backyard
A connection to the home’s interior. The modern garden evokes a lifestyle of informality. The style grew out of the architects’ and designers’ adaptive use of inventive materials, modern construction techniques and new (postwar) technologies, with the garden and house separated by nothing more than a thin sheet of glass.
A spirit of place. “Genius loci“ usually refers to a site’s distinctive atmosphere. Several of the early modernist landscape architects practiced in California, and their designs represent a sensitive response to the climate, topography and vegetation of the region.
Biomorphism. First designed by Thomas Church in the Donnell Garden in 1948, and an immediate sensation, the kidney-shaped pool became one of the symbols of the postwar landscape.
1. Delineated spaces. Like modern architecture, modern gardens are concerned with the creation of space, or volume. Modernist garden makers are concerned with the spaces around and connecting to the home, and use trees, shrubs and structures to delineate them. Perhaps more than any other aspect of modernism, the emphasis on spatial volume changed the nature of landscape design.
Antonio Martins Interior DesignSave to IdeabookEmail Photo 12. Arrange a living room right on the lawn. Why stick with furniture only on the patio or deck? Create an outdoor living room that really embraces the outdoors by positioning your furniture in an area of your yard planted with grass or a foot-traffic-friendly ground cover.
4. Mimic ancient ruins. A tiny, lush meadow leads to a secluded garden room. Partial stone walls look as if they have been crumbling there for centuries, fire-filled stone urns mark the entrance, and an antique burbling fountain provides soothing sounds.
2. Create a vine-covered party pad. Make a lush, jungle oasis by training climbing vines over garden walls and stringing up rows of glowing lights. A long, low outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot for gathering around, while weatherproof modern chairs add a colorful touch.
1. Add a built-in mosaic bench. This gorgeous built-in mosaic bench reminds me of the whimsical designs of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. A piece like this would be a welcome change from standard backyard furniture that needs to be protected from rain and snow
An edgy water feature. There is something to be said for the tranquil beauty a natural-looking waterfall adds to a woodland garden. Perhaps, however, you live in an urban environment or just want something unique. Consider a trough (spillway) installation, such as the one shown here, made of metal or perhaps even thick cast glass. This water feature provides the relaxing sound of falling water that we all enjoy, but does so in a very contemporary, industrial way.
Metal sculpture. Tired of cast concrete rabbits peeking out from behind your rhododendrons? Consider a piece of metal sculpture to create unusual interest and drama. Many metal artists will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece. This piece, by metal artist Benjamin Parrish, works on several levels. The strands of hair mimic the nearby twisted grapevines. The implied movement of hair blowing in the wind lends an additional layer of interest. Finally, on sunny days the bright metal reflects precious light in this shaded woodland garden. On cloudy days it mimics the overcast sky.
10. Garden art. Colorful sculptures and statues tucked into hidden nooks and crannies throughout the garden delight children. Kids can also get involved in decorating the garden by painting rocks and making plant markers.
Turf reduction. Lawns became the rage in the 1950s, when the postwar American dream of owning a house in the suburbs melded with the widespread availability of power mowers. Today, however, many homeowners are trading in their lawns for more ecologically friendly alternatives.
Q