Modern Garden Ideas: Get Inspired with These 27 Design Ideas!

Modern gardens and outdoor spaces have evolved from the formal, structured designs of yesteryear. Today’s modern garden ideas are generally less structured and more fluid in their design. They are also much more about natural and unmediated space than about man-made structures. Modern gardens are minimalist in style and feature neutral colors with splashes of green where plants can thrive. These gardens tend to be free of any man-made ornaments such as statues, fountains, arches, and columns. Instead, they use natural elements like stone paths, small ponds, wooden furniture, and vines climbing up trees to add texture and interest to the space. If you love the idea of a modern outdoor space but aren’t sure where to start with your own design plan – keep reading for some inspiration!

A Small Pond as the Focal Point

Ponds add tranquility to your garden as well as creating interest, and are easy to incorporate into a modern design. They are a great option if you are space challenged, but still want to add a water feature. Smaller ponds can be used to introduce the sound of water without taking up space. If you do have space, consider a larger pond featuring water lilies and small fish. The sound of a trickling fountain is a beautiful addition to any garden and can be used to mask any unwanted noise, such as nearby traffic. Ponds are also beautiful places for wildlife and can be used to attract birds and butterflies to your garden. If you have the space, include a small island with seating where you can sit and enjoy the view.

The Importance of Light

Lighting is all about creating an atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to go bold with your design. Consider creating different moods in your garden by incorporating both warm and cool light fixtures. If you want to create a more soothing, calming effect, go for warm tones. They create a sense of comfort and make any outdoor space feel more tranquil. For a more striking, bold design, opt for cooler light shades. They are great for creating visual interest and illuminating architectural details. If you want to create a modern design, opt for modern light fixtures, such as square or rectangular pendants. If you have an existing home, consider re-using some of your existing light fixtures to create a modern garden look.

Modern Gardens are Green

Remember when we mentioned that modern gardens are all about unmediated space? That means there should be very little, if any, manicured plants and shrubs. Instead, use native, low-maintenance plants to create a design that is sympathetic to the environment. Take note of what grows best in your area and use these plants to create a modern design. If you want a purely modern design, use only small shrubs and low-growing ground covers that won’t overpower your space. Or, if you prefer a more traditional landscape design, create a modern twist by using plants that are indigenous to your region. Modern garden ideas

Step-by-step Guide to a Modern Garden

– First, choose your location. A modern garden design is about simplicity and openness, so look for a site that is unobstructed and has an open view. If you’re designing a garden that will be used as an outdoor living area, look for a site near the house with easy access. – Next, select your materials. Use natural, un-finished materials in neutral tones. Choose stone and wood rather than concrete and tiles. Look for materials in light and monochromatic hues, such as white or grey. – Finally, make your design flow. Create a sense of movement with your design by using straight lines and geometric shapes. Add interest to your space with a few soft curves here and there. Your garden should look clean, contemporary, and simple.

Mixing Soft and Hard Materials

If you have a clear vision of what you want your design to look like, but are worried about being too rigid in your approach, consider mixing hard and soft materials to create a more fluid design. This allows you to get the best of both worlds and create an outdoor space that is both structured and free-flowing. A great way to do this is by incorporating wood into your design. This can be done with decking, outdoor furniture, or even in the pathway design. Alternatively, you could use large pieces of rock or stone as a focal point.

Incorporating Natural elements

While a modern garden design is about simplicity and minimalism, incorporating natural elements can help soften the garden and make it feel more inviting. Adding natural textures and colours, like a patch of clover growing naturally in the pathway, can help to humanize your space. Other elements you could consider incorporating into your design include timber, leafy vines and plants, small water features, and fire pits. Remember that while these are natural elements, they still need to be maintained. So, you’ll need to plan ahead and incorporate this into your design schedule.

A Bend in the Pathway

You don’t need an extravagant garden feature to add interest to your design, a bend in your pathway will do just fine! This is a great way to soften the garden and give it a less structured feel. You can also use this as an opportunity to add a functional design feature, such as a seat or planter. Outdoor furniture is a great way to extend your living space outside and create an inviting atmosphere. If you want to create a more formal look, you could use a stone path that leads to a bench, or even a small water feature. Alternatively, a wooden pathway is more rustic and informal, which makes it perfect for a modern garden design.

Conclusion

As you can see, modern gardens aren’t about structure. They’re about freedom and simplicity – about letting the plants and materials do the talking. Modern gardens are about minimalism, openness, and natural materials. They’re about light and movement, and about creating an open, fluid space.

This article is provided by https://www.goodgardn.co.uk/blogs/modern-garden-ideas