Clean, Artful, Functional: Navigating the Landscape Trends of 2024
Modern European landscape by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
At the intersection of European classical style and modern design, the landscaping industry is poised to meet the changing needs and preferences of clients in innovative ways. Form is still important and so is function. However, the dynamic interplay between them is in a constant state of evolution. Here, AJ Akhtar, vice president of operations at Lanson B Jones, shares some of the landscape trends for 2024.
European Classical Style Meets Modern Design
In the ongoing movement to combine the best of European style and modern sensibilities, AJ said he is seeing more of what he calls “sophisticated simplification.”
This approach isn’t about removing design elements just for the sake of reduction; it focuses on conceptualizing a master plan that can be scaled up or down to maintain the flow of the design and give the opportunity for added elements in the future.
As for color, white is the preference of the majority of clients.
“It's modern and clean-looking and it goes well with a lot of the modern European designs that we do,” AJ said.
The goal is to deliver gardens that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical and manageable. Whether a client seeks a garden with intricate details or opts for a lower maintenance approach, the design process balances both sophistication and simplicity.
A Focus on Sustainability and Longevity
To create landscapes that can withstand diverse challenges such as complex soil chemistry and extreme weather conditions, Lanson B. Jones & Co. is embracing hardier plant materials as well as elevating the aesthetic appeal of these resilient plants through detailed maintenance practices.
These include varieties of dwarf yaupons and dwarf yews, although traditional choices like boxwoods are still strategically employed for focal points. As part of a holistic approach, Lanson B. Jones & Co. integrates organic practices and prioritizes soil health to address challenges associated with specific plant materials. The incorporation of bio-nutrients into lawns further enhances their longevity, underscoring a commitment to sustainable landscaping practices.
Synthetic lawn by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
A notable element to modern landscaping practices is the increased popularity of synthetic lawns. Clients choose synthetic for a modern aesthetic but also for the low-maintenance appeal, especially in highlighted outdoor living spaces. Clients have ever-ready areas for hosting gatherings, and the need for constant mowing or treatment is eliminated.
Modern Touches: Artful Gravels and Illumination
AJ emphasizes the use of synthetic lawns and contrasting gravels, particularly lighter, white gravels, to create visual interest in design. Gravel comes in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for a tailored approach to landscaping. The team's expertise lies in matching materials with existing textures and colors in garden renovations to ensure a cohesive flow.
Lighting can be a transformative element in garden design. Strip lighting, placed underneath steps, is a choice that creates a visually appealing effect at night. The team recently used this in the design of a bocce ball court, which produced a glowing square of light around the steps at night.
Micro-pin lighting is part of a trend of smaller lighting fixtures that can be discreetly hidden. These tiny lights, strategically placed in trees and bushes, highlight specific areas of a garden to provide subtle, targeted illumination.
Beyond the Basics: Recreation and Relaxation
There is a rising interest in recreational spaces, including bocce ball, pickleball, and sports courts, reflecting the current preferences for outdoor activities.
AJ is also seeing a resurgence of interest in parterre gardens, formal designs known for symmetrical patterns and intricate planting arrangements. To bring these gardens into the contemporary landscape, the team integrates modern materials and plants.
Pavilions are another emerging trend, meeting a growing demand for outdoor spaces that offer relief from diverse weather conditions.
Art garden with white gravel by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
Clients have a renewed interest in elements that contribute to mental and physical well-being in outdoor spaces. Zen gardens and adherence to feng shui principles, as well as designs that provide a structured flow, are examples. The integration of wellness principles reflects a broader trend in outdoor design. Functionality meets tranquility.
Innovation in Landscaping
As part of the company's forward-looking approach, the team is exploring 3D technology and AR innovation, using high-definition renderings to allow clients the opportunity to explore their designs in an immersive experience.
They’re now invested in drones for ariel video and photos to better understand elevations and structural layouts, helping the firm solve complex design challenges.
In addition, a focus on automation has optimized operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while also improving worker health and safety.
“The goal of these initiatives is to improve project flow, reduce labor hours, and eliminate risk to injury, then return those savings to our clients,” he said.
The convergence of European classical style with modern design, the emphasis on sustainable practices, and the integration of innovative elements are all driving forces behind the landscape trends of 2024.
“The team at Lanson B. Jones is poised to elevate landscape design to new heights,” AJ said. “We’re looking forward to a year filled with creativity and transformative outdoor experiences for our clients.”
If you’d like to embrace these trends in landscape architecture, contact the team at Lanson B. Jones & Co., Inc.