Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in San Francisco

This beautiful, modern lakefront pool features a negative edge perfectly highlighting gorgeous sunset views over the lake water. An over-sized sun shelf with bubblers, negative edge spa, rain curtain in the gazebo, and two fire bowls create a stunning serene space.

Waverley

Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects

In contrast to the grounded brick volumes, the second floor is clad in stainless steel panels and oversized aluminum-framed windows. The lightness and openness of the second floor is nestled among the oak-tree canopies of the site. (Photography by: Matthew Millman)

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BEVERLY

DDLA Design Landscape Architecture

Located in the private Cypress Point neighborhood in Plano, this small backyard was transformed from a small garden area to an updated and modern outdoor living area. In addition to the new covered porch and fire place, we have added outdoor seating for chaise lounges, along with a modern plunge pool & spa with raised backdrop fountain feature. The project also features built-in seating, fountain spillways, decorative pool tile, step stones and all new landscaping to provide a lush, private retreat for the owners.

Simply Elegant

Mariani Landscape

Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan
This is an example of a large modern partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Chicago.

MTLA - Ten Residence

User

The design intent for this modest home and garden, located on a tree-lined street in Culver City, was to create a family-friendly, versatile, sustainable outdoor environment that grew with the rapidly changing needs of the owners, their three children and their close-knit community. This became the site of the "Neighborhood Film Festival" where family and friends could settle into the oversized sofa, warm themselves by the outdoor firepit/coffee table, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

Inside is Outside

Fenessco Doors and Windows

Hot tub - mid-sized modern backyard concrete paver and rectangular lap hot tub idea in Los Angeles

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Columbus, OH

Landscape Management Group28 Reviews

High Quality Landscaping Services in Columbus

Pivot 2

Land Aesthetic

This is an example of a modern partial sun concrete paver garden path in San Diego.

SERENDIPITY Residence | Design + Build

Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

KuDa Photo 2015
Inspiration for a large modern backyard concrete patio remodel in Portland with a fire pit and a roof extension

Project 3419-1 Outdoor Living Space Screen Porch Deck Porch Bar Minneapolis

Castle Building & Remodeling

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Modern Landscape

Minimalist patio photo in New York with a fire pit

Modern Outdoor Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your modern outdoor living area is your first chance to inspire and make an impression on neighbors and guests, so sprucing it up can give your blah house a much-needed boost. When browsing minimalist outdoor decorating ideas and remodel inspiration, keep in mind the following advice to make the most out your great outdoors: Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all modern outdoor ideas before delving in. Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. Research materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style, and don't forget add the plan for the final touches, like outdoor decor and furniture, to complete the space.

What are my minimalist outdoor design options?

When making changes to your modern front yard or backyard, be sure to consider what makes sense for your home and the local weather. For those in dry desert climates, avoid water-thirsty grass and opt for less-thirsty alternatives, then invest in a pool that will keep you and the neighbors cool in the heat. For more mild climates, a pool may not be the most practical of outdoor ideas, but a hot tub or unique water feature could be just the right element for you. On top of thinking about climate, consider maintenance as well. If you have the time and energy to work outdoors every weekend, a flower or vegetable garden would be a worthy investment. If all that effort isn't in your future, consider a nice rock garden, pond or intricate hardscaping instead. Finally, think about what works for your family. Some plants and flowers are poisonous for pets, and kids should have plenty of space to run around and play with friends, whether it be grass or pavement. Ultimately, yards should act as minimalist outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an modern outdoor room?

During the summer, your outdoor designs become key for entertaining and should flow like an extension of your indoor space. With a few key components, your patio, porch or deck can easily be turned into an entertainment haven; after all, when the weather is nice, most people don't want to be stuck indoors. To make your minimalist outdoor living space really feel like part of the house, create an outdoor kitchen, complete a grill, prep station, countertop and mini fridge. To become the neighborhood party house, you should also invest in a fire pit and hot tub, which are both great outdoor ideas for those cooler nights. If expensive renovations are out of your reach, new outdoor furniture and accessories are great for a cheap yet effective end result. A typical concrete patio or front porch can get a major makeover by simply implementing a few easy modern outdoor decorating ideas, such as new furniture cushions and string lighting, or some brightly colored pots and accent statues. Take a look at a variety of pictures and minimalist outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.