There’s a difference between contemporary and modern.
In modern landscaping, it’s all about gravel, one or two plants, and clean lines.
Today’s landscaping is more laid back.
Multiple plants, multiple textures, even some seasonal colour.
The one thing that remains consistent is the quality of materials and the feeling of deliberate placement of all the elements.
Below are 15 modern Contemporary front yard landscaping ideas that will complement most of the house styles found in America.
How Make A Contemporary Front Yard Landscaping
Homeowners are looking to do away with the traditional lawn and cookie-cutter designs.
Today, designers cite “expressive front doors, multiple layers of planting and smart infrastructure” as the hallmarks of a modern front yard.
That change distinguishes modern landscaping from conventional landscaping.
Traditional is symmetrical, lawn-focused, and flower-dense.
Modern is synonymous with texture, structure, and sustainability.
1. Use Large Format Natural Stone for Pathways
A statement in the contemporary style is one of the most impactful, using large-format natural stone, either bluestone, limestone, or slate stone, in generous 24 x 24 or 24 x 48-inch pieces.
Place them at a uniform distance apart.
The spaces between the stones may be filled with gravel, low ground cover, or may be left as clean open joints.
2. Add a Raised Planting Bed at the Entry
The raised planting bed (12-18″ high), constructed of Corten steel, concrete block, or natural stone, makes a bold architectural statement in the front of the house.
For a more modern look, plant it mono-specifically (with just one type of plant) in volume, such as Mexican Feather Grass, lavender, or trailing rosemary.
Having too many species in one raised bed will give the impression that it is a fussy bed.
Densely planted, one plant appears intentional.
3. Incorporate Corten Steel Elements
Weathering steel, or Corten steel, rusts over time and develops a warm patina.
It looks great with contemporary landscape and natural planting.
Plant it in raised beds, for edging, sculptural screens, or feature planters.
It needs no care and attention. The rust is thoughtfully and purposefully applied and is protective. It really stands out in green plantings and neutral hardscapes.
4. Plant in Drifts — Not Individual Spots
The current trend is to plant in ‘drifts’ (clumps of the same plant undulating together in an organic form) instead of planting the individual plants throughout a bed.
In a sweeping curve, plant five of the same ornamental grass.
Plant 11 Lavenders in an open wave.
The repetition forms a rhythm which appears to have been purposefully designed from the street.
5. Choose a Signature Tree for the Whole Yard
All great contemporary front yards have one tree that is the focal point of the yard.
Plants that are good for today’s yards:
- A multi-stem tree, Serviceberry is a good choice for all climate zones.
- Japanese Maple is a hardy tree that is suitable for zones 5-8.
- The olive tree can be grown in zones 8-11.
- Crape myrtle is hardy in zones 6 through 11.
- Paperbark Maple is a hardy tree that will grow in zones 4–8.
Place it off-center. Give it space. Don’t battle it; rather, make it a focal point.
6. Replace the Driveway Apron With Permeable Pavers
One of the most neglected spots in the front yard design is at the driveway/street intersection.
A new front yard that includes a neat row of permeable pavers or a gravel strip raises the entire front of the house.
Permeable driveways handle water differently, add to the beauty, and are a testament to the homeowner’s design and sustainability efforts.
7. Use Black Metal Fence or Railing for Structure
A low, black metal fence along the street edge (24-36″) provides structure, frames the yard, and provides a clear edge.
It enhances the look of all the planting within it, making it more purposeful and planned.
This is especially effective with modern and transitional home designs that require a clean, simple fence, but don’t want it to feel like a traditional fence.
8. Add a Water Feature as a Single Focal Point
One outdoor artwork or simple water feature is becoming a common feature in today’s front yard.
Waterfall walls, reflecting pools, and pond-less fountains are all great options.
Most front yards can’t be overwhelmed by large space features, so bubbling rocks or zen water bowls are good choices.
One Water Feature as a focal point. No three different decorative elements vying for attention.
9. Use Ornamental Grasses for Movement
Ornamental grasses can do something that no other plant can: move.
