Silver Spring foundation planting and dry creek bed

Contemporary garden in DC Metro.

La Matrangela charme apartments - Taormina - Sicily

antonioprincipato.photo

This is an example of a contemporary garden in Catania-Palermo.

Pergole bioclimatiche | Pratic

Ottimo

This is an example of a contemporary garden in Venice.

San Tavaros Project

Red Sun Landscapes

Rock walk.
Mid-sized contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape in Dallas with a retaining wall and natural stone pavers.

SoCal Model 2

BLACKHAūS Design

Hanging pot succulent garden designed as an entry feature in the front courtyard.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary front yard partial sun xeriscape in Phoenix with a container garden and gravel.

Jewel Tones on a Steep Slope

Rock Paper Clippers

The ruby red really pops against the icy blue.
Design ideas for a large contemporary sloped full sun formal garden in San Francisco with mulch.

Beith

Aesthetic Pools and Landscapes

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard full sun garden for winter in Brisbane with a fire feature and decking.

Water

F.A. Hobson Landscaping

Large contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape in Baltimore with a water feature and brick pavers for summer.

Orinda Landscape

FDC Design Build

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard partial sun xeriscape for winter in San Francisco with a retaining wall and decking.

Stylish Front Garden

Christine Wilkie Garden Design

The front garden of this period Edwardian property in Acton, west London, was a large expanse of concrete hard standing, and overgrown planting. The aim of the garden design was to create a garden that combined space for off-street parking for one car, architectural soft landscaping as well as a spot in which to sit and enjoy the garden. The style of the new garden had to be sympathetic to the house and it was important that the end result was more contemporary front garden than everyday driveway. Additional screening to the neigbouring boundary wall was a key requirement, as was the need to keep an existing cherry tree.

Private Spa & Fireplace

Michael J. Dul & Associates, Inc.

Photo by Gene Meadows
Contemporary partial sun garden in Detroit with a fire feature.

Small San Francisco Landscape Remodel

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

This tired, unused San Francisco backyard was transformed into a modern, low-maintenance landscape with site-appropriate plantings enhanced by raised planting beds and a lead-free artificial lawn to replace the existing water-thirsty lawn. I created two separate "rooms" to break up the long narrow yard, and specified full range blue stone for the two small patio areas, connected by a curved pattern of rectangular pavers of the same natural stone. The raised concrete rectangular planting beds were incorporated to bring more movement and interest to the landscape along with gravel bed accents alongside. Some of the existing concrete remained, and was stained with a color to compliment the natural stone. These photos were taken over a three year period. Photos: © Landscape Designer, Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

Fulham townhouse

Juliette Byrne

This is an example of a contemporary garden in London.

Alamo Residence

Stepstone, Inc.

Beautiful backyard residence in the East Bay Area. Used Almond color Stepstone Large Scale Narrow Modular Pavers as Garden steps and patio area.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun garden for summer in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

North Seattle Estate

Avalon Northwest Landscape, LLC

Photo of a contemporary garden in Seattle.

lkpt residence

Studio EMG

The LKPT residence, designed by Eric Green, is an outdoor gathering space defined by its sculpted objects and sustainable plantings. The central feature of the space is a 40" hand polished concrete wall. The wall is joined by a custom concrete firepit, pergola, and fountain. Green incorporated the classic lounge bench and chairs for seating, specified from the artists product line.

Penfield Renovation

HausDesign Studio LLC

Photo of a contemporary garden in Tampa.

Rio Gold Crazy Paving - Officer

Ferguson Landscape & Design

A final shot of the Rio gold crazy pavers laid in this Officer backyard.
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for fall in Melbourne with with path and natural stone pavers.

Willow Houses back yard

User

Photo of a contemporary backyard garden in San Francisco.

Villa Troglodyte

Atelier-RS Architecture

This is an example of a contemporary garden in Nice with a container garden and decking.

Contemporary Brown Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Contemporary Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own contemporary garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Contemporary Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a contemporary garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a contemporary garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your contemporary garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.