The Pitfalls of Trendy Landscape Design: Why Timeless Style Wins Every Time

Classic curves in a naturalistic garden

As a landscape architect, I often hear clients say, "We want something that feels fresh and modern." It's an understandable request—everyone wants their outdoor space to look impressive and current. But the truth is, following fleeting trends can lead to disappointment down the line. Just as we look back at avocado green kitchen appliances and harvest gold countertops from the 1970s with a mix of nostalgia and horror, we must recognize that the same thing happens in landscape and hardscape design. What feels cutting-edge today can feel tired, dated, and out of place tomorrow.

A well-designed landscape should be more than a momentary statement. It should serve a lasting purpose, function beautifully, and harmonize with its natural setting. The timeless appeal of classical landscape styles has endured for centuries because they focus on the fundamentals: function, proportion, and honesty to the plants and materials used.

If you're considering updates to your landscape, this post will explain why classic styling should guide your choices, how trendy designs can lead to regret, and how you can create a space that feels timeless, enduring, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

The Problem with Trends

Landscape and hardscape trends, much like interior design fads, often emerge as exciting novelties but fail the test of time. In the 1970s, avocado green appliances and shag carpeting were all the rage, but by the 1980s, they became eyesores. Today, we see similar patterns in outdoor design.

Over the past decade, we've seen everything from hyper-modern hardscape patios in stark concrete tones to over-the-top water features, statement fire pits, and artificial turf replacing natural lawns. While these elements can look great in the short term, they often have two key flaws:

1. They age poorly: A hardscape patio covered in oversized, sleek pavers might look ultra-contemporary today, but its visual appeal diminishes as the style inevitably falls out of fashion.

2. They lack authenticity: Trend-driven designs often disregard the natural environment, the history of the site, or the local materials available. A bright white Mediterranean-style patio might look beautiful on a Tuscan hillside but can feel jarring and out of place in a southern Louisiana backyard.

   
   

What remains consistent, however, is the value of good design principles: form following function, respect for the surrounding environment, and a sensitivity to materials that reflect honesty and authenticity.

Function First: Designing with Purpose

A timeless landscape design begins with one essential question: What do you want your outdoor space to do? Is it a place for entertaining? A serene garden for quiet reflection? A play area for children? The function of the space should always guide its form. Trends that focus purely on aesthetics without addressing the practical needs of the site or the people using it will inevitably fall short.

For example, take the trend of oversized outdoor fire pits with expansive stone seating areas. They look stunning in magazine photos, but if your family rarely sits outside on cold evenings, that fire pit becomes an underused relic of a style choice rather than a functional space. Instead, design for your needs: create cozy seating nooks for intimate gatherings or shaded areas for relief from the summer heat.

Likewise, materials should reflect both the desired function and the environment. If you're designing a garden path, natural stone or brick—materials that age gracefully—will last decades longer than stamped concrete that mimics a style. A well-placed gravel pathway is both cost-effective and timeless, blending seamlessly with most garden settings.

Honesty to Plants and Materials

One of the great joys of landscape design is working with the inherent beauty of plants and materials. When we respect their natural forms and functions, the result feels harmonious and timeless.

1. Plants:

• Trends like shaped topiary, overly geometric plant arrangements, or exotic species often require extensive maintenance to keep up appearances. Instead, opt for native or well-adapted plants that thrive in your region. Allow plants to grow in ways that reflect their natural tendencies.

• Grasses, wildflowers, and perennials arranged in natural groupings create a look that is both timeless and ecologically beneficial. A meadow-style garden, for example, requires less water and chemical input than manicured lawns and feels connected to its surroundings.

  
  

2. Materials:

• Use materials that are true to their purpose and setting. Stone, wood, brick, and gravel all age beautifully and offer a sense of permanence. Avoid overly synthetic options that attempt to mimic natural materials.

• When building hardscape features, consider how they will look in ten, twenty, or even fifty years. A hand-laid brick patio, for example, will develop a charming patina over time, while stamped concrete or plastic decking will show its age far sooner.

  
  

Classic Landscape Styles That Endure

If you're looking for inspiration, turn to the classical styles that have withstood the test of time. These design approaches remain relevant because they emphasize proportion, balance, and connection to the surrounding environment:

1. The English Garden:

   • Characterized by lush plantings, winding pathways, and layered greenery, English gardens celebrate natural beauty in a slightly organized chaos. They are perfect for those who want a space that feels romantic, abundant, and low-maintenance.

     
     

2. Formal Classical Gardens:

   • Inspired by European traditions, these gardens emphasize symmetry, clean lines, and sculptural elements like hedges, fountains, and pathways. Think of Italian villas with gravel courtyards, clipped boxwoods, and classical statuary.

     
     

3. The Cottage Garden:

   • A more relaxed version of the English garden, cottage gardens are informal and full of character. They feature a mix of flowering plants, herbs, and native species, often enclosed by picket fences or stone walls.

     
     

4. Prairie and Naturalistic Gardens:

   • Perfect for large spaces or those looking to blend their garden with the surrounding environment. These gardens focus on native grasses, perennials, and wildflowers, echoing natural ecosystems.

     
     

5. Modern Classic (Mid-Century Inspired):

   • This style incorporates clean, functional hardscapes, such as concrete or natural stone, with a restrained planting palette. It embraces simplicity without sacrificing timeless appeal.

     
     

Each of these styles can be adapted to your property, climate, and lifestyle. The key is to draw on their principles of balance, function, and authenticity rather than chasing what’s "in" this year.

Final Thoughts: Creating Spaces That Last

A great landscape is not something you redesign every decade. It grows and evolves, but its core design should endure. By avoiding trends and prioritizing timeless principles, you can create an outdoor space that feels just as relevant in 30 years as it does today.

The path to timeless landscape design lies in respecting the site, prioritizing function, and choosing plants and materials that speak to honesty and longevity. Trends may come and go, but great design is always in style.

So, before you rush to add a fire pit, install the trendiest hardscape, or replace your lawn with artificial turf, take a step back. Ask yourself what purpose your landscape serves, how it complements its surroundings, and whether the choices you make today will stand the test of time.

After all, no one wants to look at their outdoor space in a decade and feel the same way we feel about avocado appliances and shag carpeting. Invest in thoughtful, timeless design—you’ll thank yourself for decades to come.