Steer clear of these antiquated garden designs for your current outdoor project:
In the quest to create an appealing and contemporary outdoor space, certain outdated garden layouts should be avoided. First and foremost, flat gardens lacking depth and dimension can feel visually dull and uninteresting. Modern gardens often incorporate varying heights to draw the eye and create a more stimulating environment[1].
A second outdated design involves rectangular gardens with straight planting beds along the fence perimeter. This traditional layout, characterized by large lawns with flower beds, can make a space seem severely limited and dated[1]. To revitalize such a garden, one can introduce gentle curvature or asymmetry[1].
Symmetry in garden layouts has a tendency to date a space, harkening back to bygone eras. Today's contemporary landscape designers favor asymmetrical and organic shapes, fostering visual interest at every turn[1].
Beyond layout, certain materials are also falling out of favor. For instance, artificial grass and harsh mulch colors are becoming less popular in 2025. Instead, consider modern trends like naturalistic landscapes, rewilding, and repurposed materials[4].
In an effort to enhance aesthetic appeal and sustainability, it's advisable to reconsider large, lawn-dominated layouts. Such designs may lack visual interest and are impractical, as they are high-maintenance and offer little for pollinators and other beneficial species[2]. A more eco-friendly approach involves making the lawn smaller and incorporating new landscaping ideas around it[2].
Lastly, concrete patios that lack greenery can appear sterile and impractical, especially during the summer months. By blending containers, green walls, or integrated planters with the patio, one can create a welcoming and visually appealing space[3].
[1] Katherine Aul Cervoni, professional landscaper and founder of Staghorn NYC, explains the importance of layering and dimension in garden design.
[2] Tony O'Neill, Simplify Gardening expert, highlights the environmental drawbacks of large central lawns with narrow planting strips.
[3] Tony O'Neill also suggests introducing container gardens, green walls, or integrated planters to break up and soften concrete patios.
[4] According to experts, naturalistic landscapes, rewilding, and repurposed materials are modern trends gaining popularity in 2025.
- Incorporating art and decor elements into the living room can reflect the current lifestyle trends, making the space more appealing.
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts, embracing the trend of naturalistic landscapes, rewilding, and repurposed materials can lead to a more sustainable and contemporary outdoor-living space.
- Instead of traditional rectangular gardens, introducing asymmetry or gentle curvature can revitalize the space, making it feel less limited and dated.
- To create a visually stimulating and modern garden, consider using decorative elements that bring in varying heights, such as sculptures or decorative planters, instead of the outdated flat layout.
