This project is another example of how to maximize small spaces. This customer’s small Brentwood yard was centered around their new plunge pool. However, the existing pavers and layout left much to be desired. We reworked the pavers to create usable spaces and clean lines, and a vines and lighting work with the custom pergola to increase the privacy and add a soft vertical element to encourage the intimate feel of the space. Two other structures block the pool equipment and AC compressor from sight. This reduces the visual weight of these areas and allows the eye to focus on the crown jewel of the space… the pool.

Shady Chic

User

Maria Papoutsis
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard shaded formal garden for summer in Other with a water feature and gravel.

The integrated bike shed

Georgia Lindsay Garden Design

The bike shed is softened with Verbina Bonarensis.
Small contemporary garden in London.

Private Modern Garden

Outside Collective

Christel Leung
Small modern backyard full sun formal garden in San Francisco with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Rear Garden Design, Harpenden

Green Tree Garden Design Ltd

A simple stepping stone path set into gravel leads down to the summerhouse in the bottom corner of the garden. Geranium 'Patricia' spills over the edge of the path to soften it. Richard Brown Photography Ltd

Elegant Raised Vegetable Gardens

Nature's Perspective Landscaping

A space for growing vegetables and potting plants is made more aesthetically pleasing, with a geometric planter design, a large bubbling urn and natural clay pavers and bluestone slabs. A drip irrigation system keeps plants lush and thriving.

Front Yard Renovation

Water & Earth Landscape Design

Inspiration for a small eclectic front yard full sun driveway for summer in Richmond with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Small town garden no lawn

Amanda Shipman

Amanda Shipman
Small traditional courtyard partial sun formal garden in Hertfordshire with a garden path and brick pavers for summer.

Sculpture House Oakland

Dodie Shoemaker

California living indoor outdoor modern yard
Photo of a small modern backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in San Francisco with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Fremont Firepit

Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Niche

Seed Studio Landscape Design

image: Travis Rhoads Photography
Small contemporary side yard shaded formal garden in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Bee & Butterfly Garden

Jen Berry Garden Design

Small contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden in Hertfordshire with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Portland Road - Kingston

Metre Squared Architecture

Gilda Cevasco
Photo of a small transitional backyard full sun formal garden for spring in Other with gravel and a container garden.

Shades of Green

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Our clients were looking to replace their existing dying grass with a welcoming low water design. We created a fire pit seating area under trees with string lights overhead. The fountain is featured opposite the master bedroom windows. A low water and low maintenance design.

RESTYLING GIARDINO Marisa & Roberto

I.D. Alessandro Roncato

Designed by ID Alessandro Roncato
Inspiration for a small industrial backyard shaded garden for spring in Milan with a garden path and gravel.

Concrete Pads with Color

JLM Construction

Showcasing: *Concrete Pads in gravel *Front entry way *Seasonal Color *Contemporary/Easy Landscaping
This is an example of a small contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape for spring in San Francisco with with path and concrete pavers.

Xeriscape Garden, Jungle Forest Garden, Vegetable Garden & Subtropical Garden

Roland Oehme Landscape Architecture

This is an urban single family home situated on a narrow lot that is about 1/8 of an acre and is only 2 blocks from the Pacific Ocean. I designed a completely new garden and installed everything along with the client’s help. The garden I designed consisted of an ornamental grass garden, a xeriscape garden with decomposed granite mounds, fruit trees and shrubs located throughout, a jungle forest garden, and raised brick vegetable beds in the rear. Previously, there was a wood deck covering almost the entire property that was removed by the owner. We installed root guard around all of the walkways. I installed the raised brick vegetable beds and walkways around the vegetable beds. Many of the plants were chosen to provide food and habitat for pollinators as well. Dozens of fruiting plants were located in the garden. So, it is called the “Garden of Eatin”. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

North Park Eclectic Landscape

Revolution Landscape

Jacaranda
Inspiration for a small side yard full sun xeriscape in San Diego with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Flower Containers

Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors

Small traditional front yard full sun garden in Other with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

Best in Show - Great Gardening Show

Rebecca Webb Garden Designs

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard partial sun formal garden for summer in Surrey with with pond and natural stone pavers.

Small Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by 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 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 Garden for Your Home

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