Creative Ideas for Modern Landscape Design
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by: Allen Quay
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Word Count: 533
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 Time: 2:20 PM
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Contemporary garden styles combine natural beauty and functional outdoor space with unexpected materials and textures, creating a sophisticated, unique look that works well with any property. Modern landscaping is the perfect choice for small yards and unusual homes - and is ideal for those who desire an outdoor space with personal flair. While this garden design is quite flexible, there are a few common characteristics found in all modern outdoor styles. Clean, straight lines are usually always used and there are certain types of vegetation, materials, and accessories typically associated with this garden style.
Modern Materials for Contemporary Styles
The colors and types of materials you choose for hardscapes, furnishings, and other outdoor features will determine how well your landscape design blends with your home. Select materials similar to those within your house and remember that hardscape designs play a very big role in modern landscaping. Consider gravel, concrete, colored pebbles, and tile in natural hues for terraces and walkways; simple wood beams in complementary colors can blend your outdoor space with your interior living areas. Integrate synthetic materials like canvas, plastic, and stainless steel into your design through furniture and accessories.
Contemporary Garden Plants
Because of the space limitations with so many modern landscape designs, vegetation is less of a concern than it is in other design styles. Vibrant container gardens and colorful planters are popular additions to patios, while small lawns of lush mondo grass interject color amidst hardscape features. Plant life to consider includes:
Privacy hedges of bamboo or full evergreens.
Exotic palm trees and agave plants to add intriguing textures.
Topiaries and boxwoods that create geometrical patterns and lines.
Mass planting techniques are popular to make small yards appear lush and full of life, grouping a variety of plants into a single space by placing large plants in the back and adding smaller flowers and shrubs to the front.
Modern Landscape Accessories
Outdoor furniture and accessories are an excellent opportunity to add your own personality and flair to your outdoor space. From Asian rock gardens to fiber-optic, color changing lights, the decor found within a typical modern landscape design is usually unique and stunning. Choose sleek metal benches and tables for seating and relaxing, steel wall fountains, colorful planters, and intriguing sculptures that complement your interior decor. Add color to your outdoor space by incorporating bright red, green, or blue accessories.
Modern landscape design is a simple and creative garden style that can turn a small yard into a magnificent outdoor living area. Contacting a professional designer can ensure an outdoor space that meets your needs, while enhancing the contemporary style of your home. Be sure to choose a firm that specializes in modern landscape design.
About the Author
Allen Quay is the author of this article on Landscape Design Style. You can find more valuable landscape design tips and information on Allen's website, the Landscape Design Advisor.
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