Before and After: 4 Midcentury Modern-Inspired Yard Designs
Landscape designers celebrate the era and complement the architecture of homes with thoughtful backyard designs
There’s often a disconnect between the architectural style of midcentury modern homes and the landscapes that surround them. These four sets of homeowners from across the country found landscape designers who understood the midcentury modern aesthetic and how to complement the iconic architecture with their designs. Taking cues from the houses, the designers used clean lines, proper proportions, appropriate materials and bold colors in these yards to celebrate the spirit of midcentury modern architecture.
After: This photo shows the midcentury modern architecture of the home and how a new deck, stairs and patio enhance it. The upper deck is located off the kitchen and serves as a spot for eating alfresco. New railings provide a safe barrier around the drop-offs, with cable that keeps the woodsy views open.
The homeowners’ wish list for the lower patio included a lounge, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows and open space where their kids could play. Martin created three zones, seen here: the lounge zone against the fence in the back, the fire pit zone in the center and the living room zone to the right of the stairs. She left a lot of room between them as play space.
Shop for a fire pit on Houzz
Shop for a fire pit on Houzz
Martin chose large-format porcelain tiles that better match the midcentury modern architecture than the previous bricks. “These tiles have a much more modern look,” she says. They also complement the busier and more colorful bricks on the home’s facade.
Two large modern planters hold an eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and a foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’).
Modfire’s Astrofire wood-burning fireplace serves as s’mores central, with the warmth from the fire helping extend the patio season into late fall and early spring. The modern take on classic Adirondack chairs and the red fire pit carry on the playful spirit of midcentury modern design.
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Two large modern planters hold an eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and a foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’).
Modfire’s Astrofire wood-burning fireplace serves as s’mores central, with the warmth from the fire helping extend the patio season into late fall and early spring. The modern take on classic Adirondack chairs and the red fire pit carry on the playful spirit of midcentury modern design.
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2. Clean-Lined Entertainment Area in Denver
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple and their three dogs
Location: Denver
Size: About 1,000 square feet (93 square meters)
Designer: Dan DeGrush of Lifescape Colorado
Before: This couple gave up a home in a Denver high-rise to gain outdoor living space. They hired landscape designer Dan DeGrush, who gave them an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, a bar and a lounge area centered around a fire pit.
The existing pavers were uneven and full of weeds, but DeGrush was able to make the existing pergola and fence work. Also, the midcentury modern home’s accordion doors were a great asset, easing the transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple and their three dogs
Location: Denver
Size: About 1,000 square feet (93 square meters)
Designer: Dan DeGrush of Lifescape Colorado
Before: This couple gave up a home in a Denver high-rise to gain outdoor living space. They hired landscape designer Dan DeGrush, who gave them an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, a bar and a lounge area centered around a fire pit.
The existing pavers were uneven and full of weeds, but DeGrush was able to make the existing pergola and fence work. Also, the midcentury modern home’s accordion doors were a great asset, easing the transition between indoor and outdoor living.
After: DeGrush integrated the existing pergola posts into the bar and outdoor kitchen, which allowed him to camouflage their imperfections. The pergola also provided a good way to structure the space — the outdoor kitchen and bar are in the center, with the other areas working around them. The back area contains a dining table that seats eight. In the foreground, a clean-lined fire pit helps keep the lounge area warm.
“Our clients were young, fun and gave us creative license to see what we could come up with,” DeGrush says. “The direction they gave us was that they wanted ‘lab grade’ minimalism, meaning an uncluttered look with clean and simple lines.” He agreed that a streamlined aesthetic would work well with the home’s midcentury modern architecture.
To prevent the patio from looking like a sea of concrete, DeGrush broke it up with lines of Mexican beach rocks. He used them to delineate the lounge area, out of the way of the more high-traffic paths on the patio. The rocks “are round, and their color is a nice contrast to the concrete,” the designer says. “It was a good way to set the lounge space off from the rest of the patio.”
“Our clients were young, fun and gave us creative license to see what we could come up with,” DeGrush says. “The direction they gave us was that they wanted ‘lab grade’ minimalism, meaning an uncluttered look with clean and simple lines.” He agreed that a streamlined aesthetic would work well with the home’s midcentury modern architecture.
To prevent the patio from looking like a sea of concrete, DeGrush broke it up with lines of Mexican beach rocks. He used them to delineate the lounge area, out of the way of the more high-traffic paths on the patio. The rocks “are round, and their color is a nice contrast to the concrete,” the designer says. “It was a good way to set the lounge space off from the rest of the patio.”
