Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and decking.

To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

Modernity on University (sneak peek)

Masa Studio Architects

modern west University
Small modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Houston with a water feature and decking.

Modern Landscape

Design ideas for a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Denver with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Garnet Residence

Envision Landscape Studio

This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Bighorn Palm Desert luxury modern home front entrance walkway water feature

Whipple Russell Architects

Bighorn Palm Desert luxury modern home front entrance walkway water feature. Photo by William MacCollum.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern front yard full sun formal garden in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Brooklyn Heights Grotto

Outside Space NYC Landscape Design

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard and ground level deck in New York with a water feature, no cover and wood railing.

Stack House

J Square Architecture

This is an example of a large modern pool in Austin with a water feature and tile.

Custom Pool & Spa With Fire Features In Lighthouse Point

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This luxurious pool and spa in Lighthouse Point is the ultimate backyard paradise! Complete with French Silver interior, custom spillway spa, fire feature, and 2 custom made by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas fire bowls, this is sure to please on a summer evening!

Water Features

Kura Design Pools

Tropical oasis with water feature.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Orlando with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Fully Tiled Baja-Step with Pebble Rock Fire Feature

Poolside Gardens, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard l-shaped infinity pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and concrete slab.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Kings Road, North Vancouver

CREATIVE BRICKS N BLOCKS

The plantings make a water feature a "water garden" and here they are artfully placed to soften and balance the "hardscape" materials of tile and rock. Notice the colours and shapes of the porcelain tiles echo the trim details of the home, creating balance and symmetry in the overall landscape.

Landscapes

Beach Bum Turf Co.

Large modern courtyard partial sun driveway in Tampa with a water feature and concrete pavers for summer.

Southlake Modern

Randy Angell Designs

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and decking.

Operation Neighbor Screen

Southern Landscape

When the neighbor expanded, the small, open courtyard became an extension of the neighbor's driveway. Southern Landscape designed and built a custom privacy trellis to shield the neighbor while creating an intimate retreat off the master bedroom. ,Asian jasmine climbs the trellis, while dianella, foxtail, and little gem magnolia highlight the custom water feature, all of which contributes to the quiet oasis.

Backyard Blues

Intex Design and Construction

Glass tile details, pool and spa design and construction Los Angeles, CA www.IntexDandC.com @IntexDandC
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard l-shaped pool in Los Angeles with concrete pavers and a water feature.

Private Garden designed by John Davies

CED Stone Group

Private garden designed by John Davies, using our black basalt paving, silver grey granite aggregate and cedagravel.
Design ideas for a small modern backyard garden in London with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Alternating Textures on Fence Panels

User

This is part of a mid-century modern design in Atlanta. The turf is artificial, as is the green vine material in the fence panels. Designed and built by Botanica Atlanta.

Modernity on University (sneak peek)

Masa Studio Architects

Inspiration for a small modern backyard deck in Houston with a water feature.

Modern Outdoor Design Ideas with a Water Feature

Australian and New Zealand outdoor living is hard to rival – the warm, temperate climate encourages the year-round enjoyment of backyards, courtyards, patios, verandahs and balconies. These alfresco areas, sometimes referred to as outdoor rooms, are so ubiquitous with the Australian and New Zealand lifestyles that they are now being treated the same way as any other room in the house in terms of architecture and landscape design. Modern backyards and gardens are now extensions to the home. Even cooking is moving outside with many Australians and New Zealanders including outdoor kitchens in their home designs. Unlike the rest of your home, however, a modern backyard, patio or verandah needs regular attention, to ensure it doesn’t become overgrown with plants, or look drab when the weather turns. But clever decisions can reduce the level of maintenance needed to keep your alfresco areas and outdoor furniture looking fresh and neat. Browse the photos on Houzz for landscape architecture ideas, and engage with the outdoor specialists of your favourite picks, so you can make the most of your home’s outdoor living spaces.

How do I decide on my landscape design?

Before you dive head first into planning your modern outdoor areas, consider the site in which your home sits. Understanding your soil type, topography and climate will ensure you make the most of your site. Plants, for example, should grow comfortably in the climate and soil conditions, and complement the existing landscape. Next, take into account how you will use your outdoor areas and how much maintenance you can sustain. More hardscape – paths, walls, steps and decks – generally means easier upkeep. If you have children, you will want to divide your backyard into areas: you could opt for an entryway, entertaining area and play area. A sheltered area is usually a must, too, whether in the form of a pergola, awning or arbour. How much you entertain may dictate whether you want to include an outdoor kitchen, or even an outdoor bar. Outdoor specialists – landscape architects, landscape designers and garden designers – will be able to take your outdoor areas to the next level. Just browse Houzz professionals for a full list of experts in your area.

How do I create an outdoor room?

Outdoor rooms take the comfort of the indoors outside. No longer just a covered area in the backyard, outdoor rooms have a visible connection to the spaces within the home. Laser-cut screens could create a sense of enclosure for a modern veranda. Or, a patio could be an extension of your modern living room, with leather or upholstered chairs substituted with outdoor-suited materials. Even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into outdoor rooms. An inner-city balcony, for example, could squeeze in a couple of chairs, a drinks table and a stylish shelving unit. Outdoor kitchens are one of the most popular types of outdoor rooms in Australia and New Zealand. They, too, can come in many forms, however many outdoor kitchens like to spill out from the interior. Those that stand their own often have a built-in barbecue, bar fridge, built-in sink and plenty of storage. A wood-fired pizza oven is just the cherry on top!

How can I get the most out of my front yard?

Your front yard doesn’t have to act purely as a transitional zone. A front fence can create privacy from a busy road and, in turn, open up the option of having a small courtyard in which you can entertain or relax in. Not having a fence, on the other hand, can make your front yard appear bigger, and will show off the architecture of your home. If this is the case, you may want to create a structural feature out of something like your letterbox. Pathways should be easy to navigate, well-lit and obstacle-free. Add more functionality to your front yard with a bench seat or herb garden; or keep your focus on creating a welcoming entry with a water feature, sculpture or garden art.

What small backyard ideas will maximise my space?

Small backyard ideas are plentiful on Houzz. You’ll notice terracing is popular in small backyards as it adds dimension and visually expands a small plot into distinct, separate spaces. Consider using large pots to break up the space, creating different points of interest, too. Next, think vertically. Tall plants are a great way to add height to a small backyard, or consider using a trellis, arbour or pergola to draw the eye up. Other small backyard ideas include complementing your interior with the same colours and style to make it feel more like its own living room; installing smart lighting that creates a backdrop or gently illuminates the area; and creating a focal point to distract the eye from the limited square meterage.

What retaining wall options are available?

A retaining wall isn’t just functional, but can add aesthetic value to your outdoor areas, too. Which retaining wall designs are best suited to you will depend of your budget, the incline of your slope, local regulations and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Timber sleeper retaining walls are the most common retaining wall, because they are relatively affordable; however, they do have limited longevity. If life expectancy is an issue, consider concrete sleepers, or clad the timer slats in Corten steel panels. A boulder rock bank is the most cost-effective type of retaining wall, and with the inclusion of plants, is often the most natural looking, too. Corton steel blades or rendered masonry walls can retain a small dip in your landscape and make an eye-catching feature, while masonry walls and drystone walls are the most expensive options, but do tend to look the best.