In today’s modern front yard, motion is the essence of life.
They add a sense of movement to the area instead of stillness.
In the back of beds, use tall plants such as Maiden Grass or Karl Foerster.
Plant lower-growing grasses such as Mexican Feather Grass along the front edge, and they will catch the wind and give the front edge a soft, animated look.
10. Create for both Day and Night
Most front yard landscaping guides don’t even consider night.
A well-done contemporary landscaping is as planned at night as it is during the day.
Be sure to use uplighting around the bottom of the signature tree.
Install LED walk lights along the walkway. Try raised beds that are lit up from behind for an evening show-stopper.
11. Mix Hard and Soft Textures Deliberately
Hard materials such as stone, concrete and steel, contrast with soft planting – this is the key to modern landscaping.
Hard path with soft grass planting either side of path. Hard raised bed wall—soft cascading plant inside—strong gravel foundation with a strong architectural plant rising from the gravel.
Each combination of hard and soft produces a visual tension which makes the design come alive.
12. Use Native Plants as the Base Planting
The nuts and bolts of modern sustainable landscaping are native plants.
Plant them as the bulk of the planting, the ground covers, mid-layer shrubs, and grass species.
Then add one or two other ornamental plants to add interest.
Native plants are easier to care for, less water- and fertilizer-intensive, and easier to maintain.
13. Keep the Entry Pathway Generous
In today’s design, there can be no compromise on a wide and well-defined pathway from the street towards the door.
A minimum width of 4-5 feet. The colours are consistent with the overall colour scheme.
No curves – unless they are in line with the land contour.
The path is used to determine movement. It should feel welcoming, not narrow.
14. Add Evergreen Structure for Year-Round Interest
Today’s landscape is not only beautiful during the spring and summer, but all year round.
Plant at least one or two evergreen structural plants, like boxwood, dwarf yew, Sky Pencil Holly, or trimmed rosemary, that will maintain their color and form throughout the winter.
When all else is quiet, these are the anchors that keep the design together.
15. Edit Ruthlessly Before You Add Anything
One of the most frequent landscaping errors of today’s times is overdoing it.
Do a walk-through of your current front yard and eliminate anything that doesn’t work before purchasing any plants.
Say goodbye to overgrown shrubs, mismatching containers, random stepping stones, and cracked plastic edging.
Cut and cut until it’s the best. Then start to add on.
Three good elements in a yard will outweigh 15 mediocre elements.
What Competitors Miss — USDA Zone Plant Picks
Many of the modern landscaping books display plants that will only grow in zones 8–11. These are some items to use in all zones.
Zones 4-5: Karl Foerster Grass, Serviceberry, Boxwood, Creeping Phlox, and native coneflower.
Zones 6-7: All of the above in addition to Ornamental Alliums, Lavender, and Knockout Roses.
Zones 8-9: Agave, Rosemary, Dwarf Olive, Mexican Feather Grass, Cistus.
Zones 10-11: Bougainvillea, Sago Palm, Kangaroo Paw, and Society Garlic.
FAQs
What is the difference between contemporary and modern landscaping?
Modern is more conservative – fewer plantings, more hardscape, less colour. Contemporary is a style that offers greater diversity in plantings and textures, but still follows the same guidelines of clean lines, good materials and deliberate plantings.
What type of house designs is modern landscaping best adapted to?
Homes that work well include mid-century modern, craftsman, contemporary new build, transitional, and ranch houses. Modern landscaping works with most styles of architecture and follows the lines and materials of the house.
When considering a contemporary front yard, how long does it take to establish?
Most of the modern plantings are satisfactory in the initial season. Grasses and native plants have a 2-3 season time lag before they can have a full impact. Signature trees will need the longest time to establish (3-5 years) to have a significant presence.
Which of the following is the best front yard improvement to do in modern times, in terms of cost?
Steel edging to replace old edging and rejuvenate gravel and/or mulch. For less than $200, the two modifications taken together can significantly improve the current planting’s appearance.
