Modern backyard ideas that embrace clean lines, neutral colors, geometric shapes, functional decor, and minimalism will complement the architecture of a newer build or give a more traditional home an updated feel. Create a sleek and current look with modern landscaping, hardscaping, furniture, lighting, and decor choices to upgrade your backyard, patio, pool deck, fire pit area, and more.
Check out these modern backyard ideas that will inspire you to give your outdoor space a refreshing new look.
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01
of 39Keep Furniture Minimal
@huntergreennyc / Instagram
This super trendy and minimal backyard by Huntergreen Garden Design features just a few practical furnishings to allow the landscaping to shine through. Built-in seating along the back fence and plenty of ambient lighting create an inviting space that needs little more than a few chairs to make it feel complete.
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02
of 39Opt for Square Pavers
Acme Real Estate courtesy of Yardzen
Large square pavers are in when it comes to modern backyard design, and this cutting-edge design by Yardzen proves it. To get the look, space them out slightly and add contrasting gravel or sand in between to create a geometric design and make the pavers pop.
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03
of 39Choose Statement Planters
No need to go all out with elaborate garden beds if you’re aiming for a modern look. Several statement planters featuring small trees, shrubs, grasses, or flowers are all that you need to make a minimal and contemporary space.
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04
of 39Stick to Black and White
Opting for a neutral color palette is always recommended when it comes to modern design. Black and white is a classic pairing that feels instantly modern and is simple to put together. This chic space by Brana Designs features primarily white furnishings with pops of black to provide contrast and drama.
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05
of 39Accent With Color
While neutral palettes are the goal, don’t be afraid to add a pop of unexpected color to your backyard, particularly in a bold or neon shade. Maydan Architects used neon yellow chaise lounges as the finishing touches on this modern poolside design.
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06
of 39Try Horizontal Fencing
@mgbbuildinggroup / Instagram
Most wooden fences are made using vertical fence boards, so if you’re going for a more modern design, try installing fence boards horizontally as MGB Building Group did in this downtown Toronto backyard. The result is contemporary and unexpected, not to mention super stylish.
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07
of 39Keep Decor Minimal
Modern design requires clean lines and uncluttered space, so avoid going overboard with decor and accessories. Instead, choose a few practical decor pieces like a fruit bowl or a small planter with herbs inside to finish off the design.
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08
of 39Choose Low-Seated Sofas
Low seating is a quick way to give any space a modern feel. Just take a look at this modern outdoor seating arrangement designed by DMAR Interiors. Add an outdoor rug and some shade cover to make the space truly functional and inviting.
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09
of 39Lay a Concrete Patio
@huntergreennyc / Instagram
When it comes to modern design, clean lines, and minimalism are the goal, and nothing checks those boxes quite like a concrete patio. Opt for large concrete slabs with a smooth finish over smaller and more intricate designs, and use furniture and landscaping to add texture and contrast to the space.
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10
of 39Vary Textures and Materials
Kenton Waltz for Yardzen
When furnishings and decor are minimal, adding interest through the use of different textures and materials is important. This backyard design by Yardzen incorporates wood, concrete, metal, and fabric in strategic ways to create contrast and visual interest without making the space feel cluttered.
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11
of 39Warm With a Fire Table
@proscape.land.design / Instagram
Fire tables are a great accessory for modern backyards. Not only are they stylish and super functional, but they are literally more modern than alternatives like open fireplaces or fire pits. Choose a fire table with a minimal design to achieve that sleek, modern look.
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12
of 39Make It Moody and Dramatic
The exaggerated use of black in this trendy backyard by Allweather Landscape gives the space a super modern and moody look. The use of white furnishings with light wood and textured plants like grasses and palms keeps the space from feeling too dark while providing plenty of visual interest.
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13
of 39Build a Pergola
@interiorwife / Instagram
Pergolas are a great addition to any modern backyard because they are sleek and minimal structures that provide shade and make a space more functional. Instagram user @interiorwife added some string lights and tarps to her pergola for some added shade and ambient lighting.
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14
of 39Mix Patterns
This modern backyard may have a neutral color palette, but it’s certainly not lacking in interest thanks to the bold use of geometric shapes and designs. Square pavers and angular furniture are accented by high-contrast patterns on the throw pillows and ottomans for a super contemporary look.
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15
of 39Match Your Patio Furniture
Another way to keep things simple in a modern design is to use the same patio furniture throughout the space, rather than mixing and matching different styles. This provides a simple backdrop for features like a large pool and clean landscaping to shine.
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16
of 39Channel an Organic Feel
Create a zen feel by using natural materials that look at home in the natural landscape. Desiree Burns Interiors mixed stone terraces with green lawn that meld into the tranquil outdoor setting for an organic modern feel.
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17
of 39Try an Outdoor Living Room
Set up an outdoor living room on the backyard patio to give the adults a place to hang while the kids play on the lawn. Interior designer Alvin Wayne chose warm wood furnishings upholstered with white fabric for a clean, modern look.
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18
of 39Design a Custom Fire Pit
Michelle Boudreau Design modernized this Palm Springs backyard using a mix of desert landscaping and hardscaping. A circular fire pit area surrounded by modern seating complements the architecture.
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19
of 39Build a Backyard Yoga Room
This modern backyard yoga studio from Brophy Interiors has an indoor-outdoor feel thanks to bifold glass-and-steel doors that make it feel like an extension of the neatly manicured lawn.
