6 Modern garden ideas to spruce up your home

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Is your yard in need of a makeover? Giving your garden a fresh, contemporary look doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here’s everything you need to know for modern garden ideas on a budget. 

What does a modern garden look like?

A modern garden design with wooden furniture, a small tree, and neatly arranged greenery on an elevated patioA sleek modern garden design featuring minimalist furniture, lush greenery, and an elevated seating area.

When planning out your garden, it’s important to know the different elements, colours, and vibe that make up the modern design style. Unlike other design styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Victorian, Modernism veers away from ornate details and vibrant hues. You can expect modern garden designs to involve clean lines, neutral and primary colours, and the use of stainless steel.  

If you’re a minimalist, then a modern garden is definitely for you. Modernism follows the principle of “less is more,” so you won’t have to bother with opulent textiles or unnecessary decor. If you are interested in adding fixtures, do know that modern garden furniture is usually kept to a minimum or designed and arranged to save space. 

But rest assured that a modern garden can look fun and inviting! Here’s a list of modern small garden ideas that will help you achieve your vision. 

How do I make my garden look modern?

A contemporary garden with a wooden deck, neatly trimmed bushes, black stone mulch, and a wooden fenceTransform your space with sleek designs and minimalist features to make your garden look modern and inviting.

From wooden decks to elegant ceramic planters, there are different ways to give your garden a sleek, modern appearance. Here are some furnishings, fixtures, and accessories to consider when planning the layout and look of your garden. 

1. Use industrial style planters

industrial design plantersThree succulents in textured concrete industrial-style planters, featuring geometric and minimalist designs, against a plain white backgroundAdd a touch of elegance to your decor with these industrial-style planters, perfect for showcasing succulents and cacti.

Modern design incorporates natural and industrial materials. Opt for concrete or stainless steel planters in geometric shapes. You can also choose plants like Japanese boxwoods and foxtail ferns, which generally look good in modern landscape ideas.

Since Modernism is all about function and efficiency, you can also choose stackable space-saving planters or those that can be mounted against a wall. This is especially helpful if you only have a small outdoor space or a balcony. 

2. Keep your garden illuminated

Garden illuminated with small spotlights, highlighting greenery and a white planter with ferns, placed on a stone ledgeKeep your garden illuminated with strategic lighting, creating a warm and inviting outdoor space.

Make sure your garden is well-lit, especially if you plan to host dinner parties at night. Floor lights are a great way to save space while illuminating your garden, and you can easily install them along your deck, patio, or wall. 

Refrain from using coloured bulbs, but feel free to use uniquely designed lampshades and sconces. This will surely give your garden that modern landscaping feel.

3. Install a wooden deck

Modern wooden deck attached to a house, overlooking a landscaped garden with greenery and two orange lounge chairs on the lawnEnhance your outdoor space by installing a wooden deck for a seamless blend of style and functionality.

Garden decks are a great idea to help level out uneven slopes. They also add more functionality to your backyard since you can use them as lounge areas, a meditative space to do yoga or host guests. You can also get creative and turn your deck into a pathway on which you can take a stroll.

Consider using pressure-treated wood as your wood decking material of choice. You can expect it to be more durable under harsh weather conditions, and they are less prone to insect infestations.

You can book a deck installation service via Airtasker, which can help you build and install a new deck in your garden or repair and upgrade your existing one.

4. Create a portable pond

A rustic container holding a small pond with blooming purple water lilies and green lily padsAdd tranquillity to your garden by creating a portable pond using a container filled with water lilies and aquatic plants.

Apart from plants and flowers, water is a great element to add to your modern garden. Adding a pond doesn’t have to be expensive or take much space. You can use a large concrete planter and add water plants such as water lettuce or water celery.

Don’t forget to install a water pump to maintain your pond’s circulation and cleanliness. This will help prevent your water from settling or attracting pests. It’s going to be an absolute necessity if you plan to put fish in your DIY pond. 

If you’ve never taken care of aquatic plants before, you can hire a professional gardener who can help maintain the health of your specimens.

5. Add a splash of colour

A cozy backyard setup featuring a wooden deck with colorful blue and black chairs, vibrant plants, and a neatly landscaped garden with a wooden fenceAdd a splash of colour to your backyard with vibrant outdoor furniture and lush greenery for a modern and inviting look.

While neutrals are the heart of modern design, don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour to your garden! After all, a bit of colour can add warmth and vibrancy and transform your space into a contemporary landscape. An electric blue chair or an abstract art sculpture is still welcome in a modern garden. 

The most important thing is not to overdo it. So if you are adding brightly coloured pieces to your garden, be sure to balance it out with darker coloured plant pots, beige or white pillows, and so on. Try to follow a colour scheme and limit the palette to three to four colours only. 

If you need help, you can hire a professional interior designer near you.

6. Install a stylish shed

 Wooden shed installed in a garden, surrounded by greenery, with gardening tools and equipment neatly storedEnhance your backyard with a versatile shed that keeps your tools organized while adding charm to your outdoor space.

A shed is not just a storage space for your gardening tools, it can also be a stylish addition to your modern garden. Choose one that complements the overall style of your garden and paint it in a neutral colour like white or grey. 

If you're unsure which type of shed might work best, here are some practical options that you might want to consider:

  • Workshop shed - A versatile storage space perfect for tools and materials used for DIY house projects.

  • Garage sheds and carports - Secure storage for vehicles, crafted with durability in mind.

  • Off-the-wall sheds - Designed to fit against existing structures, maximising your storage space efficiently.

If the thought of building a shed from the ground up seems daunting,  it’s still best to seek help from a professional shed installer. This takes the hassle out of building a shed on your own and ensures that it’s constructed safely and professionally. 

Bring your modern garden to life

And there you have it! Planning to revamp your modern garden is both an exciting and tiring task, but the fun doesn’t stop there. After you design and decorate your garden, expect to move on to the next big task: maintaining your garden! You can learn more about gardening tools and techniques here.

Apart from hiring a gardener, you can book a garden designer to help landscape your garden. Remember that the Airtasker community is here for you in your home and garden improvement journey!

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FAQs on modern garden ideas

Integrate sustainable elements by selecting native, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal watering and maintenance. Use recycled materials for planters and furniture, and consider installing a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate your garden efficiently. These practices not only support environmental health but also reduce long-term upkeep.

To achieve a low-maintenance garden, consider opting for hardy succulents, ornamental grasses, and evergreen shrubs, which thrive with minimal care and complement the clean lines of modern design. Plants like agave, blue fescue, and boxwood provide structure and visual interest year-round without demanding extensive maintenance.

You can make your garden private by incorporating sleek fencing, tall hedges, or vertical gardens that align with modern aesthetics. Materials such as frosted glass panels, metal screens, or neatly trimmed bamboo can serve as stylish barriers, offering seclusion while enhancing the contemporary look of your outdoor space.

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