A contemporary garden is characterised by sleek lines and uses modern materials. There are examples on this page of contemporary designs I have done using a linear approach (straight lines) and ones using strong curves.
In most of the contemporary gardens I have done we have used rendered concrete, porcelain paving or composite decking. Water features have been in glass, sandstone, or slate. In one of the designs, we also included an outdoor bar complete with pool table, optics, and leather club chairs.
Try to link the house and the garden together because normally a contemporary garden accompanies a contemporary styled house. I still put features such as pergolas in the design, but they tend to be make out of galvanised steel rather than wood, with clean lines.
My contemporary planting schemes typically have a more minimalist planting palette, with an emphasis on reduced varieties but planted in large drifts repeated at intervals around the garden. Plants are selected for their shape, texture, and colour rather than for their abundance of flowers. This does not mean they are not wildlife friendly as I still use perennials to attract pollinators and shrubs for habitats for small mammals and trees with berries for the birds.
I use water features to create focal points in contemporary gardens, adding movement, sound, and visual interest. Letter box spouts coming out of the wall are very popular because they introduce the sound of a waterfall into a formal looking pool.
All my contemporary gardens have sustainability at their heart. Borders are always mulched to preserve moisture and supress weeds, trees added to draw down carbon from the atmosphere and plants are chosen to suit their aspect as well as their aesthetic qualities.
Every location brings a different challenge, and the secret is to creating a contemporary garden is to understand your requirements and interpretation of contemporary and design a garden that works for you and sits effortlessly into the landscape. Please get in touch for a free consultation, email sam@fellsidegardendesign.co.uk or use the contact form.
Unified materials and a simple design create a contemporary look without being minamilist
Strong curves create an enclosed seating area
Stainless steel letterbox water feature
Rendered blockwork and venetian style fencing create a window into the cooking area
Raised beds and an artificial lawn make this garden look good all year
Oak sleepers create a fort for the young grandson
Integrated bench into the raised bed
Concrete rendered walls create a crisp enclosed seating area
Composite decking in anthracite grey create a contemporary look to this small garden
Child friendly water feature in a family garden
Bespoke fencing adjusts the light levels into the garden and provides privacy
A strong geometrical design complements the contemporary style of house
A strong circle is bisected by a path to the seating area
A simple water feature and lone olive tree do not detract from this lovely outdoor bar
A Japanese themed garden
A contemporary water feature
