IN THIS BLOG POST WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO DESIGN THE PERFECT LANDSCAPE FOR A MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME
How do we use design elements to really make the front yard complement the house? When thinking about designing a landscape for a mid-century modern or ranch style house it’s important to consider the architectural characteristics that make these homes aesthetically classic. Take note of the asymmetrical geometric planes, simple flat roof lines, and how the large glass panel windows offer natural light and a connection with the outdoors.
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- Mid-Century Modern
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- Mid-Century Modern
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- Ranch Home
LOOK TO YOUR EXTERIOR FOR DESIGN DETAILS
Observe the low roof lines and horizontal design created with a combination of wood, masonry, and impressive floor to ceiling windows. You want to embrace the minimalist style of the house when planning the garden. Choose plants that add beauty and a sense of clarity to your landscape. This means using a dynamic mixture of tall and low sized plants that support the geometric structure of the house.
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- Mid-Century Modern
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- Mid-Century Modern
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- Mid-Century Modern
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- Mid-Century Modern Wood Paneling
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- Mid-Century Modern Windows
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- Mid-Century Modern Entry
USE BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE DETAILS FOR INSPIRATION
For example, exterior hardscape materials such as large square or rectangular stone pavers can be used to form pathways and patios that mimic the building. There is even an opportunity to create bold curving garden beds and pathways that oppose the angular style of the house in order to soften the surrounding landscape.
Remember to look within for even more inspiring ideas. The interior décor often reflects the exterior of the house to unify the entire living experience. It can be seen in the selection of sleek lighting and curvy furniture chosen to furnish the open floor plans. Consider using the mid-century modern color palette of earth tones with vibrant accents when selecting your plant materials to really pull it all together.
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- Mid-Century Modern Color Palette
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- Mid-Century Modern Color Palette
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- Mid-Century Modern Color Palette
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- Mid-Century Modern Living Room
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- Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
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- Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
PLANTS WE LOVE FOR MID-CENTURY MODERN AND RANCH STYLE HOMES
Use a combination of plants to enjoy all year-round. Here are some of our favorites.
(* Plants used in the featured landscapes designed by Harmony Design Northwest)
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- Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Bird’s Nest Spruce
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- Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
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- Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’
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- Allium gigantium
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- Edgeworthia chrysantha
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- Azalea Deciduous Orange
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- Acer palmatum Red Foliage
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- Acer palmatum Orange Foliage
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- Acer palmatum Green Foliage
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- Delosperma cooperii
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- Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens
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- Sedum ochroleucum ‘Red Wiggle’
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- Yucca
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- Allium schubertii
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- Sedum ‘Blue Spruce’
PLANTS FOR STRUCTURE:
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Bird’s Nest Spruce
Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ Weeping Alaskan Cedar
Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera ‘Mops’ Mops Threadleaf False Cypress
COLORFUL PLANTS THAT IMPRESS:
Allium schubertii Schubertii Allium
Allium gigantium Allium
Edgworthia chrysantha Paper Bush
Azalea x ‘Mandarin Lights’ Mandarin Lights Azalea
Yucca filamentosa ‘Bright Edge’ Bright Edge Yucca
Acer palmatum
GROUND COVER:
Delosperma cooperi Hardy Ice Plant
Sedum ochroleucum ‘Red Wiggle’ Red Wiggle Spurge
Sedum ‘Blue Spruce’ Blue Spruce Spurge
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens Black Mondo Grass
It’s all about unifying the landscape with the architectural style of the unique house. Now you have the inside landscape design tips to make it all come together.
Keep enjoying our series, “Landscaping for Your Home’s Architectural Style” with Harmony Design Northwest by subscribing to our newsletter and be on the lookout our next post where we will feature landscape design for American Four Square homes.
Content contributor: Emily Purdin | stonybrooklandscapedesign.com