Creating a landscape that complements your home is the hallmark of any good garden design. An informal cottage garden pairs well with a bungalow or ranch style home, while a more formal European style landscape complements a Colonial or Tudor house. Modern or contemporary garden design is characterized by a sleek appearance, strong clean lines, and minimalist plantings, achieving a harmonic balance between natural and manmade elements.

Modern garden style is at once functional and visually appealing, with a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that makes the yard an extension of the home. A modern landscape is simplistic and uncluttered, augmenting the home’s exterior without detracting from it. The focus is on structure and form, with the goal of creating a space that’s sophisticated, functional and inviting.

Whether you have a compact urban lot or sprawling suburban property, you can create a modern landscape that is suited to your own needs and personal tastes. Learn more about the principles of modern garden design, and how to incorporate some of these modern garden ideas in your own yard.

On this page:

• WHAT IS A MODERN STYLE LANDSCAPE?
• DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF MODERN GARDENS
• BASIC ELEMENTS OF A MODERN GARDEN
• HOW TO MAKE A MODERN GARDEN
• HOW TO MAINTAIN A MODERN GARDEN
• MODERN GARDEN DESIGN INSPIRATION
• POPULAR MODERN GARDEN ARTICLES

WHAT IS A MODERN STYLE LANDSCAPE?

Modern garden design is a blend of traditional formal European style and modern aesthetics that emerged in the 20th century. The yard is regarded as an extension of the home, with elements that are used to unify indoor and outdoor spaces. The emphasis is on functionality, simplicity, and visual appeal. Outdoor spaces that are beautiful and comfortable encourage more time spent outside, enhancing overall health and well-being while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

The modern aesthetic is disciplined and chic, utilizing clean lines, symmetry, geometric shapes, repetition, and a subdued color palette that doesn’t distract. Modern design features low-maintenance landscaping, with an emphasis on sustainability.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF MODERN GARDENS

Modern garden design style is based on a set of principles and striking a balance for the desired effect. These principles include:

Simplicity and minimalism: Hardscape, structures, and plants are used sparingly for a formal, uncluttered look. Every element is intentional, serving a purpose while maintaining a sense of order. Structure, texture, and form are emphasized over color.

Clean lines: Straight vertical and horizontal lines are more orderly and formal looking than irregular curves, emphasizing the simplicity of the design.

Geometric shapes: Elements with distinct geometrical shapes help establish a sense of order. Rounded shrubs emphasize a curved window or alcove, while square or rectangular pavers echo the angular shape of a patio, raised beds, or garden borders.

Repetition: Elements are repeated throughout the landscape to create unity. Use the same materials for pathways; a few key sculptural plants such as boxwood or agave; and structures such as a pergola or arbor in the same style, materials and colors.

Symmetry and balance: A modern landscape uses symmetry to establish balance and a sense of order. Elements arranged in a symmetrical format may include hedging on both sides of a pathway, or flanking an entryway with identical planters. Repetition and focal points reinforce these principles.

Color: Modern landscapes rely on a subdued color palette to reinforce the minimalist look and instill a sense of calm. Neutral tones of grey, brown, tan, white, or black can be combined with cool shades of green and blue that echo natural elements of plants and the sky. Black and white is a classic modern garden color scheme, with dramatic contrast that keeps the design fresh and sleek. A pop of bold color here and there draws the eye and adds an element of surprise.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF A MODERN GARDEN

The emphasis in modern landscape design is on hardscape and structures. Outdoor living areas and pathways are the predominant features, with plants assuming a secondary role. Concrete and steel elements along with glass create a contemporary look, while organic elements of wood, stone, and plants offer contrast. Modern style gardens utilize some or all of the following elements:

Patios, terraces, and decks: These are the primary features for dining, entertaining, relaxing, and playing. Keep these elements simple, using concrete slabs or larger stone pavers for patios and terraces, and wood or composite for decks.

Pathways: Sidewalks and pathways are key elements, connecting outdoor spaces and establishing flow. Use durable and clean-looking materials such as concrete, gravel, or larger pavers. Arrange paths in straight lines rather than irregular curves to retain a formal, orderly look. Paths should be wide enough for comfortable strolling.

Garden beds: Plants are used more sparingly in modern garden design. Limit the amount of garden beds and choose a few key plants with architectural structure and year-round interest that are also low maintenance. Structured planting beds repeated throughout the design provide repetition and unity.

Walls: Walls in various heights establish structure and order. They can be used to provide privacy, as a backdrop, seating area, for vertical living walls, terracing a slope, or to define raised beds and planters. Materials typically include concrete, stucco, or stacked stone for a clean contemporary appearance.

Fences: Fencing can be used to provide privacy, divide garden areas, or as a backdrop to other garden elements. Horizontal fence boards offer a more contemporary feel. Use composite, metal, or wood materials in neutral tones for a chic look.

Structures: Pergolas, arbors, shade sails, and umbrellas add vertical height, providing shade and protection from wind and rain. Trellises are useful for growing plants vertically in a courtyard, for a living wall, or where space is limited. Keep structures simple for a clean, contemporary look.

Pavers: Use larger square or rectangular pavers for patios, terraces, and pathways to keep the design uncluttered. Allow space between pavers to accentuate the shapes.

Gravel and rock: Gravel, river rock, or crushed stone can be used between pavers, as edging, or decorative accents. Finer stone materials such as gravel, crushed rock, or decomposed granite are suitable as primary materials for pathways and gravel gardens.

Containers: Decorative pots can serve as focal points, to showcase plants in a limited space, or on a patio or deck. Choose a few larger pots rather than a lot of smaller containers for an uncluttered appearance. Containers with angular shapes reinforce the clean, straight lines of hardscape and structures. Place pots judiciously as focal points for greater visual impact. Where space is limited, use hooks to hang pots along a living wall, porch, or balcony. The best modern container plants include evergreens or varieties with multi-seasonal traits for year-round appeal.