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20
of 39Anchor With an Outdoor Rug
Anchor a backyard seating area with an outdoor rug. Mallory Wackerman Design for Emily Henderson Design layered a colorful patterned area rug over the artificial turf to anchor a convivial seating area that includes a large sectional outdoor sofa.
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21
of 39Install Landscape Lighting
Use landscape lighting to make a backyard usable after dark. Lighting spread evenly throughout this contemporary backyard from Brophy Interiors highlights the modern landscaping and connects the spacious outdoor patio and staircase to the lawn below.
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22
of 39Construct an Outdoor Fireplace
Kendall Wilkinson Design added a large contemporary patio in this spacious Northern California backyard that is covered with a dramatic black free-standing roof structure. A spacious seating area outfitted with modern lounge furniture around an outdoor fireplace creates a perfect spot for a night cap.
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23
of 39Create a Sculpture Garden
Create a modern sculpture garden effect in your backyard for a sophisticated look. This Palm Springs backyard from Michelle Boudreau Design is landscaped with palm trees and drought-resistant xeriscaping at the sloped edges, and a mix of large cement slab pavers and manicured grass accents around the pool.
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24
of 39Embrace Clean Lines
Tyler Karu Design and Interiors / Photo by Erin Little
Furnish an outdoor deck with modern furniture that has clean lines and neutral colors that don’t detract from a backyard with a beautiful view. Tyler Karu Design and Interiors set up comfortable seating that creates an indoor-outdoor feel built for lingering over a view of the sloping green lawn leading to the water.
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25
of 39Add on a Minimalist Deck
Minimal furniture and a black and white palette will keep your outdoor deck looking modern and sleek, like this L.A. backyard from The Home Consultant.
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26
of 39Use Indoor-Style Furniture
One way to create a modern feel in your backyard is to outfit it with outdoor furniture that is designed to look like it belongs inside. Tina Ramchandani Creative set up a pair of upholstered sofas around a concrete fire pit in this spacious New York State backyard pool area that includes multiple seating areas and a small pool house that mimics the style of the main house.
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27
of 39Try a Modern Privacy Screen
Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
If your backyard fence isn’t tall enough to shield you from the house next door, layer on a modern privacy screen. Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design chose a pair of laser-cut wood panels that complement the modern patio seating area decorated with colorful textiles and warm wood and woven textures.
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28
of 39Modernize Your Privacy Wall
Modernize your backyard privacy wall with a board and batten finish for an indoor-outdoor feel. Leclair Decor painted the fence white and decorated the large patio seating area with modern furniture, an adjustable umbrella, and a large fire pit.
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29
of 39Mix in a Patterned Sofa
Michelle Boudreau Design updated the backyard of this Palm Springs midcentury modern home with sleek all-white poolside lounge chairs that blend into the light-colored patio. A palm-print upholstered outdoor sofa on a raised detached fire pit patio in the corner of the lawn adds an unexpected dose of pattern that feels modern.
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30
of 39Hang a Hammock
Create a modern Mediterranean vacation house vibe in your backyard for an escapist feel. The Home Consultant turned a small Los Angeles backyard into a private and tranquil place to unwind thanks to natural wood fencing, minimal planting of aloe and olive trees, and a simple hammock.
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31
of 39Try Xeriscaping
Turn a sloped backyard into a feature with a modern retaining wall and minimal vegetation. This xeriscaped Palm Springs backyard seating area from Michelle Boudreau Design is decorated with rattan furniture for a chic boho-style feel.
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32
of 39Mix Dark and Light Finishes
Create a modern feel with a mix of dark and light finishes. Calimia Home paired dark fencing and a matching pergola with pale furnishings and upholstery to create a polished feel on this backyard patio.
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33
of 39Hang a Giant Shade Sail
Shield a modern backyard from the house next door with an oversized shade sail. Blanco Bungalow strung bulb string lights just below to illuminate an outdoor dining room.
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34
of 39Build Modern Stone Walls
Stacked stone retaining walls will give your backyard a modern feel. This Seattle space from KG Designs includes a series of stacked stone retaining walls planted with a mix of plants and flowers to soften the contemporary fireplace and seating area.
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35
of 39Build a Stucco Banquette
Create a sleek modern feel with a built-in backyard banquette. Blanco Bungalow constructed a DIY stucco banquette in the corner of the yard, and built a gravel fire pit patio to make it a cozy gathering spot.
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36
of 39Extend the Patio
Build a small fire pit patio in the middle of a large backyard to create a dedicated spot for entertaining and gathering. Interior designer Maite Granda connected the round patio to the main patio with a walkway built from the same stone for a cohesive look.
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37
of 39Build a Modern Rustic Porch
Create a cozy feel in a modern backyard with a covered porch built from rustic materials like reclaimed wood and stone. Marie Flanigan Interiors furnished this outdoor space with modern oversized seating for a comfortable and inviting feel.
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38
of 39Embrace Earth Tones
Emily Bower for Emily Henderson Design / Sara Liggoria-Tramp
Give your backyard patio a modern feel with earth-toned finishes, furniture, and decor accents. Emily Bower for Emily Henderson Design paired earthy brown walls with olive green chairs and mustard dishware in this al fresco dining space.
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39
of 39Carve Out a Path
Give a steep backyard a modern organic feel with landscaping that mixes plants and highlights natural materials. KG Designs planted this hillside backyard in South Puget Sound, WA with a mix of garden styles and a winding stone path.