As for style, the young couple wanted something minimalist but fun. DeGrush browsed Houzz photos for inspiration, and the architecture of the home helped inspire the clean crisp lines and furniture choices. With the bar, dining area and lounge, the space is ideal for entertaining.
The bar countertop is a specialized high-density, high-stress concrete surface called glass fiber reinforced concrete, or GFRC. It has the look of solid concrete but a lighter structure, eliminating the need for additional supports beneath the bar. The supports neatly tucked underneath the bar are concrete blocks covered with smooth-troweled stucco that looks like concrete, giving the bar a clean-lined and bold look. “It was important to keep the bar open. It makes the patio feel more airy, and it keeps the views through the yard more open from inside the house,” DeGrush says. The outdoor kitchen countertop is GFRC as well, creating a cohesive look.
The tall planters in the lounge area also have a midcentury modern aesthetic. The concrete square bases filled with gravel serve as pedestals for the planters, add to their height and provide drainage. The designer chose ‘Morning Light’ Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’) for beautiful year-round interest.
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The tall planters in the lounge area also have a midcentury modern aesthetic. The concrete square bases filled with gravel serve as pedestals for the planters, add to their height and provide drainage. The designer chose ‘Morning Light’ Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’) for beautiful year-round interest.
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3. Prairie Influence in Wisconsin
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: Two architecture aficionados
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
Size: 760 square feet (71 square meters)
Designer: James Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio
Before: Architect John Randal McDonald, who was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, built this fabulous home in Racine, Wisconsin, for his own family in 1951. The homeowners consider it a museum piece, and hired like-minded architect and landscape designer James Drzewiecki to renovate the home’s neglected landscape. Drzewiecki had studied Frank Lloyd Wright’s work extensively, so he and a property designed by another Wright aficionado were a match made in heaven. He treated the home and the surrounding landscape as one, taking cues from the architecture and regional landscape design traditions from the period.
The existing patio was an amoeba shape with 2-by-4-inch wood inlays between the concrete pavers. “It had that midcentury modern classic California look, and separate concrete pavers were common during the era,” Drzewiecki says. However, it was no longer in good shape, and there were drainage issues. Because of the patio’s slope and the roof’s drainage system, rainwater that came off the roof would run back toward the house (hence the water-collecting garbage can behind the chairs in this photo).
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: Two architecture aficionados
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
Size: 760 square feet (71 square meters)
Designer: James Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio
Before: Architect John Randal McDonald, who was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, built this fabulous home in Racine, Wisconsin, for his own family in 1951. The homeowners consider it a museum piece, and hired like-minded architect and landscape designer James Drzewiecki to renovate the home’s neglected landscape. Drzewiecki had studied Frank Lloyd Wright’s work extensively, so he and a property designed by another Wright aficionado were a match made in heaven. He treated the home and the surrounding landscape as one, taking cues from the architecture and regional landscape design traditions from the period.
The existing patio was an amoeba shape with 2-by-4-inch wood inlays between the concrete pavers. “It had that midcentury modern classic California look, and separate concrete pavers were common during the era,” Drzewiecki says. However, it was no longer in good shape, and there were drainage issues. Because of the patio’s slope and the roof’s drainage system, rainwater that came off the roof would run back toward the house (hence the water-collecting garbage can behind the chairs in this photo).
After: Drzewiecki’s first order of business was to regrade the yard to keep water from running toward the house. To nod to the original patio’s design, he repeated the use of concrete patio pavers — but this time he used straight lines instead of the curved amoeba shape, with a mix of stones and bluestone pavers instead of wood between them.
He placed a dining and grilling area close to a back door that leads to the kitchen. And a new lounge area enjoys the views of the backyard and new gardens.
He placed a dining and grilling area close to a back door that leads to the kitchen. And a new lounge area enjoys the views of the backyard and new gardens.
Drzewiecki created wedge-shaped garden and rock beds around the patio. These shapes play off the home’s architectural angles as well as his design for the front yard. “The pebbles highlight ornamental grass groupings, and they add an Asian-inspired California midcentury modern flavor,” he says. The beds have black aluminum edging to keep the lines crisp.
Drzewiecki extended the existing retaining wall, using Tennessee sandstone that matched the original wall. This strengthened the connection between the landscape and the house. It also allowed him to extend the elevated garden. New steps allow visitors to access the walking path that runs through it.
The plants in the new elevated walking garden were thoughtfully chosen, with history as the biggest influence. During the midcentury era in the region, landscape designers used prairie plants to complement midcentury architecture. Drzewiecki also appreciated the way the lines of ornamental grasses worked with the lines of the home’s architecture. The homeowners’ love of bold color and desire for year-round interest influenced the plant palette as well.
