Is this feature going to include bees or not? - You don't actually say.
If you mean ornament, I agree with VM, except you might want a more stiking paint scheme.
If a working hive is part of the feature, I would likely stick to how it was used those twenty years ago - somewhat more utilitarian, perhaps, as the bees ought to be more important than the beetainer. In the end it will be your choice of what would be most appropriate.
Just seems a shame for it not to be put to good use ie. with a colony installed. But there again, we have no idea of the actual garden setting, so no real advice available from me, as I am neither artist nor landscape gardener. I am just a beekeeper on a beekeeping forum.
Regards,RAB
