Contemporary Garden Ideas and Designs
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This large garden sits on top of a hill with a spectacular view of a lake and mountains. The client requested we connect two distinct sitting areas with a decorative pathway, one at the house and one at the bottom of the garden. They also asked for a subtle planting scheme that complemented the garden without deterring from the views. Our team was successful in completing this project by: Adding a large dining patio made of slabs near the home.
Integrating linear stepping stones into the patio leading towards the stairs.
Creating sculptural stair structures of staggered blocks.
Designing the stairs to become linear stepping stones at the bottom of the slope, leading to a secondary patio with a circular lounging set.
Merging grasses and meadow perennials with the existing landscape.
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This small, north-east facing garden, measuring around 100 m2, was in need of a complete transformation to bring it into line with the owner's interior style and the desire for an outdoor room experience. A series of bi-folding doors led out to a relatively small patio and raised lawn area. The objective was to create a design that would maximise the space, making it feel much larger and provide usable areas that the owners could enjoy throughout the day as the sun moves around the garden. An asymmetrical design with different focal points and material contrasts was deployed to achieve the impression of a larger, yet still harmonious, space.
The overall garden style was Japanese-inspired with pared back hard landscaping materials and plants with interesting foliage and texture, such as Acers, Prunus serrula cherry tree, cloud pruned Ilex crenata, clumping bamboo and Japanese grasses featuring throughout the garden's wide borders. A new lower terrace was extended across the full width of the garden to allow the space to be fully used for morning coffee and afternoon dining. Porcelain tiles with an aged wood effect were used to clad a new retaining wall and step risers, with limestone-effect porcelain tiles used for the lower terrace. New steps were designed to create an attractive transition from the lower to the upper level where the previous lawn was completely removed in favour of a second terrace using the same low-maintenance wood effect porcelain tiles.
A raised bed constructed in black timber sleepers was installed to deal with ground level changes at the upper level, while at the lower level another raised bed provides an attractive retaining edge backfilled with bamboo. New fencing was installed and painted black, a nod to the Japanese shou sugi ban method of charring wood to maintain it. Finally, a combination of carefully chosen outdoor furniture, garden statuary and bespoke planters complete the look. Discrete garden lighting set into the steps, retaining wall and house walls create a soft ambient lighting in which to sit and enjoy the garden after dark.


Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Contemporary back formal partial sun garden for summer in DC Metro with a waterfall and natural stone paving.
Contemporary back formal partial sun garden for summer in DC Metro with a waterfall and natural stone paving.


This is an example of a small contemporary sloped partial sun garden in Kansas City with natural stone paving.


APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design


Jardin existant avant travaux (démarrage travaux)
Crédits photos La Nostra Secrets d'Intérieur, toutes utilisations est strictement interdite
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard formal full sun garden for summer in Marseille with a pond and decking.
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard formal full sun garden for summer in Marseille with a pond and decking.


This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back partial sun garden in Dallas.


Porcelain paving with a tile inlay to zone the comfortable seating area.
Small contemporary garden in London with a potted garden.
Small contemporary garden in London with a potted garden.


Photos By; Nate Grant
Photo of a contemporary side garden in Portland with a wood fence.
Photo of a contemporary side garden in Portland with a wood fence.


This gorgeous contemporary Spanish style entry is accented with Spanish tiles, white precast concrete, synthetic lawn, and pottery w/ succulents.
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary front xeriscape partial sun garden for spring in Orange County with a garden path and concrete paving.
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary front xeriscape partial sun garden for spring in Orange County with a garden path and concrete paving.


With an existing pool and retaining walls, we took this space and made it more modern offering many various spaces for lounging, enjoying the fire, listening to the water feature and an upper synthetic turf area for playing games. It is complete with bluestone pavers, a modern water feature and reflecting pool, a raised ipe deck, synthetic turf, glass railings, a modern, gas fire bowl and a stunning cedar privacy wall!


This is the first step in revitalizing the backyard of this brand new property. The entire landscape was neglected by the builders and we are working with the homeowners slowly to create a useful space that matches the contemporary look of the house.
Contemporary Garden Ideas and Designs
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