The trend cycle is always moving, and outdoor design is no different. While you might not think of a backyard as dated, the truth is that outdoor design trends come and go just like clothing and interiors. Outdoor living spaces and landscape designs have evolved significantly over the last decade, and paying attention to industry trends can ensure that your backyard looks fresh and functional. But the first step is realizing your outdoor living space is outdated. Here’s a look at a few outdated landscaping trends to avoid, along with some modern alternatives to help you create a more stylish, contemporary yard.
Monochrome Gardens
While a garden full of greenery might seem lush, a monochrome, all-green garden can look flat and boring. Gardens without any variety in color, texture, or plants can lack personality and visual interest. If you feel like your entire yard seems to blend together, despite investing a chunk of money in landscaping, this could be the culprit.
Instead, embrace a diverse mix of plants, colors, and textures. Modern landscape designs favor plants with contrasting foliage, like combining grasses with flowering perennials or incorporating plants with varying leaf shapes and colors. This creates a more dynamic and engaging garden design, and adds texture and depth to your outdoor space.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf was once seen as a low-maintenance solution for lawns, but it’s quickly falling out of favor. While it still has its place in certain outdoor spaces, it can often look unnatural. Not to mention, increasing concern about its negative environmental impact, such as the lack of habitat for pollinators and the heat it traps during summer.
Native grasses and groundcovers are a more eco-friendly alternative to artificial turf. Native plants require less water and maintenance and provide essential habitat for local wildlife. If you want a low-maintenance option, consider drought-tolerant plants or xeriscaping, which uses natural materials like stones, gravel, and hardy plants to create a beautiful landscape that needs little upkeep. A great designer can make a drought friendly space that looks just as lush as traditional grass. Not to mention, mother Earth will thank you.
Oversized Water Features
Large, elaborate water features like massive fountains or ponds were once a sign of luxury. And while they may look great, many homeowners find them expensive and hard to maintain. Not to mention, they also consume a lot of water, making them less environmentally friendly.
While water features will never go out of style in outdoor design, modern yards may opt for smaller, more sustainable water features. Smaller touches like simple bubbling fountain or a pondless waterfall can make a big impact. Or, consider adding a less traditional water feature to your inground pool or spa. These features provide the soothing sound of water without the upkeep of larger installations. Plus, smaller water elements can blend more naturally into the landscape depending on the design of your outdoor living space.
Matchy, Monochomatic Outdoor Furniture Sets
You wouldn’t dress in head to toe yellow every day, would you? If you’re not wearing monochrome outfits every day, then why should your backyard? Perfectly matched outdoor furniture sets can make your outdoor space look like a catalog instead of a personal, inviting area. These sets often lack character and flexibility and the wrong color choice can instantly date your space.
Instead, mix and match your outdoor furniture for a more eclectic and comfortable look. Combine different materials, colors, and styles to create a space that feels unique and lived-in. For example, mixing metal chairs with wooden tables, or combining modern and vintage pieces can help give your space character and a more customized feel.
Too Much Concrete
Concrete is, in a way, timeless. It’s been around forever, and will continue to exist long into the future. But the way it’s being used outdoors continues to change. Large, concrete patios or pathways were once common for their durability, but they can create a harsh, uninviting atmosphere. Concrete also absorbs heat, making outdoor areas uncomfortable in hot weather, and is largely impermeable which can contribute to drainage problems.
Consider replacing expansive concrete areas with more natural materials like stone, gravel, or brick. Permeable pavers are another excellent option, as they allow water to drain through, reducing runoff and heat buildup. These materials blend better with the natural environment and create a more inviting space.
Large, Unused Lawns
A large lawn has long been an icon of a sprawling suburbia. But it’s quickly becoming a dated take on outdoor living. Not only do expansive, unused lawns require a lot of maintenance and water, but they don’t offer much visual interest or functionality. In an era where functionality and sustainability are becoming more important, large lawns are no longer seen as practical or eco-friendly.
Swap your sea of grass and reduce the size of your lawn. Replace your uniformly shorn lawn with more functional spaces, like garden beds, seating areas, or outdoor dining zones. You can also add edible gardens, flower beds, or low-maintenance plants to add interest and reduce the need for constant mowing and watering.
Bring Your Outdoor Space Up To Date
By avoiding these outdated landscaping trends and embracing more modern alternatives, you can create an outdoor space that’s functional, stylish, and sustainable. Whether you’re updating your garden or redesigning your entire yard, focusing on eco-friendly, diverse, and personalized elements will help keep your landscape current and inviting. With these tips, you can avoid falling into the trap of outdated landscape design trends and enjoy an outdoor space that stays fresh for years to come.
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