25 Modern Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Your backyard is a blank canvas.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home and are starting from scratch or are looking to revamp your current yard,
there are endless modern backyard landscaping ideas to help you create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
From small modern gardens and courtyards to large modern outdoor living spaces,
we’ve rounded up the best modern backyard landscaping ideas to help inspire your next project.
Read on to learn how to create the perfect modern backyard landscape.
1. Outdoor Sitting Area
This backyard features a concrete patio with a built-in fire pit and plenty of space for seating.
The concrete bench is the perfect way to add extra seating to your patio without taking up too much space.
Concrete is a great material for modern patios and can be poured into any shape or design you like.
This patio is a great example of how you can use concrete to create a sleek, modern look.
2. Build a Pool
You can’t go wrong with a pool in your backyard. Whether you opt for an in-ground or above-ground pool, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your yard.
To take your pool landscaping to the next level, consider adding a paver patio, fire pit, and seating area. That way, you’ll have a whole outdoor oasis to enjoy.
3. Add a Fire Pit
This modern backyard design by Kiesel Design features a built-in fire pit that’s perfect for gathering around with family and friends.
The circular shape of the fire pit is echoed by the round pavers and the large tree in the background, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the space.
The built-in bench provides plenty of seating for guests, and the concrete wall creates a nice backdrop for the fire pit.
4. Create a Zen Garden
A zen garden is a Japanese-style garden that uses rocks, sand, and gravel to mimic the peacefulness of the ocean.
These gardens are simple and straightforward, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance backyard.
You can add a zen garden to your backyard by creating a pattern in the sand with a rake.
Then, add large rocks and pebbles to create a border around the sand.
A zen garden is the perfect place to add a bench or outdoor seating to create a peaceful place to relax.
5. Add a Water Feature
There are so many ways to incorporate water into your backyard landscaping.
If you have the space, a pool or a hot tub is a great way to add water to your backyard.
If you’re looking for something a little less permanent, consider adding a fountain or a small pond.
You can even add a water feature to your backyard even if you don’t have a lot of space.
6. Create an Outdoor Kitchen
If you love to cook, then an outdoor kitchen is a must.
An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill and a small prep area or as elaborate as a fully equipped indoor kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and stove.
This outdoor kitchen features a large grill and a separate pizza oven.
A built-in bar provides plenty of seating for dining al fresco, and a small prep area with a sink makes it easy to get dinner on the table.
7. Add a Deck
A decked area is a great way to add a modern touch to your backyard. When it comes to deck design, there are so many options to choose from.
This deck by 3rd Space is the perfect spot for a couple of lounge chairs, and the built-in bench is a great way to add extra seating.
You can also create a multi-level deck design to add visual interest to your backyard.
8. Build a Pergola
A pergola is a simple and affordable way to create a defined outdoor living space in your backyard.
You can use a pergola to create a sense of entry or separation from the rest of the yard, or you can build one over a patio or deck to create a cozy, outdoor room.
Add a fabric canopy for extra shade, or use the structure to support climbing plants.
A pergola can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and you can build one yourself in a weekend.
9. Create a Play Area
If you have kids, you know how important it is to have a designated play area in your backyard.
This can help keep their toys contained and give them a safe space to play.
A play area can be as simple as a patch of artificial turf or as elaborate as a custom-built playground.
It all depends on your budget and your kids’ ages and interests.
If you have older kids, you might want to consider adding a sports court to your backyard. This can be used for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more.
10. Add a Garden
A modern garden is a great way to add some color and greenery to your backyard.
Use raised garden beds to create a modern look and to keep your plants safe from pests.
You can also add a vertical garden to your backyard. This is a great way to add some greenery to your space without taking up too much room.
Use a variety of plants to create a living wall that will be the focal point of your backyard.
11. Build a Patio
A patio is one of the most common backyard landscaping projects. It’s a simple way to create a space that’s perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining.
Patios can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, pavers, brick, and more.
You can also choose to build a raised patio, as seen here, or a ground-level one.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider a pea gravel patio.
This type of patio is made by laying down a layer of landscaping fabric and then covering it with a few inches of pea gravel.
12. Add a Gazebo
If you have a large backyard and want to create a space for entertaining, consider adding a gazebo.
Gazebos are a great way to create a defined space in your backyard and can be used in a variety of ways.
You can use a gazebo as an outdoor dining area, a place for a hot tub, or as a place to relax and enjoy the view.
This modern backyard landscaping idea features a large gazebo with a built-in kitchen and dining area.
The gazebo is surrounded by a large patio that provides plenty of space for entertaining.
The patio is bordered by a low wall that helps to define the space and provides additional seating.
13. Create a Path
If you have a large backyard, you can create a path to lead the eye to different areas of the space.
