A contemporary garden design suits both large and small spaces and is the perfect solution for a smaller area such as a courtyard or balcony. In smaller gardens, a contemporary design can make the space feel larger and larger gardens can be split into zones, similar to rooms in a house, to make the design work.
What is a contemporary garden?
‘Contemporary’ is often synonymous with ‘modern’ so the definition of the term can change with the era; what might be considered ‘modern’ today is not the same as the ‘modern’ of the 1930s for example. It is much more accurate, therefore, to define ‘contemporary’ as ‘current’ although a contemporary garden can be characterised by certain, generally accepted features.
Characteristics of a contemporary garden
Most people agree that a contemporary garden comprises clean, straight and uncluttered lines with an aesthetic that reflects the style and interior of your home. In contrast to a cottage garden that embraces a much more natural and ‘wild’ planting scheme, a contemporary garden will have a relaxed and open feel and be low maintenance.
The use of space in the contemporary garden is important. Intended to be a space for relaxing and escaping from a busy lifestyle, this type of garden is well-considered, being neither too packed nor too bare.
Contemporary gardens feature natural materials such as responsibly sourced timber products and garden furniture is softwood or hardwood pieces with a timeless feel.
Contemporary garden ideas
Contemporary Decking
Decking has become almost a standard feature of the contemporary garden, as it can be designed to fit any size space. Attractive and practical, timber decking can be given a finish that will suit your garden, thanks to a wide range of stains and treatments that are available in a selection of traditional and heritage colours. Add height to a decked area with a pergola for a relaxed feel and complete by softening harsh edges with planters that can be tall or long or square to suit your style. Square planters are well suited to shaped standard trees or shaped box which are a mainstay of the contemporary garden as they are undemanding and low maintenance.
Contemporary garden fence
Fencing with horizontal slats is much more in keeping with a contemporary design, as it lends a sophisticated feel to the space and a smooth look. Our range of eco-friendly, composite fencing fits the bill perfectly and is available in a choice of on-trend, current colours. Manufactured from a blend of recycled PVC and wood fibre, our eco fencing is easy to install and maintenance-free.
Contemporary Screening
When working in a larger space, zones can be established by installing screening and decorative panels. These will instantly add a ‘current’ feel to the garden and can be used for vertical planting schemes. They are also a great solution where you want to change the appearance of a boundary fence that is not yours to alter and our screens are available in a horizontal slatted option.
Contemporary garden furniture
Contemporary garden design requires pieces that have a timeless feel and that will not date. One such piece of garden furniture is the relaxer chair or Adirondack chair which can be dated back to the very early 20th century. A classic in design terms, this style of chair has a tall, slatted back, wide armrests and a seat that is slightly higher at the front than the back. An iconic piece, this style of chair is available in both hardwood and softwood options and will complement a contemporary setting beautifully. Another ageless and enduring piece of furniture to include in a modern garden is the bench. The classic Willington bench is manufactured from quality hardwood and will comfortably accommodate two adults.
With the sheer volume of garden accessories available today, it can be daunting when starting out. A cool, contemporary colour palette will add a current aesthetic to your space and keeping the design and planting scheme structured rather than wild will add to this theme. Less is more so keep it simple by choosing high quality planters and furniture; a simple design with quality accents will always be a winner and at Witham Timber we can help with the very best products to bring your design to life. Simply call us on 01205 359188 or email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk and our experienced and knowledgeable staff will be happy to advise.