18 Essential Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

Sherin Woods is a California-based DIY enthusiast and garden design aficionado. With a background in Environmental Science, she combines creativity and sustainability in all her projects. A Pinterest favorite, Sherin is committed to eco-friendly solutions and has contributed to various home and garden publications. Her areas of expertise include DIY project planning, sustainable garden design, and content creation.
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Want to design a fantastic yard? If yes, then we have got you covered with these Essential Contemporary Garden Design Ideas. 

What is it that makes any yard stand out? Can it be achieved by an average Joe, and what rules should they follow? We have some Essential Contemporary Garden Design Ideas to help you out!

Check out some eye-catching landscaping ideas here


Essential Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

1. Landscaping with Built-In Planters

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

Usually, in contemporary garden designs, the entire garden is tied together using hard landscaping, and built-in planters are the best way to do it. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

2. Keep it Low Maintenance

Essential Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

An average contemporary garden is designed not to be hard to maintain. Use stones, grass, and easy-to-maintain plants to ensure your time is not wasted on maintaining them.

3. Add Varied Heights

Add Varied Heights Contemporary Garden Design Ideas 2

What makes a contemporary garden more interesting are various elements to look at that add depth to the garden.

Make a wooden or steel structure that adds height to the overall look of the landscape, as shown in the picture. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

Make your garden look great like this

4. Focal Point is Must

Focal Point is Must
finegardening

A good design has one strong focal point that draws the viewer’s eye. It could be anything from a contemporary planter or waterfall to a sculpture piece.

For instance, a tree placed in a huge container and situated in a central position can make a bold statement.

5. Light it Up!

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Light it Up!
mgdelectrical

What set these modern gardens off is that they come alive at night. In contemporary garden design, night lighting is applied to give the garden a different look. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

Look at the best rocky landscaping ideas here

6. Choose the Right Furniture

Choose the Right Furniture

The modern kind of garden needs a well-planned architectural space and choosing the right materials for designing is another must. Use easy-to-install and clean furniture to save time in the maintenence.

7. Add an Urban Stone Landscaping

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Add an Urban Stone Landscaping
shutterstock/AePatt Journey

Contemporary garden design works excellently with modern architectural styles, particularly the ones that involve concrete or wood homes and dynamic angles.

It can give your conventional homes a clever update. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

8. Select the Right Plants

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Select the Right Plants

Choose plants according to the place you live and the soil and climate it provides. For example, plants that thrive in shade and direct sunlight can be grouped accordingly.

9. Create a Beautiful Paving

Create a Beautiful Paving in garden

The style of the paving and color can lend a distinct, bold design direction to your garden. For example, a white or grey stone that is laid in a random manner can set the tone for a

The French-inspired country looks, while silver or black paving in a regular manner can lend a modern and chic design. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

10. Make it an Extension of Your Home

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Make it an Extension of Your Home
houzz

The garden or your lawn is nothing but an extension of the interiors of your home that opens up in the space outdoors.

The pavements around the house can be such that they can soften the sharp, straight lines of your home. It can make way for a smooth transition from the house to the garden with beautiful shrubbery along with the pavement.

Check out some patio garden ideas here

11. Make a Pool

Contemporary Garden Design make a pool Ideas

A pool and spa can provide your garden with a water body that scones that flow and add serenity, calmness, and positivity to your garden.

You can use natural materials like wood and stone. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

12. Create a Simple Geometry

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Create a Simple Geometry
houzz

For a sleek and modern look, use basic geometric lines like rectangles, circles, triangles, and squares as a base for your design.

It will merge functionality with chic style and provide areas for privacy, sun and shade, and comfort.

13. Add a Water Feature

Add a Water Feature in garden

Water is a symbol of renewal and birth and evokes life. It can feature in your contemporary garden as an ornamental element.

Make a small water feature or a fountain for added appeal. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

14. Pay Attention to Detail

Contemporary Garden Design Pay Attention to Detail
kirmandesign

You must consider the minutest details to arrange your garden in the best contemporary designs. The number of pretensions and objectives can increase in proportion to the size of your garden.

It is the details that will make your modern garden look unique.

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15. Make an Urban ForestMake an Urban Forest in garden

If you want to bring a touch of rural life to your urban space, use generous, lush, tropical plants to create that aura of an urban jungle. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

16. Install Built-in Benches

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Install Built-in Benches

Tiny gardens in limited spaces can easily feel cluttered with furniture and leave little to no room for anything.

However, you can install built-in benches to solve this issue and double them up by making storage spaces too inside.

17. Make it Wildlife-Friendly

Make it Wildlife-Friendly garden
growingfamily

Are you someone who cares deeply about the environmental impact that your garden creates?

Design your garden in a way that features spaces for rainwater harvesting, a bog area, a pond, an area for composting, a drought-tolerant garden, an edible garden, and such.

Also, choose wildlife-friendly planting to boost biodiversity. This is one of the best Contemporary Garden Design Ideas on this list.

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18. Make a Zen Space

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas Make a Zen Space
designmag

Japanese Pergolas can be such a stylish addition to your contemporary garden. It can make for an ideal place for relaxation and a shady retreat.

You can plant lovely ornamental climbers for a nice natural shade.

Look at some gorgeous Mediterranean garden ideas here

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