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Contemporary Landscape Design, Part 1

10/11/2018

15 Comments

 
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Back in September 2018, I was asked to write an article for The Resource Home Show about what it takes to have a contemporary landscape design. The Resource Home Show was created to bring designers, architects and other creatives together to meet each other and home owners throughout North Jersey. It was a great event! Along with the article, my company installed a temporary living wall for the event. I thought that the info in the article could be useful to the readers of my blog so I'm publishing it in several parts for you to read.  Part One is about the design process needed to discover the best way to transform a yard or property.  Enjoy!  
​Contemporary landscape design is trending more and more with homeowners. People are starting to see that any type of residence can have a more elegant and modern landscape. The biggest reason for this is that contemporary landscape design is as much an approach as it is an aesthetic. There is more attention to clean lines, sustainability, high quality materials and sophisticated lighting. Unlike other “styles”, the goal is not to apply a preconceived look to the layout of a space.  The solutions are collaborative where owner and designer discover the best outcome that addresses the needs of the project and the existing conditions of the site. The use of materials isn’t prescriptive either. The design may use wood, steel, stone, plantings, concrete in new and refreshing ways that aren’t, at first, clear but during the design process become obvious. That’s just as true for a Queen Anne Victorian or Colonial Revival as it is for a Midcentury or sleek Modern house.  
 
Nearly all homeowners, without hesitation, renovate the interior of these types of houses with modern flare, say, with a new kitchen with brilliant appliances and open concept eating areas.  They decorate their living rooms and bedrooms with contemporary furnishings be it Ikea, Design Within Reach or other stylish brands. However when it comes to redoing the exterior of their homes, the modern sensibility free to roam indoors is nowhere to be found outdoors.  
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​Part of the problem is that there are very few design professionals that focus on contemporary landscape design.  Secondly, even fewer contemporary landscape examples are in the market.  The lack of examples and designers means that the best owners can do is go to a local garden store or Home Depot searching for solutions. I’ve worked with dozens of clients to help them rethink their exterior spaces with a more modern feel. Landscape design doesn’t stop with just grass and plants but can include everything on the outside of the house from the cladding and windows to the driveway, walkways, patios, fencing, decking as well as plantings, trees and anything in between.  
 
Design Process
Contemporary landscape design is a process.  It takes a little more consideration at the beginning than more standard methods. For one, the goal is to discover the best solution that may seem invisible at the outset. This process will allow for the right choices to be made and have huge benefits for a home.  Some of these benefits include more sustainable yards by using native plants and materials along with increased curb appeal.  In fact, many sources suggest that an investment into a yard will have a 100 to 110 percent return when selling the property.
 
The owners have more to gain with a better the landscape design because it will offer more beneficial outcome. With this in mind, it makes total sense to take time to consider the final project before installation gets underway.  Moreover, a thoughtful design period will save money during implementation. The end result is a clean transformation of property into more conscious, sustainable and breathtaking place to live. 

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When I first meet with a client, we may start with conversations about plants but as things progress, I may end up assisting them renovating every inch of the yard. Regardless of the size of the project, there are several steps needed to make sure the design is the best solution.  Usually, I start a project with a telephone conversation to listen to what an owner wants. I can ask some general questions and determine if my design studio is the right fit for their project.  Most of the time it is, but sometimes it’s not. Knowing that as soon as possible will help everyone save time.   
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A master plan is a full design of a yard. It lets us create a real vision for the yard, and helps layout a path for how to get everything built all at once or over time. Master plans are the most cost-effective approach because the fees for the design are far less than the cost for construction.  They are like buying design in bulk. The end result is highly detailed documents that show the layout of the new yard as well as materials, plants, sizing and costs.  Below are a few examples of finished master plans.
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​After it’s clear we are a good fit, I setup a time to visit the site and walk the property with the owners.  The conversation can go in many directions at this point, but one of my main goals is diving deeper into who the owner is and figuring out stylistic and performance desires they have. For example, they may want privacy from neighbors or to add edibles to a garden.  They may want a new deck and patio or to freshen up their house with new cladding.  We have designed pools and Koi ponds as well. During the initial consultation, I will recommend materials or plantings depending on the scope of the project. We talk about where larger items like decks and pools could go in the yard, and I mention any challenges I see moving forward. Though I work on many different sizes of project, I think projects work out best when we do a master plan for the property.
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Read the Other Parts of the Contemporary Landscape Design Series:
Contemporary Landscape Design, Part 2
Contemporary Landscape Design, Part 3
Contemporary Landscape Design, Part 4
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15 Comments
Jonathan Hansen link
11/11/2020 01:15:58 pm

It's cool that you point out that professional landscape design can improve the appearance of your yard. I want my yard to look great, so I'm thinking about hiring a landscape designer this week. I'm going to look for a good landscape design service that I can hire.

