A century modern home has clean lines, open layouts, and a timeless aesthetic. Restoring one involves more than just interior upgrades—you also need landscaping that enhances these architectural elements. From retaining walls to hardscaping, this guide offers landscaping ideas for restoring a century modern home. Your next renovation project awaits.
Maximizing Minimalism With Clean Lines
Century modern design thrives on simplicity and functionality. You can reinforce this concept with landscaping that uses clean, geometric lines. Linear garden beds and modern planters work well to create a minimalist look. Structured shrubs like boxwood or ornamental grasses like feather reed grass offer a refined appearance.
Avoid overloading your yard with too many varieties of plants or decorations. A tidy space complements the architectural style. For added interest, use hardscape materials like gravel or concrete to outline pathways or plant borders.
Water Features With a Modern Twist
Water features add elegance and a sense of calm to your yard, and contemporary designs complement a century modern home. Here are some ideas to inspire your landscaping:
- Reflecting pools. A shallow reflecting pool acts as a centerpiece. Surround it with gravel or smooth concrete to emphasize clean lines and modern minimalism.
- Geometric fountains. Opt for sleek, linear fountains or cube-style designs that emphasize structure. Styles like wall-mounted spouts or a tiered cascade create a dynamic yet understated look.
- Water channels. Long, narrow water channels connect different areas of your yard. Incorporate stone edges for a bold contrast and architectural feel.
- Ponds. A custom pond with geometric edges integrates seamlessly into hardscaping. Add aquatic plants like water lilies for an organic touch without losing the modern aesthetic.
- Stepped waterfalls. If your yard includes levels, a stepped waterfall can create a dramatic effect. The trickling sound also masks outside noise and adds to the overall sense of relaxation.

Sophisticated Retaining Walls
Retaining walls serve more than a functional purpose; they enhance the aesthetic and usability of your outdoor space. Below, we explore materials, creative designs, and practical applications that seamlessly blend with this architectural style.
Choosing Materials That Match the Style
Century modern homes thrive on minimalist designs, and your retaining walls should reflect that. Poured concrete is a versatile choice that aligns with the home’s modernity while ensuring durability and longevity. Corten steel offers another attractive option with its rich, rust-like patina that adds depth and texture to your landscaping. Additionally, natural stone with straight edges can create a contemporary appearance.
For a customized appearance, consider mixing materials, like concrete with wooden accents, for a layered and eye-catching aesthetic.
Transforming Slopes Into Tiered Gardens
If your yard has uneven or sloped terrain, retaining walls can transform these challenging areas into usable, terraced spaces. A series of tiered walls can showcase plants of varying heights, creating visual interest that complements the home’s low-profile design.
Use drought-tolerant plants like ornamental grasses, succulents, and flowering perennials to tie the walls into the landscaping. You can stagger levels, using each tier for a specific purpose, like garden beds on one level, a gravel pathway on another, and a small sitting area further up or down.
Multi-Functional Features for Added Value
You can customize retaining walls with functional features. A seating wall, for example, can surround an outdoor fire pit or patio, offering utility and a polished look. With built-in lighting beneath the seating edge, you can subtly enhance the area’s ambience. Additionally, walls can outline a dining area or terrace off of a lounging space, making each section feel intentional. Overall, well-placed retaining walls define outdoor zones, improve your yard’s flow, and provide a clean, organized look consistent with a century modern home.
Custom-Designed Concrete Work

Concrete is a highly adaptable material, and custom-designed concrete work is a great landscaping idea for restoring a century modern home. In particular, a concrete patio with sharp edges and a smooth surface reinforces the geometric features of the home. You may incorporate exposed aggregate designs to introduce texture or opt for a polished surface to emphasize simplicity. Moreover, decorative saw cuts can create subtle patterns that enhance the space.
Besides patios, a custom-designed driveway can improve your home’s exterior. Concrete driveways layered with artistic elements such as stamped textures or acid-stained finishes can add visual interest. Geometric grid patterns etched into the surface or slabs framed with gravel create a minimalist yet striking look. You can also add lighting along the edges to highlight the driveway’s clean lines in the evening.
Extend your concrete design elements beyond patios and driveways with unique accents. Oversized concrete planters create focal points while offering practical planting spaces for ornamental grasses or succulents. Modernist concrete benches paired with fire pits keep the outdoor environment functional yet stylish. Low concrete walls framing flower beds or water features also tie the hardscaping together.
Balancing Hardscape and Greenery
For a truly striking landscape design, balance concrete work with plenty of greenery. Soft, organic plants counteract the hardness of concrete surfaces, offering visual and tactile contrast. Pair elements like tall native grasses and flowering ground covers along concrete edges to soften their appearance.
Low-Maintenance Native Landscaping
Permeable materials, like concrete pavers or crushed stone, improve drainage and reduce stormwater runoff without sacrificing style. These options pair well with clean, geometric layouts, lending functionality and elegance to pathways and patios.
Incorporating recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or repurposed bricks, adds character and reduces waste. Reclaimed elements also bring warmth and depth to fences, seating, or retaining walls. Moreover, balancing hardscaping with greenery softens the design and maintains harmony.
Combine low-profile pathways or stone walls with native plants or climbing vines to integrate natural textures. Light-colored concrete and cool materials reduce heat absorption, ensuring outdoor spaces stay comfortable.
Solar-powered fixtures and LED lighting provide efficient illumination while complementing the home’s architecture. Thoughtful hardscaping choices enhance function, beauty, and sustainability, making your outdoor area practical and eco-friendly.
Let PNP Outdoor Development Improve Your Landscape
Your home deserves an outdoor space that feels like an extension of you. At PNP Outdoor Development, we don’t just shape landscapes; we create spaces that homeowners can be proud of and truly enjoy. Whether you’re imagining retaining walls or custom-designed concrete, our team brings care and expertise that ensures your vision becomes a reality.
With over five years of experience and an excellent reputation, PNP is your outdoor construction. Contact us today and discover what it feels like to have a team that truly has your back.
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