Meet the Expert
What Is Modern Landscape Design?
Modern landscape design is predicated on simplicity and clean lines.
Thus, modern landscape design seeks to bridge a natural connection with architecture.
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It is aminimalist designapproachthinkmidcentury modernsleekness meets the great outdoors.
Another way to understand modern landscape design is to compare it with more traditional landscaping.
Modern design is about restraint and intentionality.
Clayton recommends greens, grays, and maybe some blues since they blend well with the environment.
Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, agrees.
Play into the natural environment rather than offering a burst of bright color, he says.
Many designers and their clients opt for varying shades of gray.
One way to keep a muted color palette is to lean into hardscaping.
The colors feel muted and harken to the natural environment at the same time.
Or they provide the eye with a focal point, Singleton adds.
A deep burgundy Japanese maple or a large structural agave would work perfectly.
The plants should also require less maintenance overall.
Think ornamental grasses, structured shrubs, and native plants that require less upkeep, Singleton says.
Other common plant choices for modern landscapes include succulents or bamboo, Raboine says.
Symmetry
Just as minimalism and clean lines reign supreme in modern landscaping design, so does symmetry.
For example,decorative hedgesor well-groomed shrubs running parallel to each other is one way to create symmetry.
Another way is incorporating geometric shapes, adding to that clean, orderly feel, says Clayton.
it’s possible for you to easily achieve this through careful hardscape choices.
Using porcelain pavers to create a symmetrical walkway is also a popular design choice, Raboine says.
