10 Modern Gardens That Freshen Up Traditional Homes
Even if you're working with a home that's more traditional that you'd like, there's still ways to modernize it without going through an entire home renovation. The garden is a great place to start, and can have a powerful effect on your home's visage.
We've rounded up 10 examples of older homes that may be lacking a crisp modern structure, but boast a landscape that's refreshing and contemporary.
As the founder of one of Sydney’s leading landscape companies, Michael Bates designed the luscious garden of his 100-year-old sandstone home in North Sydney. He augmented the existing plantings and made the space functional and more optimal for entertaining. He chose a focused selection of plants with broad leaves.
Photo by Daniel Shipp, Courtesy of The Plant Hunter
In this garden by Mark Tessier, tiled stairs with a modern pattern bring a geometric and playful touch to this traditional home.
Mark Tessier
Elysian Landscapes modernized a classic brownstone by creating a private bi-level patio with clean, built-in seating for outdoor dining.
Elysian Landscapes
In this garden by Flora Grubb, contemporary containers and minimal furniture help to create an eclectic, modern environment.
Flora Grub, photographed by Caitlin Atkinson
Connecting the home to the garden was the highest priority for Arkin Tilt Architects. A 14-foot-wide, multi-fold door completely opens the new dining room to the outdoors, while shading the interior space from the western sun. The deep covered porch features an outdoor countertop and sink for washing vegetables on the way from the garden to the table.
Photo by Ed Caldwell, Courtesy of Arkin Tilt Architects
Natasha Morgan's garden incorporates multiple traditional annuals and perennials, but are presented in a graphic way.
Natasha Morgan
Don't forget to consider the backdrop that your plants will be seen against. In Rachel and Andrew's garden—the couple behind YIELD Design Co.—they created a modern contrast between the tropical plants and the new coat of black paint on the exterior.
Yield Design Co.
In this garden by Suzanne Arca, she uses decomposed granite and mediterranean plants to develop a contemporary palette.
Suzanne Arca Design
The plants themselves contribute greatly to the design and feeling of your garden. In this front yard by Adam Woodruff, he rethought the classic cottage garden by implementing creative, playful, and edgy plants.
Adam Woodruff
Designed by Arterra Landscape Architects for a pair of gastronomists and their children, this garden sits on the property of a traditional home, but boasts a modern landscape where the children can roam free among fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
Photo by Michele Lee Willson, Courtesy of Arterra Landscape Architects
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