How to use hardscaping to boost your mid mod exterior style.
Aside from the design components of your mid-century home’s façade, there’s no stylistic component quite like hardscaping to boost your home’s curb appeal. Joe Raboine, Vice President of design at Oldcastle APG, the largest manufacturer of architectural building products in North America, says the right hardscaping can also make your landscaping pop.
“Landscaping makes up roughly 20 percent of your home’s value,” Joe says. “Installing a paver walkway and refreshing plants with flowering shrubs, raised beds and some fresh mulch does wonders for curb appeal. Depending on the size and scale of your landscaping, you may spend around $6,000, but recover at least $5,000 when you go to sell.”
So, what are the keys to using hardscaping elements that will enhance your mod home’s design? Joe shares his tips:
AR: What are three design elements of hardscaping that are most fitting for mid-century homes?
JR: Mid Century Modern design blends clean, linear styles with retro and colorful elements. This is not only seeing a resurgence in indoor design but outdoor design as well. Hardscapes have evolved over the years, with new textures, colors and shapes you can mix and match to create truly unique outdoor living spaces. Three elements most befitting Mid Century Modern style are:
- Geometric-shaped pavers. Geometric shapes are often incorporated in Mid Century Modern designs and geometric-shaped pavers bring that element to the outdoors. Geometric pavers are built in modular increments, making them easy to mix and match for a custom pattern.
- Clean lines. Simple, clean lines are a hallmark of this design style. Using products like a modular concrete panel system to create outdoor kitchens, seating areas, garden beds and more creates that smooth, linear look that can be accented with pops of color.
- Mixed materials. Combining various materials is key. This has been trending over the past few years in outdoor design, with homeowners combining hardscapes with wood or composite decking, metal and glass. This gives a space more texture and depth without involving too many ornate designs.
AR: What are things to keep in mind when choosing your pavers to match the architecture of your home?
JR: There are many more paver options on the market today that allow you to match your home’s style and create a uniquely personal space. One key element is the color palette. While mid-century interiors include a lot of wood, a brown-toned paver may feel too rustic in an outdoor space. If you’re working with a designer or contractor on an outdoor project, make sure they include visual tools like augmented reality so you can really get a feel for how all the elements and colors will work in your space.
Also, think about playing with textures. A textured paver can add depth without feeling too ornamental. There are pavers today that mimic natural textures, like organic rock, that can be a beautiful accent when paired with sleek designs and pops of bold color.
For more professional MCM hardscaping and landscaping advice, see Designing a Non-Desert MCM Landscape
and Top Tips for Designing a Mid Century Garden. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration! Or, get ideas delivered straight to your inbox by entering your email address where it says “Get the Newsletter” below.
