The terms contemporary design and modern design get thrown around an awful lot, but could you define them? For instance, does modern mean the same thing as new? All this terminology can be overwhelming, and it may leave you out of the loop on the latest design trends.
However, you have an expert resource at your fingertips: Groff Landscape Design. We are a landscaping firm that serves clients throughout Arlington, VA. Our team is made up of experienced craftsmen with a shared passion for landscaping and construction. We believe that everyone has a valid landscaping vision, and we want to help them bring it to life. Our service options include contemporary landscape design and construction, and we have a portfolio of past projects that customers can pull from. Reach out to our award-winning team of professional landscapers and bring your home’s outdoors to life.
Below, we describe the aesthetics of contemporary design and list some suggestions for molding your landscape in this style:
Contemporary vs. Modern Design Characteristics
First, let’s clarify our terms. While some people use contemporary and modern design interchangeably, these labels refer to distinct trends. Nevertheless, both were influenced by the minimalism movement in design, which lends to much of the confusion.
Modern design leans into clear-cut lines, stark color schemes, and uncluttered spaces. However, contemporary design incorporates soft lines, bold colors, and a focus on simple forms and shapes. Both trends value balance, symmetry, and continuity.
Each school’s use of spaces and symmetrical designs end up emphasizing geometric shapes. They achieve a clean and bold appearance, which speak to the influence of minimalism. But let’s dig into specific details that you can incorporate.
Specific Style Features
So, what features does one install to create the contemporary look? We suggest that you consider the following elements, which will both tidy up your outdoor space and upgrade your landscape:
1. A mixture of industrial and organic elements: Traditional landscaping emphasizes nature’s beauty above all else. But contemporary design balances wilderness with concrete, angular tiles, and even metal implants.
2. Natural materials: Despite the industrial details, natural substances play a crucial role in the design scheme. For instance, a patio and/or fire pit may be built from stone. Wood can serve as an accent. Finally, place local plants into your gardens.
3. Streamlined walkways and spaces: The geometric layout produces straight paths and spaces. This arrangement – along with small garden plots limited to a few plants apiece – purposefully contrasts with the more romantic English landscape design.
4. Different materials underfoot: While traditional landscaping calls for an expansive yard, contemporary designs incorporate several substances. Gravel may frame walkways and gardens, while stone or wood creates extensive patio space.
5. Modest, unobtrusive garden growth: Rather than an overgrown garden bed, cut back to a few well-kept plants. Flowers and branches should remain trimmed to prevent their spilling out over patio space, which would break the geometric patterning.
6. Clean, stylish deck/garden furniture: Over time, garden furniture tends to break down or get dirty. However, that breaks the clean and neat look of contemporary design. Instead, place clean furniture with smooth surfaces and textures.
Call us for a Contemporary Landscape Design in Arlington, VA, Today!
Whether you want a refreshed, contemporary landscape or another style entirely, reach out to Groff Landscape Design. We offer patio, deck, outdoor kitchen, and contemporary landscape design services to homeowners in Arlington, VA. Over the past decade, we have brought our clients’ visions to life. If you’re interested in creating an unforgettable outdoor space, call us today at (703) 999-8225 or fill out our online form.
