Maple allées elegantly screen neighboring properties and frame the edges of a tranquil viewing garden. Water rills extend east and west from the large office windows to create the illusion of a continuous stream and guide the eye to longer, more expansive views. Photo: Scott Shigley

Albert Lim
Photo of a contemporary courtyard garden in Singapore with a container garden.

ron tan
Small contemporary courtyard full sun garden in Perth with decking and a water feature.

A River Oaks couple contracted Exterior Worlds to design a contemporary garden behind the gym in their two-story home. The original garden was very traditional in both style and function, and was used exclusively as an area to plant foliage and various species of flowers. Its only ornamentation was a three-tiered fountain, which looked outdated and made noise throughout the night due to failing pumps. Our clients asked us to convert a portion of this space into something more functional, and to create a more contemporary garden design throughout the remainder of the property. They also requested we replace the fountain with a more contemporary water feature. Because the garden had previously been designed in the shape of a near-perfect rectangle, we already had the basic geometry necessary for the development of a new, more contemporary style. We developed our landscaping plan by breaking this area up into proportional quadrilateral sections of varying size. Some of these would later be used as patio space, others as garden space, and the last and largest section would be converted into a far more sophisticated water feature and fountain. We began the project by building a red brick patio over the first section just outside the window of the home gym. Rather than placing the bricks in a standard, linear fashion, we took a more eclectic approach. We laid the bricks in alternating diagonal rows that created a sense of immediate movement the moment you stepped onto the patio. This had the effect of drawing both the feet and the eyes toward the center of the property, and it also served to immediately establish the garden’s new, contemporary design. In the large central section of the property, we created a rectangular koi pond the size of a small swimming pool. We deliberately built it to be the central, dominating feature of the landscape that would anchor all other garden elements. We built a two-inch coping around the pond, stocked it with koi, and installed lighting in the fountain’s corners at the end closest to the home. Our clients particularly liked this new water feature when it was finished. Neither of them were swimmers, but they had always enjoyed sitting by pools at the homes of friends. Now, they could sit by their own pond, and watch the koi fish swim around the lighted fountain. To further develop the contemporary design of the garden, we added several more important landscaping features and physical structures. We built another patio, identical to the first, at the opposite end of the pond. This framed the water, bringing a sense of balance and refined containment to the landscape. We also built a sculpture garden near one side of the pond to add an artistic element to the water, masonry, and surrounding greenery. To do all this, of course, we had to significantly narrow the perimeters of the garden itself, so by the time we finished our construction, there was no room left to install a walkway. Working with what we had, as opposed to what we did not have, we built the walkway across the water. Large pedestals were placed in the pond, capped by large limestone pads that mimicked the effect of floating on water. These pads were large enough to support the weight of an adult, and provided both a means of transit across the pond, and varying points of observation from within the pond itself.

Nested under a Japanese maple, the bench provides a resting spot where the homeowner loves to sit and read.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard shaded formal garden for summer in Chicago with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Colorful late spring annuals enhance this patio entry door.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard partial sun garden for spring in Chicago with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

Lisa Feurtado
This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard partial sun garden in Kent with natural stone pavers.

Photo of a contemporary courtyard garden in Sydney with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

The beach often becomes your backyard when you live in Southern California, but a private outdoor space is always a necessity. This project was completed for a client residing in Newport Beach, Ca. With limited space, we were able to create a colorful outdoor patio that serves as a perfect complement to their uninterrupted view of the Pacific Ocean.

Small water feature by Abel Landscapes Liverpool
Photo of a contemporary courtyard garden in Other with a water feature.

Photo by Brittany Dawn Short
Design ideas for a contemporary courtyard shaded garden in Austin with with path and natural stone pavers.

Detail of two Brass finished plaques mounted on steel. "Poor Butterflys" and "Dream On" by Ketti Kupper. Photo by Ketti Kupper
Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard full sun xeriscape in Los Angeles.

A Seattle couple needed to take advantage of our amazing summer weather and asked for a way to watch movies outside. We were up to the challenge, designing a custom concrete bench that by day serves as built-in seating and transforms at night into a perfect spot to catch a flick on the fly! Other touches include modern planting and steel planters to match the contemporary feel of the home. Photos by Miranda Estes Photography

Design ideas for a contemporary courtyard formal garden in Melbourne with a fire feature.

MONACO PLANTER (L30” X W30” X H30”) Planters Product Dimensions (IN): L30” X W30” X H30” Product Weight (LB): 40 Product Dimensions (CM): L76.2 X W76.2 X H76.2 Product Weight (KG): 18.1 Monaco Planter (L30″ x W30″ x H30″) is an evolutionary planter, designed as a contemporary concave form, to maximize planter perfection in the home and the garden. Weatherproof and with a lifetime warranty, this planter is for green thumbs who want to achieve hassle-free garden greatness with a minimum amount of effort. Exuding the elegance and confidence of a princess, Monaco emits a richness worthy of a luxurious landscape or a grand entrance, without compromising practicality. Comprising an ultra durable, food-grade, polymer-based fiberglass resin, Monaco is made for modern mansions and traditional homes. The modern Monaco’s hardy construction makes it resilient, also, to any weather condition—rain, snow, sleet, hail, and sun, as well as to the everyday wear and tear of any indoor or outdoor setting. By Decorpro Home + Garden. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) All Planters are custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT PLANTER WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF DRAINAGE HOLES AND PLUGS INNER LIP LIGHTWEIGHT

podocarpus hedge with Ipe wood landing, black Mexican beach pebble, Dymondia Silver Carpet between joints, boxwood hedges with Acorus Ogon accent grasses. Thanks to budgetplants.com for providing the plant delivery.

Small contemporary courtyard full sun formal garden in Moscow with with flowerbed and decking for winter.

Ann-Louise Buck
Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard partial sun formal garden in Sydney with a water feature.

Large contemporary courtyard garden in Orange County.