Modern garden design — feature example — Modern compact brick suburban backyard featuring a brick two-story house with wood pergola, raised corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses, slate paver patio with modern grey lounge sectional, light wood dining table, festoon string lights under the pergola, manicured lawn, and a stone path.

Modern Garden Design

192 modern garden designs in the library

Try Modern Style

Clean lines, restrained planting, and a strong horizontal geometry define the modern garden. Concrete, steel, basalt, and large-format pavers carry most of the visual weight, with plants used as accents rather than the main event. Negative space is treated as a feature.

Palette

concrete grey, charcoal, warm white, oxidised steel, deep green

Materials

concrete pavers, corten steel, basalt, smooth render, ipe wood

Modern garden gallery

Showing 48 of 192
Modern compact brick suburban backyard featuring a brick two-story house with wood pergola, raised corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses, slate paver patio with modern grey lounge sectional, light wood dining table, festoon string lights under the pergola, manicured lawn, and a stone path.

Modern Brick Family Backyard with Corten Planters, Grasses & Modern Lounge

Modern compact red tile balcony featuring iron railing, dark grey concrete planters with snake plants and ornamental grasses, modern light wood loungers with cream cushions, festoon string lights, jute rug, and a classic Buenos Aires apartment city view.

Modern Red Tile Balcony with Modern Planters & Loungers

Modern compact city balcony featuring an olive tree in a wood planter, snake plants and fiddle leaf in concrete planters, dark grey modern side stools with cream coffee table, woven jute rug, brass pendant lights, and a glass railing with city skyline view.

Modern City Balcony with Olive Tree, Snake Plants & Modern Stools

Modern white stone traditional backyard featuring a white siding two-story house with stone trim, sleek black metal pergola, dark grey paver patio, modern lounge sectional, light wood loungers, raised corten-steel planters with agave and ornamental grasses, slate stepping stones in the lawn, and lavender border.

Modern White Stone Traditional Backyard with Pergola, Pavers & Corten Planters

Modern wooded craftsman estate backyard featuring a tan two-story craftsman house, slate paver grid path with river rock borders, corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses and agave, modern outdoor sectional, dark wood lounge chairs, manicured boxwood, vivid red Japanese maple, and a forest backdrop.

Modern Wooded Craftsman Backyard with Paver Grid, Corten Planters & Grasses

Modern compact backyard featuring a beige two-story house, dark grey paver patio, modern grey lounge chairs with cushions, central rectangular firepit, raised corten-steel planters with agave, yucca, and ferns, river rock border, slate stepping stones, manicured lawn, and horizontal slat wood fence.

Modern Tan Two-Story Backyard with Firepit, Lounge Chairs & Corten Planters

Modern suburban front yard featuring a single-story house with garage, raised corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses, blue-stone slate paver path, gravel border, geometric concrete planter sculpture, and a small sapling tree.

Modern Suburban Ranch Front Yard with Corten Planters, Ornamental Grasses & Slate Path

Modern compact backyard featuring a small red barn cottage, light grey concrete planters with bromeliads, slate stepping stones, dwarf boxwood topiaries, watering can accent, dark wicker bench, and a manicured lawn surrounded by lush tropical trees.

Modern Red Barn Cottage Backyard with Concrete Planters, Bromeliads & Slate Path

Modern side yard featuring an ornate Victorian house, slate paver patio, light wood lounge chairs with green cushions, light wood coffee table, hanging glass lanterns, modern bistro set, dwarf ornamental grass planters, lavender beds, and trimmed boxwood hedges along the foundation.

Modern Victorian Front Yard with Paver Patio, Lounge Chairs & Lavender

Modern front yard featuring a white stone cottage with yellow door, light wood bench, dark grey paver patio, raised concrete planters with agave and succulents, lavender border, ornamental grasses, glowing path lights, and an olive tree.

Modern Cottage Front Yard with Bench, Agave & Bowl Planter

Modern front yard featuring a colonial farmhouse with covered porch, light wood adirondack chairs on a slate paver patio, white picket fence, ornamental grasses, lavender, slate stepping stones, and gravel borders.

Modern Front Yard with Adirondack Chairs, Ornamental Grasses & Slate Path

Modern compact backyard featuring lime-green sling chairs on a paver square rug, dark grey angular concrete planters with succulents and ornamental grasses, manicured lawn, hedge wall backdrop with festoon string lights, and lavender border.

Modern Backyard with Sling Chairs, Geometric Planters & Festoon Lights

Modern backyard featuring a mature weeping willow tree, light wood bench with cushions, central river rock dry creek channel, concrete steps, dark grey privacy fence, ornamental grasses, agave, and lavender borders.

Modern Backyard with Weeping Willow, River Rock Channel & Bench

Modern compact backyard corner featuring a small Japanese maple, dark grey concrete planters with ornamental grasses and heuchera, black river rock border, light wood adirondack chair, beige paver patio, and a wood privacy fence.

Modern Compact Backyard Corner with Japanese Maple, Concrete Planters & River Rocks

Modern courtyard featuring a vine-covered brick wall backdrop, dark wicker sectional, light wood coffee table, slate paver path, dark grey concrete planters with agave, geometric metal sculpture, glowing path lights, and climbing roses.

Modern Courtyard with Brick Wall, Sectional & Agave Planters

Modern backyard featuring geometric raised vegetable beds with hedge borders, a central metal firepit, two lounge chairs, concrete pavers, and a dark shed. Productive and minimalist outdoor design.

Modern Backyard with Raised Vegetable Beds & Firepit

Multi-level modern garden featuring a corner lounge sofa on gravel, dining set with umbrella, concrete pavers, brick steps, and lush hydrangea borders.

Modern Garden with Lounge Sofa & Dining Area

Narrow modern garden featuring wooden raised vegetable beds with lettuce and peppers, lavender border, olive tree, gravel paths, and a wooden trellis.

Modern Garden with Raised Vegetable Beds & Olive Tree

Modern backyard featuring a square stone firepit with grey ottomans, manicured lawn, raised lavender beds, white shed, and warm path lights at twilight.

Modern Backyard with Square Firepit & Lavender Beds at Twilight

Modern entry garden featuring brick column accents, a wooden raised vegetable bed with lettuce and cabbage, tropical plants like banana, and clean concrete walkway.

Modern Garden with Raised Vegetable Beds & Tropical Plants

Modern backyard featuring a curved paved walkway, divided lawn sections, raised wooden bench, lavender flower beds, and a small green garden shed.

Modern Backyard with Curved Walkway & Flower Beds

Sleek modern backyard featuring a black metal pergola, manicured lawn with hedges, lounge furniture on dark grey pavers, and willows along the privacy fence.

Modern Backyard with Black Pergola & Lounge Area

Modern formal backyard featuring a wooden pergola over a dining set, manicured lawn lined with boxwood topiaries, lavender beds, and tall conifers.

Modern Backyard with Pergola Dining & Boxwood Topiaries

Multi-level modern backyard featuring a stone-paved lower patio with dining table, raised wooden retaining wall, and a vibrant upper-level wildflower meadow.

Modern Tiered Backyard with Wildflower Meadow

Modern front yard featuring a wide paved walkway to a black entry door, neat planter beds with lavender and topiaries, brick paver borders, and clean cream stucco facade.

Modern Front Yard with Paved Walkway & Flower Beds

Suburban modern backyard featuring an attached pergola with dining table, concentric paver patio with a metal firepit, lawn, lavender beds, and a brick house facade.

Modern Backyard with Firepit & Pergola Dining

Compact modern courtyard featuring grey pavers with gravel borders, two wooden barrel planters with topiaries, white parasol, and lush green plantings.

Modern Courtyard with Barrel Planters & Grey Pavers

Sleek modern backyard at twilight featuring dark concrete pavers, lounge chairs around a low coffee table, ornamental grasses, manicured lawn, and warm path lights.

Modern Backyard with Lounge Set & Ornamental Grasses

Modern suburban backyard featuring stucco facade, paved patio with grey dining set, lush hydrangea flower beds, lawn with boxwood topiaries, and a small firepit area.

Modern Backyard with Lawn, Flower Beds & Firepit

Modern garden at twilight featuring a rectangular plunge pool, paved patio with wicker chairs, pergola with warm string lights, lavender beds, and a small greenhouse.

Modern Garden at Twilight with Pool & Pergola Lights

Modern townhouse backyard featuring an attached pergola with dining set and string lights, circular firepit area, raised wooden vegetable beds, lavender border, and lawn.

Modern Backyard with Pergola Dining, Firepit & Vegetable Beds

Modern patio nook featuring brick edging, raised flower bed with lavender and hydrangeas, wicker armchair, geometric paving, ornamental grasses, and wooden privacy fence.

Modern Patio Corner with Lounge & Flower Bed

Modern backyard at twilight featuring a rectangular plunge pool, dining set, three-tier ornate fountain, wooden lounger, paved patio, and warm string lights.

Modern Backyard at Twilight with Pool & Tiered Fountain

Modern backyard at twilight featuring a raised wooden pergola dining area, gravel paths, lush hydrangea and lavender flower beds, lounge chair, lanterns, and string lights.

Modern Backyard with Pergola Dining & Flower Beds at Twilight

Modern front yard featuring a mulched flower bed with a red Japanese maple at center, surrounded by lavender, marigolds, conifers and topiaries, with a clean concrete walkway.

Modern Front Yard with Japanese Maple & Mulched Flower Bed

Suburban modern backyard featuring a brick facade, paved patio with two armchairs and coffee table, small lawn, and lavender border.

Modern Backyard with Paved Patio & Lavender Border

Modern garden featuring a paved walkway, lavender beds along the lawn, lounge sofa with cushions under a shade tree, white peonies, boxwood topiaries, and climbing arch.

Modern Garden with Lavender Beds & Lounge Sofa

Modern patio under a black metal pergola featuring travertine paving, modern sectional sofa, low wooden coffee table, lush hydrangea and tropical plant border, and palm trees.

Modern Patio with Sectional & Tropical Border

Modern garden corner featuring a raised wooden vegetable bed with herbs and peppers, terracotta topiary pots, dark metal bench, gravel path, and warm string lights overhead.

Modern Garden Corner with Raised Vegetable Bed & Bench

Suburban modern backyard featuring an irregular flagstone patio, modern sectional with cushions, wooden coffee table, lavender borders, lawn with soccer goal, and brick house facade.

Modern Backyard with Sectional Lounge & Soccer Goal

Brick-house modern front yard at twilight featuring a grey sectional sofa, lavender beds, boxwood topiaries in wooden planters, illuminated path lights, and wall sconces.

Modern Front Yard at Twilight with Lounge & Lavender Beds

Modern rooftop terrace featuring white loungers, square stone firepit, ornamental grasses, hedge perimeter, swimming pool, and a sweeping countryside view.

Modern Terrace with Firepit, Loungers & Pool View

Aerial view of a compact modern backyard featuring a dark grey wooden deck with sectional sofa, small dining set, lush flower beds, hedge, and gravel driveway.

Modern Small Backyard with Deck Lounge (Aerial View)

Compact modern backyard featuring an artificial grass square with stepping stones, modern sectional sofa, woven coffee table, white flower planters, gravel borders, and tall hedge.

Modern Backyard with Artificial Grass & Sectional

Compact modern backyard featuring two padded chaise loungers on artificial lawn, terracotta pots with white roses, light grey paving, and dark wooden privacy fence.

Modern Backyard with Chaise Loungers & Rose Pots

Clean modern backyard featuring a paved area surrounding a grass square, modern lounge sofa with cushions, ornamental grasses, topiaries, and dark wooden privacy fence.

Modern Backyard with Paved Lawn & Lounge Sofa

Aerial twilight view of a modern backyard featuring a wooden pergola dining area, firepit, ornate fountain, manicured lawn sections, illuminated path lights, and lush hedges.

Modern Backyard at Twilight with Pergola, Firepit & Fountain (Aerial)

Modern productive garden featuring a raised vegetable bed with cabbages and red strawberry planters along a metal railing, olive tree, and clean stucco wall.

Modern Garden with Vegetable Bed & Strawberry Planters

How to design a modern garden

Start with a flat, geometric hardscape: large pavers laid in a grid, a single material running edge-to-edge. Limit your plant palette to three or four species, repeated in mass. Add one architectural focal point, a feature tree, a steel planter, or a black water feature. Lighting should wash walls and uplight specimen plants, not spotlight everything.

Modern design by space

The modern look applied to every kind of outdoor space.

Modern Backyard — Modern compact brick suburban backyard featuring a brick two-story house with wood pergola, raised corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses, slate paver patio with modern grey lounge sectional, light wood dining table, festoon string lights under the pergola, manicured lawn, and a stone path.

Modern Backyard

Modern Brick Family Backyard with Corten Planters, Grasses & Modern Lounge

Modern Balcony — Modern compact red tile balcony featuring iron railing, dark grey concrete planters with snake plants and ornamental grasses, modern light wood loungers with cream cushions, festoon string lights, jute rug, and a classic Buenos Aires apartment city view.

Modern Balcony

Modern Red Tile Balcony with Modern Planters & Loungers

Modern Front Yard — Modern suburban front yard featuring a single-story house with garage, raised corten-steel planters with ornamental grasses, blue-stone slate paver path, gravel border, geometric concrete planter sculpture, and a small sapling tree.

Modern Front Yard

Modern Suburban Ranch Front Yard with Corten Planters, Ornamental Grasses & Slate Path

Modern Courtyard — Modern courtyard featuring a vine-covered brick wall backdrop, dark wicker sectional, light wood coffee table, slate paver path, dark grey concrete planters with agave, geometric metal sculpture, glowing path lights, and climbing roses.

Modern Courtyard

Modern Courtyard with Brick Wall, Sectional & Agave Planters

Modern Garden — Multi-level modern garden featuring a corner lounge sofa on gravel, dining set with umbrella, concrete pavers, brick steps, and lush hydrangea borders.

Modern Garden

Modern Garden with Lounge Sofa & Dining Area

Modern Patio — Modern patio nook featuring brick edging, raised flower bed with lavender and hydrangeas, wicker armchair, geometric paving, ornamental grasses, and wooden privacy fence.

Modern Patio

Modern Patio Corner with Lounge & Flower Bed

Modern Terrace — Modern rooftop terrace featuring white loungers, square stone firepit, ornamental grasses, hedge perimeter, swimming pool, and a sweeping countryside view.

Modern Terrace

Modern Terrace with Firepit, Loungers & Pool View

Modern Deck — Compact modern wooden deck featuring large dark planters with vegetables and herbs, parasol over a dining set, and lush trees beyond.

Modern Deck

Modern Wooden Deck with Raised Vegetable Planters

Modern Side Yard — Modern xeriscape side yard featuring a white siding farmhouse, large boulders, drought-tolerant grasses, dry creek bed, mulched borders, dwarf conifers, lavender, and a path of decomposed granite.

Modern Side Yard

Modern Xeriscape Side Yard with Boulders & Dry Creek Bed

More backyard designs →More balcony designs →More front yard designs →More courtyard designs →More garden designs →More patio designs →More terrace designs →More deck designs →More side yard designs →

Plants for modern gardens

A reliable starting palette for the modern style — full growing guides on each.

Ornamental Grasses — recommended for modern gardens

Ornamental Grasses

Various genera

Movement, texture, and year-round interest. Ornamental grasses add a naturalistic, modern element to any garden with minimal care required.

Boxwood — recommended for modern gardens

Boxwood

Buxus

The foundation of formal garden design. Boxwood provides year-round evergreen structure, takes shaping beautifully, and defines spaces with elegant precision.

Japanese Maple — recommended for modern gardens

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

The most elegant small tree for any garden. Japanese maples offer stunning leaf shapes, spectacular fall color, and graceful architectural form.

Succulents — recommended for modern gardens

Succulents

Various genera

Living sculptures for modern gardens. Succulents store water in fleshy leaves, creating geometric, colorful arrangements that thrive on neglect.

Bamboo — recommended for modern gardens

Bamboo

Bambusoideae

The fastest-growing privacy screen in nature. Clumping bamboo creates dense, elegant screening with an Asian-inspired aesthetic and year-round green.

Get a modern redesign of your garden

Upload a photo and the AI returns a photorealistic modern redesign in under two minutes.

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Modern garden design — frequently asked questions

What is a modern garden?

Clean lines, restrained planting, and a strong horizontal geometry define the modern garden. Concrete, steel, basalt, and large-format pavers carry most of the visual weight, with plants used as accents rather than the main event. Negative space is treated as a feature.

What plants suit a modern garden?

The reliable starting palette for a modern garden is ornamental grasses, boxwood, japanese maple, succulents, bamboo. Pick three to five and repeat them in mass rather than mixing many varieties — that repetition is what makes a modern garden read as designed.

How much does a modern garden cost?

Modern gardens vary from $5,000–$15,000 for budget builds with quality plants and simple hardscape, $20,000–$50,000 for mid-range builds with proper paving and mature plants, to $100,000+ for full luxury builds with custom water features, integrated lighting, and premium materials. An AI Garden Design redesign costs from $19/mo, far below a real build.

How do I get a modern garden design for my own space?

Upload a photo of your current garden, pick Modern as the target style, and AI Garden Design returns a photorealistic redesign in under two minutes. The AI keeps your structural elements — house, fence, hardscape — and reimagines the planting, materials, and furniture in the modern style.

Other garden design styles

LuxuryJapaneseMediterraneanTropicalCozyFarmhouse

Keep exploring