In Atlanta’s most refined neighborhoods, outdoor spaces must reflect both heritage and modern lifestyle. Blending classic charm with contemporary design isn’t just possible—it’s the key to creating landscapes that feel timeless, functional, and uniquely yours.

At Outdoor Makeover, our passion is crafting environments that reflect your story and enhance daily living. Whether you live in a historic home or a sleek new build, here’s how to thoughtfully merge old and new in your outdoor design.

1. Start with Architectural Harmony

The foundation of any successful outdoor design lies in how well it integrates with the existing architecture of your home. A great outdoor space should feel like a natural extension—not a departure.

How to achieve balance:

Match materials: Use brick, stone, or stucco elements found on your home’s exterior in retaining walls, patios, or outdoor kitchens.
Echo lines and proportions: Clean-lined pergolas or fencing can be softened with arched trellises or curved garden beds.
Blend styles subtly: A classic column structure can pair beautifully with modern lighting and minimalist landscaping.

Our design team studies your home’s lines, colors, and materials to ensure outdoor elements speak the same visual language.

2. Use Timeless Materials with a Modern Edge

Some materials never go out of style—natural stone, wood, wrought iron. But the way they’re used can give them a contemporary twist.

Classic-meets-modern combos:

Bluestone patios in clean, geometric patterns
Traditional brick laid in herringbone beneath sleek steel pergolas
Cedar or ipe wood paired with smooth concrete or matte black metal
Limestone or travertine for pool decks with modern water features

At Outdoor Makeover, we curate materials that reflect both your aesthetic preferences and Atlanta’s climate—ensuring durability and timeless appeal.

3. Layer Structured Planting with Sculptural Simplicity

Classic landscapes often feature symmetry and formal planting schemes. Modern design favors simplicity, texture, and repetition. By blending these approaches, we create outdoor environments that are both lush and elegant.

Design tips:

Use boxwoods or holly for traditional structure, then layer in grasses, succulents, or native perennials for movement.
Frame spaces with symmetrical beds, but fill them with asymmetrical groupings for a modern vibe.
Add vertical planters or living walls alongside classically edged pathways for contrast.

In Atlanta, we often blend camellias with dwarf grasses, or pair sculptural agave with traditional stone borders. The result? A garden that evolves beautifully through the seasons and feels curated, not chaotic.

4. Incorporate Statement Lighting

Outdoor lighting is one of the most effective ways to blend old and new. Classic lantern-style sconces can coexist with minimalist LED strip lights, creating ambiance and depth.

Smart lighting combinations:

Gas lanterns at the front entrance with modern path lighting along walkways
Uplighting for trees paired with recessed patio floor lights
Warm-tone LEDs that enhance historic textures like brick or stone

Lighting also helps create mood and extend the usability of your space well into the evening—perfect for Atlanta’s year-round outdoor lifestyle.

5. Balance Soft and Hard Elements

Classic design leans into softness—curved edges, lush plantings, romantic textures. Modern design often favors strong lines and minimalism. The key is to contrast them intentionally.

Examples:

A modern concrete fire pit set against a lush, classic English garden
Clean-line furniture surrounded by traditional potted boxwoods
A steel and glass pavilion softened by flowing drapery and climbing roses

This interplay of textures and forms invites the eye to explore and the body to relax—creating a truly livable luxury landscape.

6. Fuse Classic Features with Modern Functionality

Luxury living today demands smart features—and there’s no reason those can’t coexist with timeless style.

Feature pairings:

Classic outdoor fireplaces with integrated lighting and sound systems
Stone retaining walls hiding smart irrigation and drainage systems
Old-world fountains with LED water lighting
Traditional pergolas equipped with motorized louvered roofs

At Outdoor Makeover, we’re known for blending innovation with beauty—so your space works as hard as it looks good.

7. Design for Seasonal Use and Year-Round Comfort

While classical gardens may have focused on spring and summer bloom, today’s outdoor spaces must function beautifully year-round.

Season-proof design:

Evergreens for structure in winter
Autumn-interest shrubs like camellia and nandina
Modern heaters and fire features for fall and winter comfort
Retractable canopies or pavilions for summer shade

Our fall and winter-friendly designs let you host gatherings, dine outdoors, and relax well into Atlanta’s cooler seasons—without sacrificing beauty.

8. Prioritize Sustainability

Luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand. For outdoor spaces, this means choosing eco-friendly practices without compromising beauty.

Sustainable strategies include:

LED Lighting: Energy-efficient, long-lasting fixtures.
Smart Irrigation: Adjusts watering schedules seasonally.
Native Plantings: Thrive in Atlanta’s climate with less maintenance.
Permeable Pavers: Reduce runoff and improve drainage.

At Outdoor Makeover, we integrate sustainability into every design, helping families enjoy beauty and comfort with responsibility.

9. Personalize with Meaningful Touches

The ultimate outdoor lounge should feel like your sanctuary—reflecting your lifestyle, memories, and sense of style.

Personal touches might include:

Artwork or Sculptures: Weather-resistant pieces that speak to your taste.
Custom Furniture: Tailored to your space and family needs.
Water Features: Subtle fountains or reflective pools to soothe the senses.
Memory-Making Zones: A journaling nook, game area, or space for children’s play.

These details transform a lounge from beautiful to unforgettable.

10. Balance Technology with Nature

Incorporating modern technology into classic outdoor spaces requires intentional design. We integrate tech in ways that feel discreet and design-forward.

Ideas for harmony:

Hide speakers within traditional stone walls
Use app-controlled lighting to accent classical garden sculptures
Install weatherproof screens in pergolas with retractable curtains

This balance ensures that your space feels refined—never overwhelmed by tech—while still delivering convenience and innovation.

Let Outdoor Makeover Blend the Best of Both Worlds

Blending modern and classic outdoor design takes more than creativity—it takes vision, expertise, and a deep understanding of how families live today. At Outdoor Makeover, we bring all of that—and more—to every project.

From hardscaping and planting to lighting, irrigation, and personalized luxury details, we craft outdoor spaces that are as functional as they are unforgettable. Our collaborative process, backed by our one-year support guarantee and dedicated aftercare, ensures your landscape will evolve with your family and your home for years to come.

📞 Call us at 404-301-8340
📋 Or contact us online to schedule your design consultation.

Let’s build a backyard that honors tradition, celebrates innovation, and becomes the backdrop for your family’s next chapter.

How to Blend Modern and Classic Elements in Outdoor Design