| Joseph Eichler has made history, re-defining the | | | | - Allow the geometry of the home to guide the |
| American dream home and pioneering the | | | | overall plan. Resist the temptation to add |
| California modern design. Today, there are | | | | elements that will distract or cover the key |
| countless ideas and approaches to landscaping, | | | | architectural design elements of your home. |
| and the warm California climate provides limitless | | | | - Consider a mix of materials that provide an |
| possibilities for your California modern home. But, | | | | interesting textural contrast inherent in the |
| to compliment the distinct architecture of Eichler | | | | indoor-outdoor element of Eichler design- think |
| and other modern homes, there are some | | | | rock, stone, pavement, metal, mixed in with lush |
| landscaping guidelines that, if followed, will bring a | | | | grass grasses, moss, plants and trees. |
| beautiful balance of nostalgia and modernism to | | | | - Play with simple, but striking geometric patterns |
| your dwelling's outside area. | | | | and contrast- think rectangular paving stones next |
| Mid-century modern architecture owes an obvious | | | | to linear stalks of bamboo. |
| debt to Asian design principles. This influence is | | | | - Balance the interplay between all elements. |
| observed in the rectilinear geometries, open floor | | | | Repetition of patterns is often signature. For this |
| plans, multi functional rooms, and the all-important | | | | effect, first narrow the scope of elements you |
| direct connections between the interior of the | | | | wish to work with. You can then use these well |
| house and the adjacent garden. By following these | | | | chosen elements in distinct ways. Good artists can |
| three key principles of an authentic Japanese | | | | create masterpieces, using only a few colors. |
| garden, we can begin to create an outside space | | | | - Select water-wise plants that maintain their |
| that perfectly suits the mid century modern | | | | foliage year-round. |
| design: simplicity in material selection and detailing, | | | | - Consider a water feature, like a fountain. |
| appropriate plant choices, and design restraint. | | | | The following is a list of possible plants, shrubs and |
| Some examples of landscaping ideas that follow | | | | trees to consider using as accents and |
| the above principles: | | | | groundcover. |