Modern Gardens for Modern Homes

A modern home will require some contemporary touches in the garden too

There's nothing worse than letting down a cool contemporary-style home by ignoring the importance that your garden and surrounding areas play in the overall appearance of your property. Creating an up-to-the-minute look for your garden is all about incorporating modern materials such as steel, glass and concrete into your scheme, possibly a fine water feature, as well as taking into account sustainability issues. In an urban or rural setting, a truly great contemporary-style garden is simple, stylish and sleek, with just a hint of fun. As the ideas on this page show, its not difficult to come up with a look that will work with the most modern of designs.

Wallpaper for the garden

Today, gardens are treated much like any other room in the house and therefore they reflect the owners personal style and taste. Modern gardens are designed to be enjoyed and to look good all year round. Recent evolving trends for glamour have inspired the latest must-have - garden wallpaper, made from brushed or polished steel (ABOVE). It can add much-needed glamour to a winter garden, updating an exterior space with a little sparkle. Visit www.oliverburnsinteriors.com for more information.

Paving

There are many different paving material options available that challenge established textures and techniques, therefore opening up exciting contemporary design possibilities. Most contemporary garden products are drawn from nature and reclaim existing materials for up-to-the-minute design. Try something like the small cobble slabs (pictured) from Stonemarket (024 7651 8700, stonemarket.co.uk).

Eco Chairs

No - they're not molehills! Why not go one step further in your garden and be totally organic by building your own grass chair? They can be easily constructed in ten minutes and simply require a sprinkling of water. Very little maintenance is required; in fact all you need to do is trim the grass. Available from www.lazybone.co.uk.

Details

Contemporary design even stretches as far as bird feeders. The Eva Solo bird feeder is made from mouth-blown glass and is designed to withstand wind and rain. The ball can easily be suspended from bushes, trees and the eaves of your house. For stockist details contact ICTC on 01603 488019. www.ictc.co.uk

Outdoor Buildings

With soaring house prices and living space at a premium, it is not uncommon to come across garden rooms in many peoples back yards. People are making more efficient use of the space available to them and are truly using their gardens as extensions of their living space. Cerokos garden rooms act as offices, studios, gyms and even guest accommodation, and they avoid many of the planning restrictions associated with construction. Prices start from £13,900.

Patios

Continental-style outdoor dining is becoming more popular and this has had an impact on patio furniture design. Those seeking something to complement a modern design should take a look at the solid pieces of furniture from Cadix. Made from polished marble, granite and concrete, they offer durability and style. Tel: 01440 713 704 www.cadix.co.uk

Further reading:

• Extending Interiors to the Outdoors
• A Guide to Outdoor Spaces
• Landscaping: Edging
• Landscaping: Water Features