Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to yet another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! Each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's learn a bit about the fabulous MIDCENTURY MODERN STYLE. ♥︎

Design by Gillian Mathews, Seattle, WA

HISTORY AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION 

A beautiful way to gain inspiration is exploring historic styles. This is a fabulous approach to rethink color, pattern, and materials from the past, then reimagine them through current trends to create something new and innovative. Today let's explore midcentury modern, a lovely historic style that still works well even in today's landscape designs.

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The midcentury modern aesthetic landed in the middle of the 20th century drawing attention to the relationship between architecture and nature, celebration of natural materials (to connect architecture to the site), a bit of color (as compared to white modernist cubes earlier in the century), casual vibe, ergonomic furniture and site-appropriate plantings…while still upholding the idea of simplicity and functionality.

MIDCENTURY MODERN FEATURES

Below are some typical features found in midcentury modern design. Use these as inspiration whether you are designing a landscape from that time period or for a contemporary home. Many of these features are discussed in the book, Midcentury Modern Design by Ethne Clark (this is an affiliate link in our Book Shop).

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Simple Shapes + Lines: The midcentury modern home was characterized by right angles and rectilinear geometry, but the landscape could have both straight lines and curves. The boomerang/kidney bean shape was just as popular as the rectangle.

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Connection to the House: There should be an inseparable physical connection between house and garden...as if one flows into the other. Establish an order or a framework by extending the lines of the house into the landscape (lines of force!).  

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Connection to Place: Using local materials (stone, wood and plants) was a wonderful way to connect the house and landscape to the site.

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“Poolside Gossip” photo by Slim Aarons Photo: Slim Aarons/Getty Images

Screens, Fences, Shade: Decorative screens were used to define spaces, provide privacy, or create visual interest.

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Simple Furniture: Furniture was organic, drawn from nature or clean and geometric.

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Purposeful Plants: Plantings were simplified, used as screening and shelter, to frame the house or an entry. 

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Color: Overall the design could blend into the landscape (neutrals), but be pierced with a colorful statement, like bright red chairs or a teal focal point wall to showcase the owner’s personality and style. 

This two images to the right are a lovely garden in Toronto, Canada.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

For more midcentury design ideas check out our ever-evolving Pinterest Board.

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This topic was also covered in our monthly membership, The Garden Design Collective. We are opening fall enrollment soon (mid-September) and would love to have you join us. Sign up for the waiting list here.

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Need design inspiration now? You're welcome to join our 10x10 GARDEN DESIGN TIPS email journey for only $10.

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If you know someone that would benefit from this newsletter, please feel free to share. They can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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I hope you're creating many magical moments in your garden this season.

All my best,

Lisa

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for helping to write this content and creating the lovely graphics in this newsletter.