The “Old Money” aesthetic is synonymous with timeless elegance, understated luxury, and a refined sense of taste. While many may think this aesthetic is exclusive to interior design, it can be perfectly translated into your backyard space. Achieving the Old Money look in your outdoor area is all about creating a sophisticated, comfortable, and charming space that feels both luxurious and lived-in, without being flashy. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space and bring that classic old-world charm into your backyard, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Start with Classic, Well-Made Furniture
Old Money style is all about craftsmanship and quality. Start by investing in high-quality outdoor furniture that combines comfort and elegance. Opt for classic materials like teak, wrought iron, or cast aluminum, which are known for their durability and timeless appeal. Look for pieces with clean lines and a subdued color palette, such as deep greens, grays, or neutrals.
Tips:
- Choose furniture that looks like it’s built to last. Steer clear of anything too trendy or made from flimsy materials.
- Look for comfortable yet refined seating options, such as a well-crafted wrought-iron bench or a teakwood rocking chair.
- Don’t forget about cushions and throw pillows in muted, neutral colors like navy, beige, and gray for added comfort.
Incorporate Lush Landscaping
Old Money gardens are all about natural beauty, often using traditional, low-maintenance plants to create a luxurious, lush environment. Rather than relying on trendy plant varieties, focus on classic, perennial plants that grow well over time. Think boxwoods, lavender, roses, hydrangeas, and lilacs.
Tips:
- Create symmetry in your garden beds, which is a hallmark of formal old-money gardens. Use clipped hedges or rows of plants to create a sense of order.
- Consider planting trees that have a sense of grandeur, such as towering oaks, willows, or maples. These trees not only add height but also give your backyard a sense of permanence and stature.
- Plant climbing vines such as ivy or roses over fences, trellises, or even garden walls to add a touch of old-world charm.
Add Elegant Water Features
Water features like fountains, ponds, or small streams are a quintessential part of the Old Money aesthetic. They add a serene and calming atmosphere, perfect for lounging in the garden or enjoying a warm summer evening. A well-placed fountain or pond can bring an air of refinement and sophistication to any outdoor space.
Tips:
- Opt for a classic stone or marble fountain for an instant touch of grandeur. Even a smaller, simple fountain can make a significant impact.
- For larger spaces, consider incorporating a formal pond or a reflecting pool with water lilies or other aquatic plants.
- If you have the space, a small stream can be a beautiful addition, creating both sound and movement in your garden.
Install a Well-Designed Pathway
Walkways and pathways that look aged but timeless are a great way to inject that Old Money look into your backyard. Choose materials that age beautifully over time, such as natural stone, brick, or cobblestones. The key is to create a path that invites you to explore the garden at a leisurely pace, with no rush.
Tips:
- Opt for weathered stone or brick for a classic look that blends in with your natural surroundings. Gravel can also be used for a more rustic touch.
- Consider a meandering path that gently curves through the garden, rather than a rigid, straight walkway, to create a more organic and timeless flow.
- Flank the path with low-growing hedges or flowers to add depth and charm.
Focus on Functional Outdoor Rooms
The Old Money aesthetic is about creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Instead of just designing an outdoor area for aesthetics alone, focus on creating outdoor rooms—whether that’s a formal dining area, a cozy sitting nook, or an elegant lounge by the pool.
Tips:
- Create an outdoor dining space with a long, wooden table and comfortable chairs, perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
- Set up a lounge area with plush seating and soft textiles, such as a velvet or linen-covered settee, to ensure comfort while maintaining elegance.
- For a more intimate space, incorporate a garden gazebo or shaded area where you can enjoy a drink in privacy.
Introduce Antique or Vintage Accents
Incorporating vintage or antique pieces into your backyard is an easy way to infuse history and personality into your outdoor space. This could mean adding an old wrought-iron bench, a vintage urn, or even reclaimed garden statues.
Tips:
- Look for antique garden statues, like classic Greek or Roman figures, which are often found at antique shops or estate sales.
- Use vintage urns or planters to hold your plants, adding an elegant, aged touch.
- If you have access to old cast-iron furniture, such as benches or tables, these can help create a sense of history in your backyard.
Choose Subtle, Elegant Lighting
Lighting in an Old Money garden should feel sophisticated yet subtle. Think soft ambient lighting that enhances the space without overwhelming it. Vintage-style lanterns or discreetly placed garden lights can illuminate your space in a refined manner.
Tips:
- Use iron lanterns or sconces on the walls of your garden or attached to a pergola.
- Path lighting can be created with elegant brass or copper lanterns that match the rustic charm of your garden.
- Incorporate string lights or fairy lights in a subtle, soft glow over garden seating areas or hanging from trees to add warmth during the evening.
Incorporate a Pergola or Trellis
A well-placed pergola or trellis can add a layer of sophistication and charm to your backyard. These structures provide a graceful, timeless look, perfect for climbing plants or vines like roses, wisteria, or ivy.
Tips:
- Choose a wooden pergola that ages beautifully over time, giving your garden an elegant yet lived-in feel.
- Install a trellis along walls or fences to create vertical interest and allow for climbing plants that will only add to the old-world charm.
- For a more refined look, consider wrought iron trellises or arbors, which complement the understated luxury of the Old Money style.
Conclusion
Creating an Old Money aesthetic in your backyard is about blending sophistication, timeless design, and understated luxury. With a focus on quality materials, thoughtful landscaping, and classic design elements, your backyard can become an elegant retreat that exudes class and refinement. Keep the color palette subtle, the design balanced, and the furnishings timeless, and your backyard will echo the old-world charm of a traditional estate. Take your time, curate your space thoughtfully, and soon you’ll have a backyard that feels as though it’s been around for generations.
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