Photo by Janis Nicolay
Contemporary Arts & Crafts
Creating a contemporary masterpiece using a twist on the Arts and Crafts style
How do you marry a windy, steeply sloped site to a modern version of the straight-lined, minimalist detail of the Arts and Crafts style? With plenty of vision and a lot of know-how. Lynne Williams, the master gardener and designer behind Roost Garden Design, applied plenty of both transforming this challenging property into a spectacular West-Coast retreat.
Williams started with retaining walls made of poured architectural concrete, staggered them and set them back from the property line to avoid an overwhelming street presence. Some of these walls were sculpted into additional seating areas, and a patio of granite in a random ashlar pattern was built by the main door. Recessed halogen lighting illuminates the steps and selected areas of the garden at night. And resilient plantings were chosen to cope with the wind. Perennial stonecrops and shrubs such as California lilac and rock rose anchor the base of the garden while small trees create privacy. Blooms in shades of blue, purple and rose complement the blue-black cedar shingles and zinc planters. By balancing the clean lines of the home’s architecture with a mix of plants that offer year-round textural interest, Williams has created a unique, contemporary Arts and Crafts sanctuary.
**Looking to recreate this style? Have a look at the elements that build this stunning home**
Get the Look: Contemporary Curb Appeal
(continued below)
Be the first to comment on "Contemporary Arts & Crafts"
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of gardeninglife.ca. Read our privacy policy for more information.