Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden in DC Metro with with waterfall and natural stone pavers for summer.

Southfields Garden

Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping

Mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden in London with with pond and natural stone pavers for summer.

Compact and Cozy

Arbordale Landscaping Ltd

The frontyard features a natural stone walkway that leads to the solid natural stone front steps. The first stair landing connects with a custom Thermory and steel bench. A small lawn area and mixed plantings fill the rest of the space. The backyard features a walkout basement that is covered with stadium stairs made up of solid natural stone. The stairs make ample space for herb filled pots. The final elevated step makes a bench for a small dining area. The upper terrace includes a decorative Cedar screen and raised planters for larger specimen trees. Beech hedging surrounds the yard with a specimen London Plane Tree and forest like under plantings.

Contemporary Landscape in Kissing Camels

Accent Landscapes

Raised planter beds offer a easy way to grow your own vegetable garden.
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Denver with with raised garden bed and concrete pavers.

London Victorian Town House

Charlotte Heather Interiors Ltd

The open plan area at the rear of the property is undoubtedly the heart of the home. Here, an extension by Charlotte Heather Interiors has resulted in a very long room that encompasses the kitchen, dining and sitting areas. Natural light was a prerequisite for the clients so Charlotte cleverly incorporated roof lights along the space to maximise the light and diffuse it beautifully throughout the day. ‘Early in the morning, the light comes down into the kitchen area where the clients enjoy a coffee, then towards the afternoon the light extends towards the sitting area where they like to read,’ reveals Charlotte. Vast rear bi-folding doors contribute to the space being bathed in light and allow for impressive inside outside use. Entertaining is key to the kitchen and dining area. Warm whites and putty shades envelop the kitchen, which is punctuated by the deep blue of the decorative extractor fan and also the island designed specifically for guests to sit while the client cooks. Brass details sing out and link to the brassware in the master bathroom. Reinforcing the presence of exquisite craftsmanship, a Carl Hansen dining table and chairs in rich walnut injects warmth into the space. A bespoke Tollgard leaf artwork was specially commissioned for the space and brings together the dominant colours in the house. The relaxed sitting area is a perfect example of a space specifically designed to reflect the clients’ needs. The clients are avid readers and bespoke cabinetry houses their vast collection of books. The sofa in the clients’ favourite shade of teal and a dainty white boucle chair are perfect for curling up and reading, while also escalating the softness and femininity in the space. Beyond the bifold doors, the pergola extends the living space further and is designed to provide natural shading and privacy. The space is designed for stylish alfresco entertaining with its chic Carl Hansen furniture. Luxury sheepskins and an outdoor fireplace help combat inclement temperatures. The perfect finishing touch is the wisteria and jasmine that were specially selected to drape over the pergola because they remind the clients of home and also because they echo beautiful blossom.

Donabate

JEArchitecture

Patio space to rear
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Dublin with with lawn edging, concrete pavers and a metal fence.

Transforming a Garden with Trex Composite Decking

Karl Harrison Landscapes Ltd

Karl put together a garden design that met all their wants and needs. Removing the massive storage unit gave back over half of the garden space. This left behind a concrete pad that made a perfect base to install the no maintenance Trex composite decking. Karl is a TrexPro making this Trex Deck warrantied for 25 years. Following the low maintenance theme, Karl chose to use Namgrass artificial lawn around the decking. This grass even has a 10mm foam layer underneath to make it really comfy underfoot.

East London urban garden

Nordland Landscapes

Modern suburban garden with plenty of space for entertianing and relaxing. Designed by Sarah Kay garden design
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in London with with raised garden bed and decking.

Contemporary Urban Garden

Wilson Associates Garden Design

A modern contemporary low maintenance garden for our busy clients. The garden works with subtle changes in level off-set in this long narrow Victorian town garden. A stepping stone pathway leads down the garden to a new decking area in front of the existing shed which our client gave a new lick of paint.

Simple Luxuries

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

Located in prestigious Rosedale in Toronto, this beautiful custom home by Leprevo Design-Build, needed a landscape to compliment the architecture. One material was used throughout the entire property to not take away from the home. A predominantly green planting scheme highlights the right areas and breaks up the hardscape. Simple, elegant and timeless.

Secret Garden, Highbury

Jenny Bloom Garden Design

A small garden at the rear of a Grade II Listed property was extended beyond the original boundary after the client purchased the derelict and overgrown plots beyond. The original lawned garden space was redesigned as a courtyard using reclaimed yorkstone and a more contemporary 'secret garden' was created beyond the wall. A sunny chill out zone was created for the family to relax in, and a productive garden includes fruit trees and raised beds for growing vegetables.

Espace de vie du jardin

Terrasses des Oliviers - Paysagiste Paris

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for spring in Paris with a garden path, decking and a wood fence.

Family Garden in Kew

Maïtanne Hunt Garden & Landscape Design

Large contemporary backyard formal garden in London with brick pavers.

Sunken Modern Garden

Chris Snook

Photo of a large contemporary formal garden in London with natural stone pavers.

Genuss im Garten: Outdoorküche und Lounge Terasse

Blöchle und Schwaller GbR

Wo jetzt die Outdoorküche steht, war früher eine mit Pflanzringen und Buchsbaum bewachsene Böschung. Die Hangsicherung übernehmen nun große, senkrecht gestellte Granitplatten und Muschelkalkfindlinge.

Townhouse garden

Neil Jones Design

Using a refined palette of quality materials set within a striking and elegant design, the space provides a restful and sophisticated urban garden for a professional couple to be enjoyed both in the daytime and after dark. The use of corten is complimented by the bold treatment of black in the decking, bespoke screen and pergola.

De Beauvoir House

Studio 30 Architects

A contemporary refurbishment and extension of a Locally Listed mid-terraced Victorian house located within the East Canonbury Conservation Area. This proposal secured planning permission to remodel and extend the lower ground floor of this mid-terrace property. Through a joint application with the adjoining neighbour to ensure that the symmetry and balance of the terrace is maintained, the house was also extended at 1st floor level. The lower ground floor now opens up to the rear garden while the glass roof ensures that daylight enters the heart of the house.

Inspiration - NSW

SITEDESIGN+STUDIOS

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Sydney with a water feature and decking.

Cross Country Greenhouses

BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd

This Cape Cod style greenhouse is 12x20 feet. The unique foundation and decorative cresting give it a beautiful look, and it is used as a sitting room with a view of the ocean.

Garden Screens Installed

User

Screen With Envy "Kaleidoscope" installed freestanding to create privacy. If you’re looking for a fresh take on garden screening this summer, then the Kaleidoscope outdoor garden screen will be perfect for you. Inspired by the pattern work found throughout the sprawling markets of Morocco to Dubai, its Arabic design makes it truly unique and will provide a beautiful addition to your garden. The privacy screen is made of advanced wood composite so will not warp age or fade. We produce these in a number of different patterns. All screens are modular, can be cut down to fit any shape, and can be installed against brickwork, fences or free-standing. £80 including free UK delivery. Visit - https://www.screenwithenvy.co.uk/products/arabesque-medium-garden-screen

Contemporary Formal 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.