10 top differences between contemporary and formal landscape design
When distinguishing between formal and modern landscapes, several key differences stand out
Formal frontyard, Danville,Ca.
1.Design Principles:
Formal Landscapes: Adheres to strict symmetry and geometric patterns, emphasizing order and structure.
Modern Landscapes: Favors asymmetry, flowing lines, and organic forms, promoting a more relaxed and natural feel.
2.Plant Arrangements:
Formal Landscapes: Uses a regimented arrangement of plants, often featuring neatly clipped hedges and uniform flower beds.
Modern Landscapes: Embraces more naturalistic planting schemes with varied heights, textures, and colors, often incorporating more native plants.
3.Materials:
Formal Landscapes: Typically utilizes traditional materials, such as stone, brick, and wrought iron, to create an upscale, classic look.
Modern Landscapes: Incorporates contemporary materials like concrete, glass, metal, and sustainable options, reflecting an industrial or minimalist style.
4.Focal Points:
Formal Landscapes: Often includes clear focal points like fountains or ornate urns placed symmetrically within the layout.
Modern Landscapes: May have varied focal points that are more integrated into the overall design, such as unique architectural features.
Modern backyard, Walnut Creek, Ca.
5.Materials Used:
Formal Landscapes: Typically uses traditional materials such as brick, stone, and ironwork. Everything is maintained to high standards of cleanliness.
Modern Landscapes: Embraces more innovative materials like concrete, steel, and glass, often reflecting an industrial aesthetic.
6.Functionality:
Formal Landscapes: Often prioritizes aesthetic appeal and artistic expression over functionality, focusing on grandeur and elegance.
Modern Landscapes: Prioritizes functionality and usability, integrating features like outdoor living spaces, sustainable water features, and edible gardens.
Moderen backyard, Lafayette, Ca.
7.Water Features:
Formal Landscapes: Likely to include traditional fountains or ponds arranged formally within the garden.
Modern Landscapes: May feature innovative water elements such as infinity pools, bio-swales, or rain gardens that enhance both aesthetics and ecology.
8.Color Palette:
Formal Landscapes: Employs a more controlled color palette with contrasting colors that create a regal effect.
Modern Landscapes: Favors a broader range of colors, often opting for harmonizing or monochromatic schemes to create unity with natural elements.
9.Connection to the Environment:
Formal Landscapes: Often create a distinct separation from the surrounding environment, focusing on the garden as an enclosed space.
Modern Landscapes: Strive to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a seamless connection with nature and the surrounding environment.
10.
Formal Landscapes:
Modern Landscapes:
