Clean lines, a cool colour palette, a super stylish look and an overall relaxing vibe, what more could you wish for within your own backyard sanctuary? The contemporary and sleek, easy-to-maintain garden has become hugely popular over the last few years, and for good reason. With more people looking to enjoy their outdoor space without putting in too much effort, the less green-fingered among us appreciate the little maintenance that’s required with this trend.
Looking cool, clean, clutter-free and oh-so trendy, contemporary gardens are a great solution for modern homeowners. Below we take a look at how you can create your very own chic slice of paradise at home in six steps.
Start with the design
The great thing about this look is that it doesn’t matter how much outdoor space you have, you can still incorporate plenty of design elements into the area, and it will look just as smart as a larger garden. In fact, this is most likely why the trend is such a popular one, with smaller gardens being made to look bigger and becoming more functional compared to other styles.
When designing the layout, consider differing sections for dining, relaxation and activities, utilising the best spots in the garden for sun, shade and ease of use. For example, it will be easier to have the dining or food prep area set up closer to the house, and you may want your relaxation area in the sun or part shade, while a space for garden games for adults, children or pets will require a little more space.
The contemporary style benefits from clean lines, whether it’s a triangle, rectangle or square shape, but we’re seeing more curved edges in patio shapes, furniture and the like coming to the fore, so don’t be afraid to try something new, the key is just to keep it consistent.
Make sure it’s clutter-free
If you’re looking to perfect the trend, then you have to keep in mind that a tidy, clutter-free space is a key factor.
Toys, games, gardening tools and other garden accessories will need to be easily cleared away, and the best option here is to buy a shed that you can tuck away in a corner and store all of those items that you don’t need out at all times.
For some inspiration on some stylish storage solutions for your garden, take a look at the sheds from Buy Sheds Direct here and match the wood to that of your fences or decking, if you’re using them, to blend it in with the rest of your garden.
Choose the right ground covering
Whether you choose to opt for a lawn, patio, decking, or a combination of the above, you’re certainly spoiled for options.
It’s always a good idea to have a lawn, if possible, as it will break up the space, is useful for pets, wildlife, drainage, and garden games, and lawns are a great way to bring some greenery into the space.
You can add areas of decking (non-slip decking is a great buy) and patio, just be sure to choose patio slabs that are sleek looking – cool greys and beiges will look great, as will dark greys.
Improve garden privacy
We all need some privacy within our gardens and there are a range of ways in which you can do this. You’ll likely already have something in place, but if fences need replacing or you’re looking to overhaul the whole area or add some privacy where there currently isn’t any, then fences, hedges, trees and walls are the best ways to do this.
Natural options – trees and hedges – are fantastic for wildlife and if you choose the right plant, it’ll need very little maintenance over the years, whereas fences and walls will free up space and can be stained or painted to match the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate fabulous foliage
Oftentimes people opt for a contemporary garden as they enjoy the low maintenance aspect of it, but a garden can quickly look stale and lacking if there’s no life in there. It’s an outdoor space, after all, so let it live and breathe, just opt for easy-to-care-for plants if that’s your worry.
Hardy geraniums, hydrangeas, camellias, cordyline, bamboo and lavender are a sample of some plants that don’t need much attention – add them to boxy borders, planters and neatly sectioned-off areas and stick to a colour scheme for a coherent look.
Finish it off with furniture and accessories
From light wood furniture with white cushion pads to greige egg chairs and cube furniture sets, there are many options you can choose from to complete your contemporary garden. You’ll need a decent barbecue if you’re planning on whipping up a range of treats – even an outdoor kitchen might suffice, complete with a sink and pizza oven.
Complete the space with some stylish lighting, outdoor speakers and a water feature to add some relaxing sounds to your sanctuary. Go one bigger and pop a hot tub or install a pool for the ultimate garden retreat that you’ll never want to leave.
