Everything You Need To Know About Contemporary Garden Design

Contemporary garden design is very popular these days and combines the best features of modern architecture, style and functionality. Outdoor spaces designed in contemporary fashion provide the perfect blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal and clean lines.

Due to the focus on simplicity, contemporary garden design is an ideal solution for large or small gardens. It is a great way to create a stylish outdoor space, without too much hassle or decoration.

As a leading landscaping company, Green Acorn Landscape Design has helped many clients create their dream contemporary gardens. This trend has been popular for several years and continues to be an excellent choice for our clients.

With so much experience in contemporary garden design, we are sharing everything you need to know about this theme so you can determine whether it is the right choice for you. We will explore the key elements of contemporary gardens and some ways you can incorporate this trend into your existing landscape, to create a modern garden that stands the test of time.

What Is Contemporary Garden Design?

Several key principles define contemporary garden design, and no modern garden is complete without:

Simplicity And Minimalism

One of the biggest factors of contemporary garden design is the focus on simplicity. Minimalism has been a popular design trend for several years, both inside our homes and out, and this plays a huge role in the style of modern gardens.

These outdoor spaces are clutter-free, with a limited use of decorative items and plant variates. This focus on simplicity allows the landscape to speak for itself and creates a tranquil ambience that complements our busy, contemporary routines.

Geometric Layouts

Another defining factor of contemporary garden design is clean lines and geometric structures. As these gardens are simple, they place a lot of emphasis on clean lines and symmetry.

This provides the modern aesthetic appeal that we can all recognise and ensures that your garden looks luxurious at all times of the year. For a decorative flair, bold shapes can be considered when used sparingly.

Low Maintenance

To further support the simplicity of contemporary garden design, these outdoor spaces are low-maintenance. As they include fewer plant variations than traditional landscapes, contemporary gardens are organically easier to maintain.

However, this is made even more so with the inclusion of native plants, durable surfaces and smart technology integration. Tools such as automated irrigation systems reduce the time required to care for your landscape, ensuring contemporary gardens look great without interrupting the busy schedules of homeowners.

Functional Spaces

Contemporary gardens are designed to be useful which is why they are commonly separated into zones. Modern gardens need to appeal to a wide range of purposes, including relaxing, entertaining, and dining.

These outdoor spaces often include features such as patios, pergolas and even outdoor kitchens to create unique zones for each purpose and ensure the garden is always ready to use.

How To Design A Contemporary Garden

Now that you understand the key principles of contemporary garden design, it is time to incorporate them into your landscape. Creating a modern garden means carefully considering the materials and layout of your space, as contemporary garden design focuses on functionality and simplicity.

This can be adjusted to suit your specific outdoor space, as contemporary design is ideal for both large and small gardens. The key to creating a modern garden is curating a good selection of materials. These need to be sleek, minimal and hard-wearing to create an attractive yet functional space.

Contemporary garden design is complemented by the following options:

Hardscaping

For your hardscape areas, such as paving, patios and decking, choose monochromatic materials. These surfaces must be made to the highest standards, with a clean layout and hard-wearing surfaces.

Contemporary gardens are supposed to be minimal and easy to maintain, so you can use them at a moment’s notice.

Paving in porcelain, concrete, or large format slabs creates a sleek finish to the garden, whereas decking in composite or natural wood can enhance the natural elements. Both surfaces can be complemented by raised planters or decor in metal, corten steel or concrete.

Soft Landscaping And Plants

It is recommended for the majority of your plants to be low-maintenance, which means choosing evergreen or native species. These are designed to thrive either in your local conditions or remain a uniform appearance all year round to keep the appeal of your contemporary garden design throughout the seasons.

Hardscape areas can be softened with details such as ornamental grasses, sculptural plants and hedges. Hedges must remain clipped and well-pruned to fit in with the clean lines of contemporary garden design.

Decorative Features

While contemporary garden design is simple, it does not have to be boring. There are some unique ways you can adorn your modern garden and create a bespoke environment for your home.

Decorative details such as lighting can be the perfect complement to contemporary garden design. Choosing solar-powered LED lights is a great way to keep your space accessible in the evening, while also fitting in with the sustainable values of modern design. Spotlights, uplights, and strip lights are staples of contemporary garden design and can be used to highlight structures, as well as keep pathways accessible in the dark.

For an additional touch of elegance and luxury, consider installing a water feature in your contemporary garden. Modern water bowls, minimalist ponds or even wall-mounted fountains can bring more light and interest to the garden, without cluttering the space. Running water offers a soothing ambience to the landscape, and creates a stunning reflective light that can make the space appear larger.

Functional Yet Stylish: Different Zones For Contemporary Garden Design

A key principle of contemporary garden design is functionality. To make your garden useful no matter the occasion, it is a good idea to create separate zones. Keeping each area separate not only prevents clutter and overlap of styles but also supports the clean lines of modern design.

To ensure your garden is functional and suitable for your lifestyle, consider what you want to use this space for. What do you usually do when you are in the garden?

• Lounging And Relaxing: Outdoor living spaces such as fire pits, patio seating, and shaded structures are essential. Whether you opt for a simple patio, complete with modular seating and a pergola cover, or invest in a garden room, create a comfortable space where you can unwind while enjoying the surrounding landscape.
• Outdoor Dining: If you want to take your cooking seriously, a modern outdoor kitchen can be an excellent addition to the landscape. Alternatively, invest in sleek dining furniture, matching dinnerware, and cool, soft lighting.
• Green Spaces: Being in nature can offer a range of benefits, and this is possible in contemporary garden design. While the focus is simplicity and hard-wearing materials, having a dedicated green zone with a well-maintained lawn, uniform plants and water features can create a sense of calm.

Creating Your Ideal Contemporary Garden

Understanding the key principles of contemporary garden design is essential if you want to incorporate this trend into your outdoor space. Simplicity, functionality, and clean lines are the defining factors of contemporary gardens and can be used in any kind of outdoor space.

No matter the size, shape or condition of your garden, contemporary garden design is versatile enough to suit all outdoor spaces. By incorporating neutral colour schemes, minimal decor, and hard-wearing materials, you can experience the benefits of a low-maintenance modern garden.

Choose Green Acorn For Expert Garden Design

If you want to renovate your garden and create a sleek, modern environment, we are here to help. Green Acorn Landscape Design offers a comprehensive garden design service and we are ready to take on your next project.

Reach out to the team today to learn more or request a quote.