Modern landscape design is super chic and…well, modern. People love it for its simplicity, clean lines, and easy maintenance. Additionally, these yards are timeless while still being fresh.
But what qualifies a landscape as a modern design? To find out, check out these 10 modern landscape design elements.
1. Clean Lines
Edging is a big part of modern landscape designs. Manicured lawns are perfectly edged with no-nonsense walkways ordered in straight lines. Often, the grass is accented with rectangular concrete slabs that serve as a path.
Furthermore, the edging doesn’t curve softly around garden beds. Instead, everything is laid out with sharp lines, defined edges, and square or rectangular corners. As a result, these landscapes appear less natural but still aesthetically pleasing with intentional detail.
Though, the notable exception is that these landscapes do include circles and spheres in the design. However, these shapes will still have symmetrical and sharp definition and not appear soft as described in the next section.
2. Recognizable Shapes
In addition to the clean lines, modern landscape design includes defined shapes throughout.
But don’t look for wavy, freeform designs because they aren’t there. Those belong in a woodland design. Strong shapes in modern landscaping are hard triangles, rectangles, squares, and other recognizable geometric shapes.
Spheres are useful as an accent to all those corners. Gazing balls are made of glass and set on a pedestal or on the ground throughout the outdoor space. On the other hand, if durability is a concern, spheres made of metal or concrete are also popular focal points.
3. Mixed Types of Hardscape
Hardscapes are a big deal in modern landscape design, but using one material and texture across the entire yard is uncommon. Instead, hardscapes are mixed to create dimension, visual interest, and a very low-maintenance yard.
For example, lines of river rock or pebbles and concrete slabs form a dynamic grid that doubles as a patio. Mexican beach pebbles are great for this purpose. They are recognizable for their charcoal gray color and tumbled edges.
4. Simplified Color Scheme
Though a pop of color may appear here and there, typically modern landscapes use a neutral color scheme. Generally, gray or earth-toned colors dominate.
A thoughtful design will incorporate a color scheme that complements the house. When choosing the palette, consider other colors like the roof, fence, existing hardscape, and the home’s paint color.
5. Wood
Of course, too much gray is boring and makes the space feel cold and unwelcoming. Modern designs often incorporate wooden structures such as decks or gazebos to warm up the space as well as add much-needed contrast.
However, choose wooden elements carefully because the wrong ones create a maintenance nightmare. Wood is prone to rotting, warping, and even attracting insects.
Cedar and redwood are famous for aging gracefully. Conversely, there are manufactured composite and artificial materials designed to last decades.
6. Shrubs
Shrubs in the modern landscape are strong in structure and low maintenance. The messy look doesn’t work here. Instead, prune precisely for shape.
For less maintenance, choose slow-growing, globe-shaped evergreens. These wonderful plants look great between trims and won’t overgrow the rest of the landscaping.
7. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are common in this type of landscape. Their strong vertical lines add visual interest and contrast while serving a variety of purposes.
For example, they take the edge off hard corners, add decoration between hardscape textures, and aid the eye when transitioning from one element to another.
8. Furniture and Seating
The style of the furniture is important to complement a modern landscape design. Favorite materials include metal, concrete, or wood. For built in seating, concrete is a long-lasting option.
But for furniture that is moved around as needed, wood and metal the better choice. To cultivate a modern style, look for furniture with unembellished, squared legs. Wavy, organic lines or elaborate Victorian style will be out of place.
9. No Exposed Dirt
Dirt has no place in the modern landscape. Shrub and grass beds are covered with decomposed granite or gravel. The results are a unified color scheme and a finished look.
Plants are thoughtfully organized, planted, and then top-dressed to hide the soil underneath. To replace a plant, a tarp is useful to avoid getting dirt everywhere.
10. Maintenance Is Minimal
Low maintenance is key when designing a modern landscape. The lawn (which requires a lot of maintenance) is minimized or eliminated and the beds are outfitted with a sprinkler system.
Even so, only low-maintenance plants have a place in the modern design to keep it simple, yet elegant, with minimal work. Perennials are chosen over annuals for fewer installations. Likewise, flowering plants that require deadheading and pruning are avoided.
Got a Project in Mind?
Here at Atlanta Turf & Tree, we take immense pride in building beautiful, lasting landscapes that double as living art. We have over 35 years of combined experience in the industry and understand the challenges unique to Georgia landscapes. Contact our landscaping services experts to get going on your project!
