Designing modern gardens: How to transform outdoor areas into a haven of well-being

Clean lines and simple ideas are what modern gardens stand out. Natural gardens that have been left untouched for a long time are currently very popular. They look good and are beneficial for the environment.

In contemporary horticulture, sustainability no longer just a buzzword; it should be considered a fundamental principle. Environmentally friendly materials and water-saving plants are becoming increasingly important in the design of outdoor spaces. Terrace design also places great emphasis on sustainability and multi-purpose use. Another fascinating trend is the use of room dividers .

Raised beds are a trendy way to cultivate your favorite flowers, fruits, or vegetables in small gardens without straining your back. These useful elements combine modern design with functionality, just like many other aspects of contemporary landscape design that we will examine in more detail in this article.

Designing the garden and terrace as a unified whole

For the outdoor area to look good as a whole, the garden and terrace need to work well together. A well-planned interaction between the living space and its surroundings ensures a seamless transition and transforms the terrace into an outdoor living room. Here, people spend time with family and friends, have breakfast, or relax after work.

It is therefore advisable to choose outdoor furniture, such as garden loungers or patio tables, in a similar style to that used indoors. Specialty retailers offer a wide range of products in various designs, and, if budget allows, custom-made pieces can of course be commissioned.

But it's not just furniture and decorations that should be chosen to match the overall design; even ordinary everyday objects should be considered. A simple home accessory like a laundry basket from VidaXL can already make a subtle difference.

Design ideas for small and large areas

A clear layout and organization are particularly helpful in small gardens. The idea of ​​"size through reduction" suggests that modest green spaces appear larger when divided into smaller "garden rooms ." For example, this could be a place to relax, a play area, or a covered seating area. Perennial beds, tall grasses, or low hedges are well-suited as dividing elements.

Winding paths that lead around perennial beds are ideal for long, narrow gardens, as they make the area appear larger and less uniform. When flower beds and shrubs frame them, round or oval lawns make the property seem larger.

If you have a large garden, you might ask yourself whether you should create a decorative and functional garden area with smaller sections or a sprawling, park-like garden with impressive trees. A consistent underlying theme is crucial for a pleasing overall look. To keep things interesting, mix large and small gardens, as well as open and obstructed sightlines.

Terrace coverings compared

Choosing the right patio surface depends on style, budget, and practical considerations:

• Natural stone is always elegant and durable. No two stones are alike, whether it's granite, sandstone, or porphyry. Depending on the quality and type of stone, material costs range from 50 to 80 euros per square meter. Advantages: It lasts a long time, is comfortable to walk on barefoot, and easy to clean. Disadvantages: It is expensive and difficult to install.
• Concrete slabs : Large-format slabs, in particular, convey a feeling of calm and spaciousness and complement the clean lines of modern patios. They cost around €10 per square meter, which is much less than natural stone. On the other hand, special colors or engineered wood can cost up to €50.
• Wooden decking : It gives the terrace a warm and natural feel. When using tropical woods, look for the FSC and PEFC seals to ensure they come from sustainable sources. Disadvantages: The wood changes color over time, so it needs to be cleaned often.
• WPC decking : These composite materials made of wood and plastic look like real wood, but last longer and are easier to maintain. It takes a few months for the final color to become visible.

Creative use of privacy screens and room dividers

A well-planned privacy screen not only prevents people from looking in, but also helps keep the garden neat and tidy. Wood is an affordable and natural material choice. You can assemble prefabricated fence panels to create your own solutions, and they are opaque from the start. Larch and Douglas fir are two types of wood that are strong and durable.

Alternatively, plants are becoming increasingly popular as living privacy screens . Bamboo, in particular, grows quickly into dense, opaque plantings. Those wishing to avoid runners should opt for varieties of clump-forming umbrella bamboo (Fargesia). Pre-grown ivy elements also offer immediate privacy.

For a harmonious overall look, combining different privacy screens is more effective than uniform fronts made of a single plant or fence type. Views through hedges, walls, or fences are particularly interesting – they allow glimpses into other parts of the garden and simultaneously create a feeling of depth and spaciousness.

Pay attention to weatherproof furniture and decorations

Larger and heavier pieces of furniture, in particular, are not easy to move. It's often nearly impossible to transport them to a sheltered room during the colder months, especially since they also take up a considerable amount of space. Interior design experts therefore recommend choosing weather-resistant products from the outset.

Wooden furniture must have a suitable coating at this point to prevent mold growth. Mold not only impairs the appearance but also the functionality and can pose a health risk. Metal furniture and on the other hand, can rust if they lack an appropriate coating.

When buying plant containers, it's essential to ensure they are weatherproof to survive the first winter. This also applies to containers intended for year-round outdoor use in the garden or on the patio. Containers made of wood or modern plastics are ideal, and they often boast an attractive appearance.

Modern garden design with structure

The defining elements of modern garden design are structure and order. Modern outdoor spaces focus more on the interior than on enchanting natural gardens. They feature clean lines, harmonious color schemes, and well-thought-out functional zones. This thoughtful concept transforms the garden into an extension of the living space and reflects a conscious, nature-connected lifestyle.

Clear lines and geometric shapes

"Less is more" is the idea behind a modern garden. The use of simple shapes like squares, circles, and rectangles shows that things have been reduced to the essentials. These give things a distinctive form and ensure that they look neat and calm. These straight lines look great with classic modernist houses.

The clever segmentation of the outdoor spaces makes it appear as if there are several "rooms" in the garden. Clipped hedges of yew or hornbeam and raised beds made of bricks are excellent choices for this. Strips of paving are also useful for edging flower beds and water troughs. This arrangement creates a beautiful overall picture, but it only works if all the elements are perfectly synchronized and in the correct proportions.

You can also use garden walls, fences, or other privacy screens to sightlines and axes in a specific way. Sculptures, ornamental fountains, or eye-catching resting places are usually positioned at the ends of these axes.

Color concepts for modern outdoor areas

Simple color schemes have become popular in contemporary landscape design. Many designers now use tone-on-tone combinations instead of vibrant palettes. Various shades of gray, along with sandy beiges or natural wood elements, create images that are calm and harmonious.

Anthracite is a color that has been very popular in recent years. This dark, elegant gray provides a powerful yet neutral contrast to natural materials like wood and stone. It looks beautiful when combined with green plants.

But the saying "Don't be afraid of bold colors" still applies to today's garden. Bright, warm hues like red, yellow, and orange can be used strategically as accents. These colors work particularly well when used in the selection of flowering plants.

People who want to coordinate the colors of their interior and exterior spaces can also look to the sky for inspiration. Heavy gray rain clouds, a stormy blue, or a misty green are all colors that blend well with the natural environment.

Material mix: wood, stone, metal

The appeal of modern garden design often lies not in the material itself, but in the combination of different materials. A wooden deck with an anthracite-colored aluminum railing can look just as stylish as a natural stone wall with embedded metal profiles.

The following materials are preferred in a contemporary garden:

• Metal : A true all-rounder, strong, with clean lines and precision. It can be used for fences, trellises, pergolas, or light shading. Corten steel, with its rust-brown surface, really stands out.
• Wood : It lends a warm and natural feel. Hardwoods such as teak and oak, as well as native woods like larch and Douglas fir, are well suited for decking, privacy screens, and garden furniture.
• Stone : Convincing because it is strong and durable. Stone is quite useful and requires little maintenance. It can be used as paving stones for walkways, as natural stone walls, or as decorative elements.
• Concrete : Once considered inferior, concrete is now receiving much respect again. Massive, simple slabs can make a terrace appear enormous, and they can differ significantly from real stone.

Crucially, the materials must be functionally coordinated and visually blend together to create a harmonious overall impression. Combining different textures creates exciting contrasts that make the garden vibrant and interesting.

Sustainable and smart: Technology in the garden

Technology is increasingly finding its way into modern gardens, combining sustainability with convenience. Intelligent systems not only save valuable resources but also significantly simplify garden maintenance. With just a few adjustments, the outdoor space can be transformed into a smart oasis of well-being that blends seamlessly into the overall design.

Save water with smart irrigation

Smart irrigation systems are changing the way people care for their gardens and can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. These systems monitor factors such as soil moisture, weather, and plant needs to optimize watering. Combining them with rainwater harvesting makes them even more sustainable.

An intelligent irrigation system consists of several components:

• Irrigation computer (from €15-20 for entry-level models)
• Soil moisture sensors for precise measurements
• Control units for individual irrigation zones
• Optional: Solar irrigation systems for energy-independent operation

The cost of a complete system ranges from €200 to €1,000, depending on size. However, the investment quickly pays for itself because the plants receive optimal care and consume significantly less water. For small gardens, an irrigation controller and one or two sprinklers are sufficient. For larger gardens, you can operate numerous irrigation zones separately.

Control lighting via app

Today's garden lighting is much more than just outdoor lamps. With smart LED lights, you can set the mood for any occasion. Simply touch a button to transform the lighting from a lively garden party to a tranquil evening outdoors.

First, you should choose a system that meets your needs. Most smart home outdoor lighting systems work with popular systems like Google Home , Amazon Alexa , and Apple HomeKit . Motion detectors that turn on the lights when they detect movement are very useful. This saves energy and makes the house more secure at the same time.

Make sure to check the IP rating when installing outdoor lights, as they will be exposed to wind and rain. For existing outdoor lights, it is often sufficient to replace the bulb with a smart one. This is a more affordable option than replacing the entire light fixture.

Making good use of Wi-Fi in the garden

A stable internet connection in the garden is necessary for all smart devices to function correctly. Commercial routers can provide Wi-Fi signals up to 100 meters, but walls and other obstacles significantly weaken the signal.

There are four main methods to extend the Wi-Fi network into the garden:

1. Wi-Fi repeaters boost the signal, but they can also slow down your internet connection. They work best when placed near doors or windows facing the garden.
2. Access points connect to the router via cable, which makes the connection more robust and faster. To prevent weather damage, you should use dedicated outdoor Ethernet connections when taking your devices outside.
3. A mesh network is stable and doesn't slow down much, and it automatically connects to the strongest signal source.
4. 5G/LTE routers are another option, as they create their own Wi-Fi network. They are particularly useful for allotments or locations without a wired connection.

Plant diversity for every season

"The clearest path to the universe leads through a forest wilderness."

so said John Muir , naturalist, author and environmental philosopher.

The right plants can transform your modern outdoor area into a beautiful paradise, from the first flowers of spring to the fading colors of autumn.

Planning year-round planting

A carefully selected mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year is essential for a garden that always looks beautiful. Crocuses and grape hyacinths are two early bloomers that ensure a good start to the gardening year and provide insects with their first food. In summer, steppe sage and catmint, both perennials, are the main plants. At the end of the season, Chinese silver grass and autumn anemones bloom, displaying their petals and structure.

Planting the same type of plant in different parts of a garden creates a particularly harmonious look. Use only two or three basic colors to make the overall effect appealing. Romantic combinations like pink, white, or blue, as well as vibrant mixes of yellow, blue, and red, are very attractive.

Evergreen plants help to hold everything together and bring color to the garden even in cold weather. They are the main component of the garden, and seasonally flowering plants complement them.

Meadows with wildflowers that are insect-friendly

A wildflower meadow not only brings color and diversity to your landscape, but also provides a habitat for insects. In certain situations, up to 30% of native plant species have been found in just 900 square meters.

You will need the following to create a flower meadow:

• Seeds from native wildflowers (make sure they are organically grown)
• A sunny place
• Be patient. Normally, only annual plants bloom in their first year.

A wildflower meadow doesn't need to be mowed as often as a regular lawn. The best time is between July and September, or twice: once at the end of June and once at the end of August.

Important: To protect bees, only mow in cloudy and cool weather.

Raised beds for self-sufficiency

Even in a small space, raised beds allow you to grow your own fresh vegetables . They make gardening easier without straining your back and provide plants with optimal growing conditions. A space of 25 m² is sufficient for one person to be partially self-sufficient.

You can grow crops in a raised bed all year round:

• Spring : Dill, iceberg lettuce, carrots, parsley, spinach
• Summer : Tomatoes, strawberries, salads
• Autumn/Winter: Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts

To get the most out of crop rotation , first plant heavy feeders such as tomatoes or cabbage, then medium feeders such as onions and carrots, and finally light feeders such as radishes or lamb's spinach.

Combining edible plants with flowering herbs and flowers is particularly helpful. These attract beneficial insects that help keep the raised bed balanced. Mixed planting also ensures optimal use of space and prevents weeds from spreading.

Outdoor living spaces for every stage of life

The garden is increasingly becoming an outdoor living room (outdoor workspace) . More and more people are realizing that they can make their outdoor spaces more useful and comfortable by adding zones tailored to different life situations.

Outdoor kitchen and dining area

A permanently installed or mobile outdoor kitchen allows you to cook outdoors and transforms your garden into a social gathering place. Manufacturers now offer numerous design options – from fully equipped, ready-made solutions to custom-made versions. Practical elements such as a gas grill, a sink, and a refrigerator form the basic equipment, while ovens, wok cooking areas, or a plancha grill ensure culinary variety.

When choosing materials, you should pay attention to weather resistance: teak, stainless steel, slate, or granite are particularly well-suited for outdoor use. For a modern look, exposed concrete is also an interesting option, which can now even be colored.

Besides the kitchen itself, the dining area plays a significant role. A spacious table with comfortable, weather-resistant chairs invites you to linger. Lighting installations and possibly integrated speakers create an inviting atmosphere.

Garden office as a new trend

A garden home office allows you to work hard while getting fresh air and being close to nature. Garden offices have become especially popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages are easy to see: no commute, a better work-life balance, and a motivating workspace.

There are several options, from a temporary workspace on the patio to a fully-fledged "shoffice," which is a combination of shed and office. If you plan to work in the garden year-round, you'll need to ensure good insulation, high-quality windows and doors, and a reliable electricity and internet connection.

Prefabricated modules, available in various sizes and styles, are ideal for a modern garden office.

Child-friendly and pet-friendly design

A modern garden can be a playground for children and a home for native wildlife. Choosing the right plants is essential for a garden that benefits animals. Native plants are excellent sources of pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Wildflower meadows are not only great for insects, but also a captivating place for children to explore. Mow the grass in certain areas only twice a year, and only after the plants have gone to seed.

Small drinking troughs or shallow water features are great places for animals to cool off and for children to have fun. Also, deliberately leave "messy" corners with deadwood, piles of leaves, or nettles. These are excellent habitats for many animals.

Your modern garden – individual and functional

There are many ways to create a wellness oasis in your garden these days. You can enhance small outdoor spaces by using clean lines, clever color choices, and a successful combination of materials. With a few simple steps, any garden, no matter how big or small, can become a paradise.

Every garden should creatively reflect its owner's personality. So, try out a few different things to see what works for you. You should always feel at home in your green oasis.

Your garden is a place to relax, meet others, and enjoy life, not just nature. Start transforming your outdoor space into a wellness paradise!