This is a great way to give your backyard a sense of purpose and to make it feel more open and spacious.
You can use a variety of materials to create your path.
In this backyard by Urban Oasis Design & Construction, large concrete pavers are used to create a modern pathway that leads to a fire pit area.
You can also use gravel, brick, or stone to create your path.
14. Build a Fence
If you’re looking to add some privacy to your backyard, a fence is a great way to do it.
Fences come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
This modern backyard by Studio Life/Style features a simple wood fence that adds privacy without feeling too imposing.
The fence is paired with a tall hedge, which adds even more privacy and greenery to the space.
15. Add a Shed
Don’t let your gardening tools and equipment take over your backyard. Add a shed to store all of your outdoor essentials.
Not only are sheds functional, but they can also be a stylish addition to your backyard.
You can customize the look of your shed to match your home’s exterior and add some landscaping around it to make it feel like it’s part of the design.
16. Build a Greenhouse
If you have a green thumb and a passion for gardening, you’ll want to create a dedicated space in your backyard.
A greenhouse is a great way to protect your plants from harsh weather and pests, and it can also help you extend your growing season.
Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and your space.
You can even build a custom greenhouse that matches the style of your home.
17. Add an Outdoor Shower
Don’t you just love the idea of taking an outdoor shower after a long day in the sun? We do, too!
This modern backyard by Reath Design features a sleek outdoor shower with a living privacy wall.
The shower is tucked away in the corner of the yard, providing a sense of seclusion. The green wall also adds a pop of color to the otherwise neutral space.
18. Create a Lawn
If your backyard is looking a little worse for the wear, a new lawn can make a huge difference.
Sod lawns offer instant gratification, as they are grown and then transplanted to your yard.
As long as you prepare the soil properly and lay the sod correctly, you can expect to have a beautiful, lush lawn in no time.
19. Build a Playhouse
If you have kids, a playhouse is the ultimate backyard addition.
Not only does it offer a dedicated space for your little ones to play, but it can also be a fun and whimsical design element.
This modern playhouse from Studio Shed is a great example. The clean lines and contemporary design make it a standout feature.
Plus, the large windows fill the interior with natural light, making it the perfect spot for an outdoor playdate.
20. Add a Vegetable Garden
If you have a green thumb and love to cook, consider adding a vegetable garden to your backyard.
You can easily incorporate a garden into your existing landscaping or create a separate space for it.
Raised garden beds are a popular option for vegetable gardens.
They can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they make it easy to control the soil and drainage.
You can also add a trellis for climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas.
21. Create a Rock Garden
Rock gardens are a low-maintenance way to plant a variety of flowers and shrubs in your backyard.
You can use rocks to create terraces or simply create a border around your garden beds.
Rock gardens are a great way to add interest to a flat backyard, and they can be designed to fit any size or shape space.
22. Add a Dog Run
If you have a dog, consider adding a dog run to your backyard. Dog runs can be a great way to give your pet some extra space to run and play.
They can also be a great way to keep your dog contained in a specific area of the yard so they don’t trample your garden or track mud into your patio area.
Dog runs can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.
You can create a designated dog run area with a concrete or paver base, or you can simply fence off a section of your yard with a chain link or picket fence.
Be sure to add some shade and a water source so your pet stays comfortable while they play.
23. Build a Fish Pond
A fish pond is a beautiful and interesting water feature that can be added to your backyard.
It is a great way to bring the natural world right to your door. Fish ponds can be small or large and can contain a variety of different fish and aquatic plants.
In this backyard, the fish pond is surrounded by a flagstone patio and a variety of different perennials and shrubs.
The pond is home to a few different types of fish and is surrounded by a variety of different aquatic plants.
24. Add a Treehouse
If you have the space, consider adding a treehouse to your backyard. It’s a fun way to add a play area for kids or a cozy hangout spot for adults.
This modern treehouse in Austin, Texas, features a large deck, a living roof, and a climbing wall.
25. Create an Outdoor Office
The pandemic has shifted the way we work, and many people are choosing to work from home.
If you have a home office, consider taking your office outdoors.
This modern backyard in Los Angeles features a custom desk and built-in seating, creating a perfect outdoor office space.
The office is covered by a pergola and surrounded by lush landscaping, creating a private and serene space.
The concrete planters add a modern touch, and the plants help to clean the air and increase productivity.
Conclusion
If you have a large backyard, it’s the perfect space to create a modern garden. If you like the idea of a low-maintenance garden, you can’t go wrong with a well-designed lawn. A lawn offers a great space for you to enjoy your garden, and it’s a great space for children to play. A lawn that is well cared for will have a huge impact on your garden. If you don’t have the time to maintain your lawn, you can hire a professional lawn care service.
We hope you found our modern backyard landscaping ideas helpful!
