Since the start of the pandemic, more people than ever are dedicating time in their backyards to their plants. And with all of this time spent outdoors comes a desire to make their gardens look as fresh and cohesive as possible.
Maybe you want to create a modern garden, but you’re not sure where to start. Do you have to stick with a certain color scheme? What elements make a backyard modern?
Keep reading for 8 tips that will help you design the modern garden of your dreams. Also, if you live in an apartment and doesn’t have enough space, you can check out this definitive guide on how to start a balcony garden.
1. Opt for a Neutral Color Palette
Modernism is all about the neutrals. Instead of choosing bright pops of color, opt for whites, beige, or cool grays. Black and brown can be used to add focal points.
With a palette of white and cool greys, it is difficult to make a mistake. These hues impart a sense of openness and tranquility to an outdoor living space and allow the vegetation to stand out.
2. Add a Modern Water Feature
Not only does a water feature look amazing, but it adds a serene feel to your garden, turning it into a tranquil oasis.
Add in a modern pond, fountain, or waterfall. You can even place fish in the water feature to add pops of color and life (just remember to take care of them!).
A fountain will provide a focal point in your landscape. In formal garden designs, fountains are frequently placed at the intersection of two or more paths in the center of the outdoor space.
3. Choose Low-Maintenance Materials
One of the advantages of modern furnishings is that they’re low-maintenance and durable.
When looking for things to add to your garden, choose materials like stone, concrete, metal, and plastic. This way, your items will last a long time and not need to be cleaned as often.
Raised garden beds created from concrete pavers, cinderblocks, or brick have the potential to be as robust and solid as those fashioned from metal.
Redwood or cedar raised garden beds should last at least a decade! Historically, water storage tanks were fashioned from redwood. Cedar and redwood are officially “softwood” lumber, but their high amounts of natural tannins (which repel rot and termites) make them much more durable than other softwoods. Redwood is supposed to survive a few years longer than cedar due to its higher tannic content, particularly if heartwood is used.
4. Elevate Planters to Create Multiple Eye Levels
The focal point of your garden will likely be your plants, but you shouldn’t have to stare at the ground to enjoy them. Use raised beds made of modern materials to lift some of your plants up to eye level.
While constructing your backyard garden, it can be simple to overlook the possibility of hanging plants. Use hanging baskets or pots to attract the eye upward and make use of vertical space, which may be particularly effective for tiny backyards with limited square footage.
5. Install a Pergola
Pergolas are great for adding shade to your backyard patio, and they also support climbing plants. Add a pergola to your garden and place chairs underneath to soak in the views.
Use a pergola or a canopy to divide your yard into several sections. These constructions, which can be independent or linked to your home, give the backyard the impression of a room without affecting the quality of the air. Consider installing a seating or dining area beneath the building and adorning it with lights, flowers, and plants.
6. Pick out Soft Lighting
Don’t forget to light your contemporary garden! String lights, outdoor lamps, and lights for pathways are all popular options to consider. You might even add lights to your water feature so it can be seen at night.
Adding string lights to your tree can provide a warm glow and magic to your outdoor space.
Excellent outdoor lighting can make a significant impact in an outdoor area; not only does it showcase your garden at its best, but it also adds an air of security. Choose spotlights or up-and-down lights to produce a gorgeous glow in your contemporary outdoor space in order to make it into a true refuge.
7. Extend the Modernity to Your Plants
What are modern plants? Think small trees or tropical, as well as hedges that have sharp lines. Fill your planting beds or containers with lush shades of green, and choose plants that are of varying heights.
With a flowering vine bent into a tree shape and large-leafed tropical plants densely planted together for visual impact and a block of brilliant color, the tropical plantings give color and drama to this southern property.
Multiples of a single variety are typically repeated at sporadic intervals in modern landscaping. In contemporary environments, grasses and evergreens are popular because they look nice throughout the year and simplify the color scheme. Choose elevated, rendered planters (colored render for a contemporary aesthetic) and render seating benches into the design.
Companies like Brothers Services can help you craft the landscape design you’re picturing.
8. Keep It Simple
Bold color focal points and a bunch of embellishments or details aren’t needed when it comes to a modern garden. Pick out furniture that incorporates colors and textures from nature, and you’re good to go!
One of the most obvious guidelines for selecting outdoor furniture is to take its appearance into account. Before making any definite conclusions, you should consider the overall concept of your garden.
If you want your garden to have a more natural appearance, wood is a classic option. Obviously, numerous finishes are available. Whether you choose rustic or contemporary, light or dark, vibrant or neutral hues, there are a variety of outdoor seating and garden table alternatives to suit your aesthetic.
A garden’s contemporary elements, which include composite decking and porcelain tiles, offer a casually elegant environment for outdoor entertainment. The fire pit and chrome lamps are a beautiful accent.
Create a Modern Garden You Love
With these 8 action steps for turning your backyard into a modern garden getaway, you have all of the ideas you need to get started. Stick to low-maintenance materials and neutral colors, and your garden design is sure to wow.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our site for more articles on how to upgrade your home.