Water features: Water is a common theme in modern garden design, with fountains, waterfalls, or pools serving as focal points, providing the sound of soothing water, and attracting wildlife. Modern water features are sleek in design, utilizing metal, stone, and concrete materials. Ponds, swimming pools, and reflecting pools are typically square or rectangular for a clean, formal look.

Furnishings and accessories: Choose furniture that is designed for function and comfort, made with durable materials in subdued neutral tones. Outdoor rugs add a splash of color. Statuary and sculptures with an abstract or contemporary look can serve as strategic focal points. A fire pit provides warmth and ambience on cooler nights. Use smaller accents such as a bowl, lantern, or tabletop planter for a finishing touch.

Lighting: Utilize lighting for safety, and to extend time outdoors in the evenings. Choose subdued lighting that is bright enough for safety, but not overwhelming. LED strip lights or small spotlights placed along a pathway emphasize clean, geometric lines. String lights can be used to highlight a fence, pergola, or deck for a festive touch. Modern lighting design typically includes spotlights or up-lights that draw attention to statement trees, statuary, and water features. Choose fixtures with a chic modern aesthetic.

Plants: Selection of plants is as much about function as aesthetic beauty. Plants can provide a privacy barrier, shade, architectural structure, or serve as a stunning focal point to draw the eye. Structure, texture, and foliage contrast are more essential than flowers. Plant varieties for modern landscapes are tolerant of different growing conditions, requiring less maintenance such as pruning and fertilizing.

Architectural plants may include drought-tolerant succulents and cacti, or evergreen shrubs such as boxwood and yew that are clipped into formal shapes. Choose varieties that perform well in your climate, and reflect the local vernacular. Include trees, shrubs, and perennials in different sizes, shapes, and colors to create depth and visual interest. A finely textured ornamental grass combined with a boldly structured plant such as agave or yucca provides compelling contrast.

HOW TO MAKE A MODERN GARDEN

Creating a garden is a unique and personal experience. There is no right or wrong way to design and build the modern landscape of your dreams. You can choose to revamp your entire yard, or just one area. Renovations can occur all at once, or in stages as budget and time allow. Here are things to consider when creating your own modern style landscape:

Choose a site: Evaluate your yard for size, existing structures, soil conditions, and terrain. Observe how the light falls at different times of the year, which will help determine plant selection. Think about how you want to use your yard, whether for dining, lounging, entertaining, or quiet meditation. A modern backyard can include spaces for different functions, while a modern front yard makes a first impression with a welcoming entrance to your home.

Make a list of features you want to include such as a seating area, water feature, fire pit, dining area, or a quiet space for relaxation. A cooking or dining area should be located near the house for easy access, while a quiet seating area can be placed in a more secluded spot.

Get inspiration: There are many contemporary outdoor public spaces and private gardens. Visit modern outdoor spaces in your area. Peruse books and online sources for ideas and inspiration.

Draw a design: Make a rough sketch to help visualize the end result. For more elaborate plans, consult with a landscape designer that specializes in modern garden design.

Consider scale: Materials selection will depend in part on the size of your home and property. Large pavers may be out of scale in a small entryway, while dwarf plant varieties would get lost in a spacious garden border. A tabletop fountain or basin is more suited to a small yard, while a pond or swimming pool would fit on a larger property. When choosing plants, allow enough space for plants to reach their full mature size.

Source local materials: To retain a sense of regionality, use locally sourced stone, gravel and other materials when possible.

Consider year-round interest: A well-designed modern garden will look good in all seasons. Choose durable materials that will endure in your climate, particularly freeze-thaw cycles. Include plants with multi-seasonal interest.

Keep it simple: When it comes to modern design, less is more. Keep outdoor spaces simple to retain a sense of order and tranquility. This is especially crucial with smaller yards, which can become overwhelmed with too many features.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A MODERN GARDEN

Though modern style landscapes require less maintenance than other types of gardens, they still require regular attention to keep them looking their best.

Keep it clean: Wash down furniture and other features periodically to remove dust and dirt. Power wash concrete sidewalks and pavers that become stained or discolored. Clean out water features periodically to keep water fresh and clean. Pick up leaves, branches, and other debris regularly.

Water: Keep plants watered according to individual needs, and group plants together with similar watering needs. Containerized plants will need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Prune: Plants will look their best with regular pruning and grooming. Remove broken or diseased branches as they occur, and cut back plants that become overgrown. Shear formal hedging such as boxwood or yew to keep a neat appearance. Deadhead spent flowers.

Weed: Pull weeds regularly to keep garden areas looking fresh. Weeds are more prolific in warmer months of spring and summer.

Sustainability: Use sustainable practices to reduce maintenance and waste. Drip irrigation reduces water evaporation, while mulching around plants suppresses weeds and conserves moisture. Choose drought-tolerant and native plant varieties that require less watering and other maintenance. Include a rain garden to divert stormwater, or capture stormwater for watering plants. Permeable materials such as gravel provide better drainage. Energy saving LED and solar lights require less electricity.

MODERN GARDEN DESIGN INSPIRATION

POPULAR MODERN GARDEN ARTICLES

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Dry Wit: Margaret Joplin's Southwest Hacienda Garden
Prairie Modern: A House and Garden in Fargo, North Dakota
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Holiday Classic Décor Elements Made Modern
Best Gardens: Modern Shaker Design in Westport, Connecticut
Open Invitation: Beverly Hills Glamour
Inventing the Modern Garden: The Miller House and Garden
Midcentury Modernism in Arizona
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Garrett Eckbo's Midcentury Style
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Modern Modes
Mod Must-Haves