Designed with Bay-Friendly landscaping principles to maximize ecological benefits to the environment.

CW apartment

BURNAZZI FELTRIN ARCHITETTI

Carlo Baroni

Deck and Pool, Top of the Mountain

Jesse York, Landscape Designer

Nestled on a challenging steep, rocky incline with breathtaking ocean vistas, this backyard was initially nearly unusable due to its limited flat areas. The homeowner's vision was to transform it into a multifunctional space capable of hosting large gatherings of family and friends. The transformative design boasts four terraced decks: two featuring cozy fire pits, one equipped with a hot tub perfectly positioned for sunset viewing, and another for daytime relaxation, alongside a hidden deck designed especially for children's play. The space is further enhanced with an outdoor kitchen, a cascading water feature adorning the slope, seating nestled under a waterproof deck, and built-in wooden seating with cleverly integrated storage, all centered around a playful and inviting pool.

Chicago Wrigleyville Backyard

Reveal Design LLC

This Chicago back yard was all about taking advantage of a very small space and making it both beautiful and functional. The aluminum powder coated planters and fire table are complimented throughout with IPE wood. The fencing is black steel and was made to look like a piece of art by alternating IPE and frosted glass panels.. The grill area was also framed with IPE and acts as counter-space for wine and food when the client entertains. The IPE side tables next to the fire table were custom made to have one stage underneath while still allowing the sleekness of the powder coated table to show through. A substantial turf area was installed so that the entire space can be functional, even minutes after a heavy summer rain. The TV on the garage is often playing Chicago Cubs game and the oversized globe lights can be altered at game time to match the moment, whether it be a holiday, or a sporting event. The patio was made with Technobloc pavers which complimented the linear architecture of the house.

Huf House Garden Design, Dulwich 15

Kate Eyre Garden Design

St Helena

Envision Landscape Studio

Photography By Joe Dodd

Join Us....Outside!

Ecoscape Environmental Design

Entertainers' Paradise

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

When not in use, the fire table can convert into a coffee table with it's custom lid.

This classic San Francisco backyard was transformed into an inviting and usable outdoor living space. A few steps down lead to a lounging area, featuring drought-friendly and maintenance-free artificial grass as well as a cozy, custom-built natural gas fire pit surrounded by a Redwood bench. Redwood fencing, low-voltage LED landscape lighting, drip irrigation, planting and a water feature completed the space.

Seattle Cozy Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Private Beer Garden

O'Brien Landscape

Northwest Contemporary

The Figure Ground Studio, LLC

Justin Muir

Plum Tree Backyard

Erin Lau Landscape Design- Seattle

Erin Lau

Contemporary Landscape

Janice Parker Landscape Architects

A stepping stone path with grass joints lead to the lower fire pit circle. Photo credit: Neil Landino

Limestone Built-In Benches and Fire Pit

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture & COCO Gallery. Post processing by Isabella Li.

Redwood City Contemporary

Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group

This remote firepit provides a secluded recluse as well as a quiet vantage point to enjoy the architectural articulation of the home.

Contemporary Landscape

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

Get Inspired by Contemporary Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own contemporary garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Contemporary Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a contemporary garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a contemporary garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your contemporary garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.