In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014. Photography: Mark S. Garff ASLA, LLA

Mail Box Modern House Numbers

Moderndwellnumbers /Great River Company

Modern mailbox with modern numbers in modern font by moderndwellnumbers.com
Photo of a small modern front yard garden in Miami.

Ridgetop Modern Makeover

Native Edge Landscape

Native Edge Landscape, LLC
This is an example of a small modern backyard garden for summer in Austin.

Suburban Oasis

Princeton Design Collaborative

Jeffrey Edward Tryon
This is an example of a small modern courtyard shaded formal garden for summer in Philadelphia with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Pasadena Sustainable Planting

Studio H Landscape Architecture

A low water-use drought tolerant succulent and ornamental grasses planting project in Pasadena, California. We used contrasting colors and textures of plant material to create a curb appeal for this spec home. The aloe and Agave american's are the focal points and add a great architectural element to the project.

Lake Neighborhood, San Francisco

Creo Landscape Architecture + Urban Design

Creo Landscape Architecture
This is an example of a small modern backyard garden in San Francisco.

A garden bursting with life

Georgia Lindsay Garden Design

A city garden full of life.
Small modern backyard garden in London.

Garden Transformation April

Herseys LTD

This is an example of a small modern backyard full sun formal garden for summer in Berkshire with with pond, decking and a wood fence.

Stadgartenlounge

besgen Landschaftsarchitektur

Design ideas for a small modern side yard partial sun formal garden for summer in Cologne with with lawn edging, concrete pavers and a wood fence.

Vienna Landscape Project

Boss Landscape Design

Inspiration for a small modern backyard full sun formal garden in DC Metro with a garden path.

Modern Side Yard Gate

Conscious Environments Inc.

A modern horizontal steel (wrought iron) gate closes off the backyard. The double gate design allows for wide access.
Small modern backyard full sun xeriscape in Los Angeles with concrete pavers and a metal fence for summer.

Chuppah--A vaulted Wedding Structure

FINNE Architects

This is an example of a small modern garden in Seattle.

French Inspiration - Suburban Garden

Princeton Design Collaborative

Sustainable Garden design on tight suburban lot with new shed as focal point.
Small modern backyard full sun xeriscape in New York with with privacy feature and concrete pavers for spring.

Manomet Hill

Seoane Landscape Design

This is an example of a small modern backyard full sun garden in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Casual outdoor dining area next to house with bougainvillea

June Scott Design

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.

Low profile Fire feature

Cade Kawamoto, Landworkshop , inc

David Guettler Photography.
This is an example of a small modern front yard full sun xeriscape for spring in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

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.

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.

Motorized Iron Framed Gate with Wood Paneling

J & J FENCE

This is an example of a small modern front yard shaded driveway for summer in Los Angeles with a retaining wall and concrete pavers.

Laurelhurst Garden

Howells Architecture + Design

Anna M Campbell
Design ideas for a small modern backyard partial sun garden in Portland with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Small Modern Garden Design Ideas

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.