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Soften Modern Landscape Lines With Plants
Use foliage and flowers to break up stark geometry and add life to modern landscapes
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
Have you ever stepped inside a space that was stunning but was just missing something you couldn't put your finger on? Have you walked into a room and felt like there were too many boxy shapes everywhere, too many lines closing in on you from all sides?
These spaces just need a little bit of green. You see, sometimes even a beautifully designed space reads lifeless without the curves and movement of plants. Join me today as we look at eight great ways to break up all those lines.
These spaces just need a little bit of green. You see, sometimes even a beautifully designed space reads lifeless without the curves and movement of plants. Join me today as we look at eight great ways to break up all those lines.
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This space is airy and light filled, utilizing line and glass to their full potential. Without plantings, however, the hallway would seem boxlike and lifeless. The addition of spiky foliage emphasizes the height of the space while breaking up the sparseness.
Overhead, climbing vines can do the work of a hundred canvases, creating breaks in the horizontal lines of the arbor. Using small creepers such as thyme or 'dragon's blood' sedum in the cracks of the walk break up the large squares of cement.
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In this outdoor example, the horizontal lines are the focus. Notice the horizontals of the fence, the lattice above, the planter below and the siding of the house. The floorboards are a perpendicular echo of that same wide horizontal line. How to break up all those thick lines? Add plants. The varying textures, heights and leaf shapes of the plants give this space much-needed relief from the horizontal.
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If you have a wide expanse of porch that seems too heavy with vertical balusters, lean a simple trellis against the line and train a vine up and over the support. The trellis itself breaks up the line, while the plant creates curve and movement.
A morning glory is seen here, but any climbing roses, bean or pea vine would also work well in this application.
A morning glory is seen here, but any climbing roses, bean or pea vine would also work well in this application.
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| This piece of architecture is stunning. The shapes are weighted and balanced well; the rectangular forms are intriguing. The linear ribbing on the exterior is another layer of texture and interest, but those wispy lines of grass tickling the bottom edge of the structure make the architecture nestle into its environment. Visually, the movement of the long grass breaks up the exactness of the architectural line. |
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| Metal ribbed panels could read industrial and cold, but whimsical grasses make them come alive. The vertical line of the grasses echoes the line of the ribbing but moves with the wind. Also notice the bright green ground-hugging plants on the wall's top and bottom. |
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| This beautiful home is designed to highlight various rectangular shapes. From simple squares to elongated rectangles, the walls and windows are fit into a perfect puzzle. The only problem? All those squares could read as too mathematical, too sterile. Trees that break into the lines of the home make all the difference. |
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Do you have long lines of pavement begging for a few curves? Try inserting circular soddings instead of the traditional square plots — you'll get the lines of traditional garden bedding with the ease of a lawn.
Whether you are working with a whole house design, a simple deck addition or even an interior space, don't forget to add a few plants when you need to break up your lines.
Whether you are working with a whole house design, a simple deck addition or even an interior space, don't forget to add a few plants when you need to break up your lines.
Ideabook published on May 17, 2012.
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