'Contemporary' architecture and style is about the present-day and refers to what is being created and produced right now. It is fresh, dynamic and minimalistic. If we were to define the focal point of the contemporary style, then it would be geometry.

Having looked at how one can design every corner of their home in a contemporary fashion, let's now look at how you can make the open spaces or the garden area in your home look chic and stylish.

There are couple of things that need to be taken into account before you take the shovels out.

Important features of contemporary garden designs include waterfalls, stones, raised beds and built-in planters that are physically constructed into the garden with rendered walls and wooden bench inserts. Plants used in contemporary designs are usually the ones that don't bear flowers, as the idea is to stick to minimalism and easy maintenance. A key point to consider is to create an effective watering system for the plants, which minimizes the spillage of excess water or soil.

Space

With the shortage of space in our present day homes, one can even opt for adding a dash of green in the open spaces of the monochrome living room. This technique helps to create an illusion of outdoors within the house, and is an ideal option for people who do not have garden spaces attached with their homes.

The simple rule to follow here is again, geometry. You can create planters within the flooring or make a raised flooring on the sides, following a vertical or horizontal pattern to hold the plants.

However, for people with larger homes there's always room for more creativity.

If you are going to work on the front yard, then you need to make the landscape in a way which will make your front yard welcoming as well as fitting with the exterior design of the home with which it will feel as one piece.

If it is the backyard you are going to be applying contemporary designing to, you will need to make sure that you make it enjoyable for relaxation and hanging out as well as making sure that it won't make you feel locked in a small place.

Layout

For interesting layouts, create contrast between the simple geometric shapes of lawns and paths.

Grids are one of the most popular insertions. These refer to interesting layout with squares and rectangles that you can create by combining concrete, grass and plants.

For several years' horizontal battens on fencing have been the look for contemporary gardens. Keeping in mind that contemporary means fresh and unique designs, one must break up the lines with strong uprights and try not to have them on all sides to avoid the prison look.

You can use repeat patterns in your planting to hold the garden together. A row of small trees, box bushes, shrubs or ornaments placed at regular intervals gives an order that looks good and has timeless appeal. Adding a water body like a fountain or a small pool also serves as an interesting element in a contemporary garden.

Colour

White and green is a good base for your colour scheme. Hence you can use pale limestone paving or gravel to create elegant paths or a patio area. Paint any rendered or brick walls and fences white. Painted brickwork lends an extra element of texture to the design.

Furniture

For furniture, natural materials provide another contrast to the immaculate planting patterns and the crisp, white surfaces. A driftwood bench or furniture made from cane serves as a good option to place in a contemporary garden set up.

Lighting

Lighting is absolutely essential for contemporary gardens. Good lighting is always about what you light, rather than the light fixture. Focus spotlights on elements such as the battens, textured brickwork or the repeated patterns of planting to emphasise the design.