves
• Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) – soft grey foliage with dusty purple flowers
• Pennisetum alopecuroides – feathery ornamental grass for texture
• Rosa ‘Koko Loko’ – dusky beige-pink blooms
• Salvia ‘Amistad’ – smoky violet tones
• Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ – intricate foliage with a subtle metallic sheen

These selections create depth without overpowering the senses — perfect for a modern luxury landscape.

2. Hard Landscaping

Opt for materials with natural patina and texture. Weathered stone, aged timber, and brushed metal surfaces harmonise with Kusumi tones beautifully. Avoid high-gloss finishes; instead, choose surfaces that age gracefully, enhancing the authenticity of your garden over time.

3. Accessories and Finishing Touches

Soft furnishings, outdoor ceramics, and lighting can all reflect the Kusumi palette. Use clay pots in soft taupe, linen cushions in dusty pink or sage, and warm brass lighting for a cohesive, tranquil atmosphere.

A timeless expression of luxury

Unlike fleeting fads, the Kusumi colours garden trend is more than a passing aesthetic, it’s a philosophy of design. It celebrates subtlety, balance, and craftsmanship, aligning perfectly with the values of luxury garden design.

By embracing these muted hues, your outdoor space becomes an extension of refined living; a garden that feels both modern and enduring, understated yet unforgettable.