6 Modern garden ideas to spruce up your home

Many Australian homes are built with a spacious yard that homeowners can use to enjoy the great outdoors. 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 is modern garden design?

A 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 vibes 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?

Transform 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

Add 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

Keep 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

Enhance 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. 

4. Create a portable pond

Add 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. 

5. Add a splash of colour

Add 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.

6. Install a stylish shed

Easyshed's stylish workshop shed installed in a garden, blending practicality and elegance | Source: Easyshed

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, shed experts at Easyshed recommend several practical options:

• 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 lawn care service to help maintain and treat your garden across the seasons. Remember that the Airtasker community is here for you in your home and garden improvement journey!