Friday, August 1, 2008

Minimalist Magic





Minimalism is hitting the high C’s with its crisp contemporary lines, and clutter-free concept. And why not in this day and age?

We may have just breezed into the month of August but already landscape designer YK Tang of Nature Décor, a local garden landscape company, is witnessing a noticeable trend emerging in the suburban garden landscape - minimalism.

What’s Minimalism?
The mantra of “less is more” couldn’t be more appropriate in defining the minimalist garden: simple forms and a restrained palette of natural materials and plants drawn into a unified whole through repetition and geometry. The minimalist garden can probably trace its roots to the Zen gardens of the classical Japanese era. These were gardens of harmoniously arranged rocks and white raked gravel cultivated by Japanese Zen monks as a quiet haven for peaceful contemplation. Unlike the stark minimalism of Zen rock gardens, the contemporary minimalist garden has a simple, pared-down elegance, occasionally with a hint of flamboyant self-expression.

With fewer components used in the minimalist garden, the viewer is able to appreciate and enjoy the spaces between the elements such as stone, wood or plant as individual showpieces in their own right.

Why Minimalism?
And is it any surprise at all that with so much of our lives in overdrive that this understated garden style is currently enjoying its demographic moment, and ideally expressing the mood of the times. “While garden landscape trends can be swayed by designer’s influence, homeowners are to a larger extent inspired by lifestyle and economics. Just as clutter-free indoor spaces are the trend these days, so it is for the garden and landscape,” reveals Tang.

With land prices going at a premium, the suburban garden is shrinking in size. Whether it is brand new construction, generous extensions or total makeover, hulking homes or multiple-car porches are surely swallowing up the outdoor space. “Certainly, today’s tight-spaced gardens bode well for the minimalist garden,” adds Tang

It is the very essence of restrained simplicity of the minimalist garden that allows a spectator to unwind from the clutter, noise and frantic activity of modern life, making it an oasis of serenity. Its combination of clean lines, clearly-defined hard landscaping and unmistakable sense of space is especially appropriate alongside contemporary architecture. With a restricted palette of plants and building materials, this particular style can also be decidedly low-maintenance and is ideal for the suburbanite stretched for time.

Piecing the Minimalist Mosaic

So when it comes to nailing the minimalist mood for the outdoors, what are some of the defining features?

Harmony Rules The combination of natural materials such as wood, bricks, gravel and stone laid out in a configuration of bold, simple lines or in geometrical patterns appears united and cohesive.
Strong design Striking hardscaping is used to great effect, providing drama and character.
Limited plant palette A restricted number of plant varieties with one plant dominant and any others minor achieves a sense of order and balance. Architectural plants with a fuss-free nature such as sanseviera, dracaena margarita, bamboo or the cycad against stark neutral colored walls can make strong statements. Ornamental grasses make for softer planting and are wonderful as ground covers and accent plants. Alternatively, dwarf trees and shrubs in containers are also ideal.
Pathway panache Stone walkways or stepping stones add pattern and a sense of destination. They are usually curved or meandering.
Water Wonder Formal, geometrical, raised or flush, it can be single level or several, the water feature takes on the important role as focal point and as a source of white noise. Aquatic plants or ornamental fish enhances further its visual interest.
Neutral colours set the tone for a soothing colour scheme, sometimes with a touch of accent colour.
Strong inside-outside relationship An extension of the living space is seamlessly created by a restrained geometric layout and a unifying colour scheme. The use of a pared-down style of outdoor lighting, garden accessories and furniture also adds to this effect, allowing the space to feel larger than it is.
Simple, earthy and organic accessories Containers with clean, sleek lines such as a tall narrow planter with a height higher than its diameter or those with vertical sides or sculptures and ornamentation bearing a stripped-down appearance or are inspired by Zen or Oriental influences.
Focal point in its own right Every feature and plant has its own sense of place and has been carefully chosen and sited.
Functional furniture Comfortable outdoor furniture with simple planes allows the spectator the luxury of simply sitting back and enjoying the all-pervading ambiance of calm and serenity. Hardwood, concrete, or granite products are not only weather-resistant but blend well within the minimalist milieu.

If there’s one thing we can learn from the rising popularity of the minimalist-inspired outdoors is that a garden design need not always be complex to be successful.

Thinking of a minimalist makeover for the garden but still mystified on how to proceed? Now might just be as good a time as any to consult the professionals.

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