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Zachary Tomlinson link
1/28/2021 12:23:38 am

I like how you mentioned that having your yard redesigned can increase your property's value while making it look great. My brother wants to sell his house in the future since he doesn't see himself retiring in it. I'll share this with him, so he'd consider an expert to redesign his landscape before that happens.

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Chance Cook link
9/23/2021 10:28:46 am

I didn't know that contemporary landscape design is popular amongst homeowners. That is reassuring honestly. I can afford a contemporary landscape so I'll see what I can do.

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Mia Evans link
3/30/2023 05:04:22 am

It really helped when you explained that the most cost-effective way to create a design for your property is to have a master plan. I will talk to a landscape design specialist to learn more about the contents of a master plan to know I need it for my front yard. I just wanted to work on that part of my home with the help of experts, because I noticed how it seems like no one lives here because of the appearance it has.

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Braden Bills link
4/3/2023 10:56:08 am

I've seen contemporary landscape designs, and they seem so stylish and nice! I would like to have that kind of landscape in my back yard, but I don't know how to put that together. It makes sense that I might want to find a landscape designer to help me out with this.

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Millie Hue link
4/5/2023 12:11:07 am

I appreciate when you explained that creating a master plan will help regarding the layout of your landscape. I think it will be an essential part of residential yard work to ensure that all the plants and other features will be placed in the right spot. So I will keep this in mind and make sure that the people I am hiring for my front yard will be showing me a proposal of the ideas we might have discussed once hiring them.

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Angela link
4/8/2023 08:28:03 pm

Great insights on landscape design, including the importance of clarifying goals, conducting a site analysis, and choosing plants suited for the local climate. Helpful tips on principles such as unity, repetition, and simplicity, as well as promoting biodiversity and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. A valuable resource for anyone redesigning their landscaping.

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landscapers in Edmonton link
4/25/2023 06:41:45 am

For those curious about modern landscaping, this article is a must-read. The author elucidates the defining characteristics of this style and provides concrete instances of their application. The principles presented in the post are clearly explained using examples. In sum, this is a well-researched and articulate piece that can enlighten readers on the elegance and finesse of modern landscaping.

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North Vancouver Landscaping services link
5/10/2023 07:35:10 am

I just wanted to say that the article Contemporary Landscape Design has been a lifesaver for me! I recently revamped my outdoor space and it was helpful in selecting the perfect materials and design elements. The end result is stunning - it looks like something out of a magazine!

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Victoria Addington link
5/18/2023 08:49:11 am

It is good to know that a full design of a yard is seen on a master plan. My friend wants to enhance their landscaping design. I should advise her to go for it to improve their curb appeal.

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Unique Environment Ltd link
5/31/2023 11:44:40 am

I'm fascinated by contemporary landscape design, and this blog post provides a fantastic introduction to the subject. The principles and elements discussed here are essential in creating sleek, minimalist, and visually stunning outdoor spaces. I appreciate how the post emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices into contemporary design. It's inspiring to see the innovative ideas and examples showcased, sparking creativity and encouraging us to think outside the box when designing our own landscapes. Looking forward to Part 2!

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Iris Smith link
6/7/2023 10:09:45 pm

Thank you for pointing out that landscape design may encompass everything on the outside of the house, from the cladding and windows to the driveway, walks, patios, fences, and decking, as well as plantings, trees, and anything in between. Landscape design isn't limited to only grass and plants. According to my mother, she wants to make her landscape garden more attractive and purchase appropriate paths for it. I'll advise her to contact a professional in landscape installation so they can assist her.

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North Vancouver property maintenance link
6/12/2023 08:18:55 am

Contemporary landscape design is truly captivating and I'm glad to see it gaining popularity among homeowners. This article highlights the essence of contemporary design as not just an aesthetic but an approach. The emphasis on clean lines, sustainability, and quality materials is admirable. It's unfortunate that there are limited design professionals specializing in this area, but I appreciate your efforts in helping clients reimagine their exterior spaces. A thoughtful design process can truly transform a property into a stunning and eco-friendly haven. Looking forward to reading the subsequent parts!

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Eli Richardson link
6/12/2023 10:27:03 am

My wife and I want to have a nice garden with colorful flowers and plants, but we don't know how to get started. We loved what you said about designing a landscape with sustainable perks, so we'll ask about that when meeting a landscaper next week. We're grateful for your intake on designing a landscape using native plants.

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Landscaper link
8/22/2023 03:25:30 pm

Contemporary landscape design offers a fusion of aesthetics and functionality. The article highlights the collaborative process, sustainable choices, and master planning for impressive transformations. Invaluable insights!

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