DW Project Review: Modern Hosting in Hollis, NH

Modern design can be a tricky balance. Done well, it feels clean, intentional, and current. Done poorly, it can feel cold, flat, and disconnected from its surroundings. When our clients in Hollis, NH came to us, they were very clear about what they wanted, a space that felt new and modern, but still warm, meaningful, and grounded in nature.

That balance became the foundation of this project.

At Design Works, we believe modern landscapes should still feel human. They should invite people in, not intimidate them. For this Hollis, NH property, the architecture of the home already leaned modern, so the landscape needed to complement that style without overpowering it.

The design begins with illuminated stone steps that guide you into the space. These steps do more than solve grade change. They set the tone. Subtle lighting adds confidence and comfort, allowing the space to be used safely and easily at night while reinforcing the clean lines of the design.

As you move through the landscape, the outdoor kitchen becomes a natural gathering point. Positioned alongside a built in fire pit, it creates a hosting area that feels intentional and cohesive rather than scattered. The fire pit is wrapped by a retaining wall lined with plantings, softening the structure and creating a sense of enclosure that makes the space feel comfortable instead of exposed.

Material selection was critical here. We blended brushed stone in warm browns with cooler greys to create depth and balance. These tones work with the surrounding landscape instead of fighting it, allowing the space to feel elegant without feeling stark. The result is a palette that feels modern but still rooted in the natural environment of Hollis, NH.

Plantings were used strategically, not decoratively. Their role is to soften edges, frame views, and bring life to the stonework. This contrast between structured hardscape and organic planting is what keeps the design from feeling sterile. It adds warmth, movement, and seasonality.

What makes this project successful is not just how it looks, but how it feels to use. It supports gathering, conversation, and quiet moments equally well. It feels finished, but not overdesigned.

This is the kind of modern landscape we love creating. Spaces that feel current without losing soul. Designs that respect both the architecture of the home and the natural setting around it. In Hollis, NH, this project stands as a reminder that modern does not have to mean cold. With the right materials, planning, and intent, it can feel welcoming, timeless, and deeply connected to the land.