The homeowners have fully embraced their new landscape, outfitting it with furniture that nods to the iconic silhouettes and spirited style of the era.
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The plants in the new elevated walking garden were thoughtfully chosen, with history as the biggest influence. During the midcentury era in the region, landscape designers used prairie plants to complement midcentury architecture. Drzewiecki also appreciated the way the lines of ornamental grasses worked with the lines of the home’s architecture. The homeowners’ love of bold color and desire for year-round interest influenced the plant palette as well.
The homeowners have fully embraced their new landscape, outfitting it with furniture that nods to the iconic silhouettes and spirited style of the era.
Learn more about this landscape
4. Year-Round Use in Texas
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 1,500 square feet (139 square meters); 60 by 25 feet
Designers: José Roberto Corea and Jeff Fletcher of Austin Outdoor Design
Before: This couple had a long wish list for their compact yard in Austin, Texas. They wanted spaces where they could lounge, grill, dine and take a cool dip. They wanted protection from Austin’s hot summer sun and an outdoor fireplace for chilly nights. The home was built during the midcentury era, and they embraced the style. José Roberto Corea and Jeff Fletcher of Austin Outdoor Design came onboard to fit in everything the homeowners wanted and bring in midcentury modern-inspired flair.
The existing backyard was less than inviting but had loads of potential.
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 1,500 square feet (139 square meters); 60 by 25 feet
Designers: José Roberto Corea and Jeff Fletcher of Austin Outdoor Design
Before: This couple had a long wish list for their compact yard in Austin, Texas. They wanted spaces where they could lounge, grill, dine and take a cool dip. They wanted protection from Austin’s hot summer sun and an outdoor fireplace for chilly nights. The home was built during the midcentury era, and they embraced the style. José Roberto Corea and Jeff Fletcher of Austin Outdoor Design came onboard to fit in everything the homeowners wanted and bring in midcentury modern-inspired flair.
The existing backyard was less than inviting but had loads of potential.
After: The designers divided the yard into three main sections. The dining-and-grilling section sits atop a steel-frame patio with square Lueders limestone pavers. The limestone is local, and the grid of squares nods to the midcentury era. Located two steps down from this patio is the lounge patio, which is centered around a funky outdoor fireplace. The area’s sunken feeling recalls a midcentury modern conversation pit. Off the other side of the house are a plunge pool and surrounding deck.
Crisp, clean lines pay homage to the midcentury modern era, as does the light-colored wood used for the decking around the pool and on the grill surround. The grill surround extends to form a long back for one side of the sunken lounge’s bench. This streamlined sensibility also nods to midcentury modern style.
Two shade sails provide relief from the sun on hot summer days, while their structural supports offer a spot for hanging party lights.
Two shade sails provide relief from the sun on hot summer days, while their structural supports offer a spot for hanging party lights.
The mix of turquoise and orange in the fireplace area embraces the midcentury era’s use of bold color. The fireplace is by Malm, a California company that has been producing funky fireplaces since 1960.
On the ground under the lounge, the designers used the same dark basalt gravel from in between the dining patio pavers. These provide contrast and also a practical benefit: The City of Austin requires that no more than 50% of a lot be covered in impervious surfaces. Patio pavers and gravel are not considered impervious under these rules.
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On the ground under the lounge, the designers used the same dark basalt gravel from in between the dining patio pavers. These provide contrast and also a practical benefit: The City of Austin requires that no more than 50% of a lot be covered in impervious surfaces. Patio pavers and gravel are not considered impervious under these rules.
Learn more about this landscape
More on Houzz
Read more landscape design stories
Get landscape design ideas
Find a landscape designer or architect
Shop for outdoor products
Patio at a Glance
Who uses it: A family of four
Location: Hingham, Massachusetts
Size: 800 square feet (74 square meters)
Designer: Amy Martin Landscape Design
Before: The patio off the lower level of this Hingham, Massachusetts, home was a sea of brick. Installed in the 1970s, it didn’t mesh with the midcentury architecture of the house. In addition, some high retaining walls and areas with big grade changes lacked railings, making the backyard hazardous. Behind the house, a slope was eroding and full of invasive nonnative plants.
The homeowners found landscape designer Amy Martin on Houzz. Because there is a wetland at the bottom of the slope, the project needed approval from the town’s Conservation Commission. Martin was very familiar with navigating the commission’s requirements. Her plans included using native plants to better hold the slope and to filter water as it flowed down toward the wetland. “The Conservation Commission was pleased that we were going to improve the stormwater runoff situation and replace nonnative plants with native plants,” she says.
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