Want an impressive backyard view with a minimum of effort to bring your project to life? Do you want to expand the space visually? There is no better way than to design a site in minimalism to solve these problems.
Origins and principles of style
Landscaping in minimalism emerged from the merger of the European and Asian schools of horticultural art. Taking the classic features of the two styles, it has become an unrivalled solution for furnishing a backyard in the future, requiring little effort to maintain and at the lowest cost.
The principles behind minimalism in garden design are:
- conciseness and simplicity of the solution
- geometry and clarity of forms
- natural colour palette
- lack of lush decor
- elegance and functionality
However, landscape minimalism is not so easy to create, as it seems at first glance: with a minimum number of decorative elements, it is necessary to create a slender, comfortable, integral composition.
Therefore, you should know the rules and subtleties of the style or invite experienced professionals who can create a magnificent example of landscape minimalism. This style, despite the external simplicity and simplicity, will be comfortable and cozy.
Who needs a site design in the style of minimalism?
Modern landscape design, created according to the canons of a minimalist style, does not need special care. Therefore, the minimalism style is more suitable for people who do not have time to do garden work.
Minimalism perfectly coexists with the architecture of cities; therefore, it is used when decorating city park ensembles.
In the style of minimalism, small areas are often decorated since minimal decoration visually expands the space, emphasizing the beauty and laconicism of the composition. These features of minimalism in landscape design will appeal to fans of modern style, connoisseurs of Japanese classic garden art: laconicism and miniature in all design elements.
Pros and cons of minimalism in landscape design
The minimalism of landscape design is chosen for:
- lack of constant care
- the possibility of implementation in small garden areas
- functionality: often the garden area is combined with the living space of the house, creating a kind of “green” dining and living rooms
- modernity and originality of ideas
- creativity
If you decide to create a garden in a minimalist style, keep in mind that the type also has disadvantages:
the class is challenging to execute: the slightest violation of accents will violate the style individuality
despite the minimum of components, the work to create a minimalist garden will require significant funds
Thus, before getting down to business, we weigh the pros and cons.
Materials and features of the garden layout in the style of minimalism
The layout of the site in the style of minimalism is a complex project. What matters here is not what fills the space but how it is done.
When planning such a site, adhere to the basic rule – the style does not imply strict territory zoning. If there are none, natural changes in the landscape are welcome – various types of fencing and paving.
As decorative fencing, we recommend gabion walls, hedges, vertical gardening, light slats. Such techniques will help to avoid visual overload of the landscape.
Small architectural forms
Additional structures are used for the conditional zoning of the site. The minimalist garden includes:
- A terrace.
- A laconic canopy, often combined with a trellis for climbing plants or a light pergola.
- Patio, gazebos.
- Decks, paved areas.
- Large decorative elements.
- Campfire site.
- Containers with plants.
But with the obligatory observance of the conditions:
- elements are made in the same style
- there shouldn’t be many of them
- simple forms and a minimum of decor
- natural, restrained colours
Minimalism in garden design welcomes the unification of buildings in the suburban space into a single ensemble or groups. For example, a veranda is complemented by an open seating area, and a barbecue is adjacent to a light patio or a multi-level terrace.
Colour palette and materials
For the garden’s colour scheme in the style of minimalism, modesty and simplicity, the desire for naturalness is inherent. A restrained palette, light undertones will add elegance and harmony to the garden. As a rule, shades of brown, green, white, silver are used. There may be two or three bright accents but muted tones.
The tone when creating colour solutions is set by materials: natural stone, pebbles, gravel, wood, glass and metal, ceramics. Concrete is used to create patios, paths, playgrounds. Although, as an alternative, blocks with grooves for the lawn are used, which is more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
Garden furniture
Minimalism in garden design involves creating an atmosphere of relaxation, contemplation, and leisurely pastime. For these purposes, you will need garden furniture or other interior elements. Since garden furniture is outdoors around the clock, it should be immune to precipitation, comfortable, without pretentious decorations, and harmoniously fit into the landscape. Simplicity and grace are the mottos of the minimalist design garden interior. Furniture made of wood, plastic, artificial rattan or metal is suitable for this role. If you also focus on textiles, comfort is guaranteed!
Light in modern minimalism
Modern minimalist landscaping puts a strong emphasis on lighting. Executed in a geometrically correct form, they will only emphasize the composition of the site. Primarily if they are located near recreation areas or at home, or when decorating flower beds along the edges of the walkways.
A pond of a minimalist plot
An artificial reservoir will complement the garden in a minimalist style. The following features characterize a garden pond:
- regular geometric shapes
- clear outlines
- lack of decorations, cascades, fountains
- emphasized artificially
The reservoir bowl has located either flush with the ground level or raised, forming a “mirror” podium.
Geometry, natural colour schemes, a minimum number of decorative elements, a reasonable selection of plants – all this creates an incomparable, elegant, stylish landscape even in a small space. By getting rid of unnecessary things, we achieve perfection!
