How to Achieve a Modern Landscaping Design Style
What is modern landscape design and how can you achieve this style in your own landscape? First, let’s look at where the aesthetic of the modern landscaping design style came from. We really need to look no further than the modern design movement of the early to mid 20th century (think of the architectural style of masters, like Frank Lloyd Wright). The industrial age, where there was less focus on natural materials and designs incorporated more manufactured products, along with using more concrete, glass and steel found its way into landscape design as well.
Characteristics of Modern Landscape Design Style
Any landscaping style is a combination of function, design, and materials. In this style, the function of the landscape is typically to complement the modern architecture of the home. The function of the landscape in the modern design style seeks to redefine how outdoor spaces are used. Rather than spaces to be cultivated and maintained, the outdoor areas are seen more as aesthetically pleasing spots to visit.
As for design elements, rather than riots of color, you will see simple structural elements, panels of perfect lawns, tightly sheared shrubs and large swaths of ground cover. The modern landscape design style appears as minimalistic, with an emphasis on structure and simplicity. Main features in the modern landscape style are clean lines, natural colors and balance of scale and symmetry. The materials used in the modern landscape design style may include manufactured items, like concrete pavers or walkways, glass and steel for elements like fire pits, fencing, and containers.
Plantings to Use in Modern Landscape Design
- Columnar trees & evergreens, like arborvitae, columnar hornbeam
- Tight, clean looking shrubs, such as boxwood
- Foliage perennials and groundcover
Hardscapes Found in Modern Landscape Design
- Straight, clean lines
- Manufactured materials, including concrete, glass, and steel
- Natural, muted colors
Using these elements in your landscape design can bring a touch of the Modern Style to your yard. See how we transformed a traditional aesthetic to a modern style with this before and after case study.
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