Seating area with large built-in bench seating and boulder fire pit

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Rosedale Modern Courtyard

Native Edge Landscape

This duplex has a very modern aesthetic with focuses on clean lines and metal accents. However, the front courtyard was undeveloped and uninviting. We worked with the client to tie the courtyard and the property together by adding clean, monochromatic details with a heavy focus on texture. The main goal of this project was to add a low-maintenance outdoor living space that was an extension of the home. The small space and harsh sun exposure limited the plant pallet, but we were able to use lush plant material to maximize the space. A monochromatic pallet makes for a perfect backdrop for focal points and key pieces. The circular fire-pit was used to break up the 90 degree angles of the space, and also played off the round pottery.

Modern, Intimate Outdoor Space at Mesa Fire

TLC Gardens

Custom created shade sails provide compression and intimacy. Playful steppers were tested for optimal rhythm and flow.
This is an example of a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Denver with a fire feature.

Front + Backyard Design (Colorado)

Tilly | Landscape Design

This customer was looking to add privacy, use less water, include raised bed garden and fire pit...making it all more their style which was a blend between modern and farmhouse.

Rock Landscaping Design Ideas - Austin, TX

YardDoc

YardDoc designed and created multiple rock landscapes for customers in Austin, TX. These drought resistant landscapes liven up your yard with unique designs and individual beauty. While we craft every landscape to the yard and customer, we present examples here to inspire you. Working with the existing trees and plants, we built this landscape to match the wrought iron fence. First, we placed a limestone barrier in a design reminiscent of a lake emptying into a river. Outside the retainer stone, we laid larger, red river rocks. On the inside we placed smaller, black rocks to highlight the rest of our modifications. We built a stone fire pit in the center then crafted stone benches for seating around the campfire. We built a path our of large, flat stones that bring the different colors and textures together. Finally, we placed one last stone that, while decorative, can also be used as an end table, if necessary.

Idyllic Modern

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Marion Brenner Photography
Design ideas for a large modern front yard full sun garden in San Francisco with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Shade garden

A J Miller Landscape Architecture PLLC

The garden space faces North so gets morning sun then mostly in the shade. In the summer especially it is lovely to sit here have breakfast and later in the day under the large Sugar Maple a cool spot to relax and grill. I am asked all the time are there any shade plants to use! as you can see the garden is constantly changing from spring bulbs and spring flowers to summer and fall color. The gravel terrace provides a simple and affordable surface and very European.

Stylish Digs in Echo Park

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Orinda Modern Landscape

FDC Design Build

Photo of a mid-sized modern front yard partial sun xeriscape for fall in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Eco Modern

Eco Landscape Design & Build

Innis Casey Photography
Design ideas for a large modern backyard shaded xeriscape in Los Angeles with a fire feature and gravel.

Water Features

Pacific Outdoor Living

Design ideas for a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Los Angeles with a fire feature.

Cleveland Park Exterior

Impact Remodeling and Construction

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard partial sun garden in DC Metro with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Potrero Hill Lookout

Seed Studio Landscape Design

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
This is an example of a small modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with gravel and a fire feature.

Modern Organic Garden

Growsgreen Landscape Design

Growsgreen Landscape Design, photo by Caitlin Atkinson.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard full sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Point Dume Residence

GEL: Griffin Enright Landscape

A custom fire pit sunken into the ground by a grass berm.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard full sun garden for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and gravel.

The Wave House

KBC Developments

Modern courtyard garden in Vancouver with a fire feature.

McKinnon Garden 2.0

Boodle Concepts

Backyard retreat in McKinnon. Garden design & landscaping installation by Boodle Concepts, based in Melbourne and Kyneton, Macedon Ranges. New decking and firepit area is hugged by custom curved bench and various heights of screening for visual interest. #decking #moderngardens #melbournegardens #curvebench #curvedbench #indooroutdoorliving #artificialturf #backyardretreat #backyardoasis #gardendesign #landscapingmelbourne #boodleconcepts #australiandesigners

McKinnon Garden 2.0

Boodle Concepts

Backyard retreat in McKinnon. Garden design & landscaping installation by Boodle Concepts, based in Melbourne and Kyneton, Macedon Ranges. Firepit area is hugged by custom curved bench and various heights of screening for visual interest. #decking #moderngardens #melbournegardens #curvebench #curvedbench #indooroutdoorliving #artificialturf #backyardretreat #backyardoasis #gardendesign #landscapingmelbourne #boodleconcepts #australiandesigners

The Sunken Fire Pit & Garage Conversion Project

Golden Gardens And Building

Sunken Fire Pit . The bespoke features are extraordinary with some that are so technically challenging they are almost unique in the UK. Advanced drainage sump system connected to mains, all block work done to the millimetre, re enforced steel bars incorporated into the hollow concrete blocks then filled with concrete

Apartment 34 Traditional Modern

Growsgreen Landscape Design

I designed the ADU to be tucked back as a vertical element to create a cozy space for the hot tub area and not take over the space vertically if it were in other spots. By having it off to the side, it grounds the garden and becomes a destination as well as recedes rather than dominate the space. It acts as an office space. Keep in mind that you can always do heated flooring if you do a concrete pad or tile as we planned for in this space. Energy efficient and also saves on space. Deck chairs can be brought closer to the hot tub at social events. Modern shed by Eric Enns of Modern Spaces and Sheds.

Modern Garden Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

Get Inspired by Modern 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 modern 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 Modern Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.