These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Contemporary Landscape

Decomposed Granite Patio

Eden Garden Design

Decomposed granite patio/flex space defined with custom steel edging. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Rammed Earth Modern

Kendle Design Collaborative

Winquist Photography

Sustainable Desert Serenity in Scottsdale

Shearon Design Collective

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

Southwest to Contemporary

TruCare Home Improvement

Yes! It can be done. You can have a completely SW home and yet still have a contemporary back or front yard. We proved it on this project. We added colored concrete, steel planters, irrigation, lighting, steel cabling, stairs, customer railing, artificial grass, IPE (Brazilian Hardwood), drainage, flower beds etc.

Conscious Stream Scape 2 Year Update - Silverlake

Ketti Kupper Conscious Life Design

Photo by Ketti Kupper

Backyard Retreat in Calabasas, CA

Prime Gardens Inc

Sail House

Garza Concepts

Modern Style Spool and BBQ seating area. Synthetic lawn divides the grey smooth finish concrete decking and the circular fire pit.

Moreland Residence

User

Feldbaum residence

Palm Dreams Watershapes and Landscapes

Creating this landscape, we brought in tons of soil, creating raised berms in order to plant on a very rocky mountain base. Using specimen boulders, Agaves and Yuccas and combining them with drought tolerant perennials adds a wonderful combination of softness and color.

Key

Banyon Tree Design Studio

Urban landscape masterplan and installation. We created continuity of color, texture, and form starting at the street and front yard, and reaching to the rear yard and alleyway. Contemporary and naturalistic plantings blur the lines of rigidity and formality of this modern garden, while the structure of hardscaping holds the composition together year-round.

Redlands Mesa

Sunshine Gardens

Wildlife View House

Landscape Design West, LLC

Easy care succulent garden.

Feldbaum residence

Palm Dreams Watershapes and Landscapes

Yucca, agaves, barrel cactus and Lantana

Contemporary yard for a contemporary house

Blue Hibiscus Gardens

Interface

Sweet Smiling Landscapes

Wooten Backyard Living

Native Edge Landscape

Wildlife View House

Landscape Design West, LLC

Sunset view during Summer monsoon season. Colorful low maintenance landscape with modern seating and artificial turf and poured in place concrete pavers. View of wildlife both in the garden and just outside the view fence where a critter bowl offers clean water for the desert creatures.

White Wing

Kendle Design Collaborative

Desert Look Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

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.