Do you have unused outdoor space? Do you want to use your outside area but don’t know how to use it properly? If yes, then one of the best ways to utilize unused outdoor spaces is to convert them into an outdoor garden! Yes, a modern garden is a popular trend nowadays, or maybe you have already seen this in your neighborhood or online.
Are you also interested in transforming your space? Are you looking for some amazing modern garden ideas? If yes, then my friend, you have landed on the right page. Today we’ve collected the best contemporary garden design ideas for small gardens or large spaces out there. Whether you want to transform your entire outdoor area or just wanted a few quick tricks to make your space more welcoming, you’ll get everything in here.
We’ve covered everything in this blog, from outdoor living rooms, kitchens to ambient lighting and stylish color schemes. So, keep on reading and find the perfect idea for your dream garden.
15+ Modern Landscaping Ideas
Below are sixteen modern garden ideas for small gardens and large outdoors. From outdoor dining, chic lighting solutions, stylish sheds, there are so many things included in the list. Just take a look at these designs and find the perfect one for your home:
1. The Minimalism Style
If you’re afraid to experiment with various garden styles or don’t want over the top things, it is better to start with this garden design. Here, the minimal things have been used, and they’re creating a calm and decluttered space. Simultaneously, strong geometric gestures and bold lines are creating a visual effect and making it more interesting.
2. Spanish Modern Landscaping Idea
This beautiful walled garden design is a part of a house, Molina de Segura, located in Spain. Here the owners have taken full advantage of the sun to grow tropical plants.
This garden is designed by Alberto Garcia, who chooses hardwood furniture that will resist the sun, and the cute emerald pillows are acting as accent colors that are giving a modern touch to space.
3. Blend Indoors to Outdoors
Look at the above picture. Do you have a similar layout of your home? If yes, then you can create a fabulous garden design by creating a link between your outdoors and indoors.
How? Just by adding sliding or bi-fold doors! You can also use a similar type of tiles on your patio area as you have in the room on the other side of the doors. After this, just decorate the area with cool outdoor furniture. This way, you can enjoy both inside and outside with a homey feel.
4. Serene Green Garden
This beautiful and calm garden is designed by famous garden designer Denise in Ealing, London. Here a single color palette has been used, and that is Green. Various shapes of leaves and textures have been used, but they all are in the same tone. This looks incredibly striking against these beautiful blue concrete planters.
5. A Landscape Design With Pool & Spa
If you have enough space, we suggest you, go with this dreamy landscape design. Take inspiration from the above house designed by Chris Corbett, a landscape and residential designer in California’s Sacramento region.
He always includes natural materials like stone and wood in his designs. Here in this pool and yard project, water is the main element. The serene flowing water into the pool and integrated spa area is just amazing!
6. The ‘Room’ Concept
These days, one modern garden design is quite trendy, and that is “ creating rooms.”
Here, you have to create small spaces to define various sections or functions. It allows people to look around and appreciate every aspect and detail.
Perfect idea for those who are living in compact spaces as this way, you can focus on small rooms and appreciate every nook of your garden.
7. Contemporary Garden Design
Another great natural garden landscaping idea is this one. This project is a result of the collaboration of two brilliant minds: Ruhlstudio & landscape architect Gregory Lombardi.
Here also, the flowing water with buffering sounds is the main focal point of this urban stone landscaping in this modern home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
8. Select A Color Palette
It is good to stick with a color theme because it brings together all the elements together and looks pleasing to the eyes. If you can’t decide which colors to go for, select a neutral color palette.
A combination of white and cool greys will never disappoint you. For inspiration, take a look at the above garden. Here the same colors have been used, and look how gorgeous this place is looking! They add a feeling of space and serenity to an outdoor living area while letting the planting shine!
For decorations, you can include composite decking and porcelain pavers. This will create a laid-back yet sophisticated space for entertaining. Add a firepit and some lanterns for a loveling finishing touch.
If you want to know more exciting and attractive patio decorations, read our previous blog on Stunning Outdoor Wall Decor Ideas.
9. Stylish Bedford Yard Design
Do you want a stylish and comfortable garden landscape design? This home was built in the early 19th century, but it has a unique and modern outdoor space. Specifically, in this place, Nash Baker Architects demolished two existing properties on the site and constructed a luxurious and grand single-family home.
Even though it is a modern home with two courtyards working as a garden area, yet it has a historic facade of the 19th century. The major part of the home is the relaxing outdoor space, designed by award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei. This calm space features restrained planting, comfortable outdoor furniture, and a reflective pool.
10. Pergola Garden Design
Another trending garden design is Pergola. It is also my favorite one! By adding structures like a pergola, you can not only enjoy your outing in a shaded region but also adds an aesthetic look to the whole outdoor area.
You can add a pergola specifically to create a zone or define your seating or dining space. For a more attractive look, plant some vines or flowers around its pillars as they’ll support their growth, and your area will also look beautiful.
11. Vintage Modern Landscaping
What do you think about this landscape design? This whole space has vintage vibes with a modern twist. Designed by True North Architects at Australia’s Gold Coast, this landscape concept consists of both vintage-inspired and modern elements.
Architects intentionally combined weatherboard and hardwood timbers for an interconnected series of decks, terraces, and gardens. For a modern feeling, they have used unconventional materials, like steel and corrugated iron, which goes very well with the silver wood.
12. Outdoor Garden Dining Area
Who said that a garden is only for the lounge area? It is not! Take your dining area outdoors and enjoy eating meals in the warm weather. Look at the above setup, all you have to do is put some string lights, a fan, and some tasty food on the table and your outside set up for a dinner party is ready!
13. A Garden with Concrete Walls
I know this garden design is pretty different from other plans that you have seen. This unique landscape design is a part of a historic home in San Francisco. Owners wanted to retain & preserve its architectural features; therefore, Matazrozzi Pelsinger Builders constructed large concrete retaining walls. They have also installed a folding door system in the den that opens to a rear stone patio.
The whole garden and walls are filled with bonsais, ivies, mosses, ferns, orchids, fuschias, junipers, succulents, ornamental grasses, Daphnes, and other beautiful plants.
14. Create A Playing Area
If your family includes little ones, then a garden will be the perfect place to be their playing area. Create a garden design that also includes a small sitting and playing area where your kids can enjoy their hobbies.
15. Minimal Modern Garden Design
Want a modern and practical landscape design? Look at this plan. This Las Vegas entertainer’s backyard is Modern, functional, clean, and built with perfection. As we know, the temperatures in LA are pretty hot, so to battle the desert heat, the architects designed everything practical.
If you’re living in similar climate regions, we suggest using plants like succulents and certain shrubs and trees as they can survive, whereas the fussy plants will wither and die in the summer temperatures. To make the space cooler, you can add flowing water or a pool.
16. The Lighting Effect
No matter how expensive furniture you put in your garden, it will not look great if the lighting is not properly. Lighting, decors, and other types of finishing touches really impact anything else in a garden. So carefully select the things like lighting and accessories as you do layout and planting.
Take a look at the above picture; here, the designers elevated this entire outdoor living room just by lighting, including string lights and table lamps, and set the mood.
The Bottom Line
There are thousands of modern landscape design ideas out there but which one will work for your space is the main question. Contemporary backyard landscaping ideas are best for those who want to enjoy their garden or outside area and without hours of maintenance involved. You can also contact landscaping architects or landscape designers to achieve the specific design that you liked.
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