Contemporary Landscaping Design for Your Utah Home

Contemporary landscape design has been around for decades, but in recent years has grown in popularity, especially in Utah. Combining effortless simplicity, timeless elegance, and a focus on functionality, contemporary designs are perfect for any landscape project. This particular design style works wonderfully in Utah, not only because it focuses on simplicity and ease but also because many of Utah’s native plants feature prominently in contemporary landscape design. Our team loves working with clients who want this design style; with so much flexibility and a focus on native plants, we can stretch our design wings and create a truly unique and beautiful space for your home. 

What Is Contemporary Landscaping Design?

Contemporary landscape design is based on some basic principles that can then be adjusted to meet your personal aesthetic. Generally, contemporary design focuses on functional, simple, clean, sustainable, and modern aesthetics. Think clean lines, streamlined layouts for outdoor living spaces, repeating geometric patterns and forms, and a strong link between manmade and natural elements in the space. 

Contemporary landscape design often uses simple plants in repeating patterns to create a sense of unity and ease. Outdoor spaces will feel inviting, even homelike, with functional, easy material. Colors will be neutral and repeated, with pops of color occasionally to give visual interest. You’ve likely been in contemporary spaces and noticed the simplicity, ease, and grace of this design style. Thankfully, contemporary landscape design lends itself beautifully to Utah’s natural environment. 

Contemporary Landscaping Ideas for Utah Homes

Contemporary landscape design works beautifully in Utah. Our climate and environment mean that many of our plants naturally come out with some of the most important principles of contemporary design: clean lines, neutral colors, repeating patterns, and simple aesthetics. Think of yucca- simple lines, simple colors, nothing too flashy, allowing you to enjoy the plant for its natural beauty. 

Blue Fescue, with its neat, spherical form, is a minimalist’s dream—the green-blue hue of this plant makes it an interesting but mild pop of color in the landscape. Even evergreens of many varieties fit well within a contemporary landscape in Utah—simple shape, uniform colors, not too showy.

But contemporary landscaping ideas for Utah aren’t just about native plants; they are about using the natural beauty of the area to enhance your contemporary vision. Natural stone in Utah has so much variety- we’ve found pieces that work beautifully in every landscape design, especially in contemporary designs. 

Our contemporary designs also consider how homeowners use their spaces. For backyards, we like to add fire pits, pools, play areas, outdoor living spaces, and plenty of entertainment space in our contemporary designs. We add custom pavers, unique planter boxes, and colors and shapes that compliment the home’s exterior in front yard contemporary landscape designs. 

Key Features of a Stunning Contemporary Landscape

When it comes to your contemporary landscape design in Utah, you are going to be looking for a few specific details that will add dimension, personality, and beauty to your home. First, hardscape is the backdrop to many other features in landscape design, so choosing contemporary landscape elements is crucial. Think simple, white, square pavers with seed gravel between each paver or a custom fire pit made of matte black metal.

Even details like the style of your fence or the pattern you choose for laying brick can add to the contemporary look of your outdoor spaces. Then, add in greenery. Native plants will thrive in Utah, so look for yucca, blue fescue, evergreens, ornamental grasses, or even a desert marigold with its uniform pop of color. Every yard has different sun, water, and drain needs, so work with a professional landscaping company to help ensure the plants you are adding will work for your space—next, layer in your outdoor furniture and decor. 

Furnishings and decorations offer you the opportunity to add your personal touches to the contemporary vibe of your space. You could opt for bright white, clean lines, and neutral-toned wood. Or go for something more moody, just make sure that you are finding your personal style in whatever furniture and decor you choose. 

Finally, add lights. Lighting is the unsung hero of all design, but specifically outdoor design. A well-placed uplight/downlight/spotlight can draw interest to the contemporary elements of your yard. Sourcing, designing, and installing outdoor lighting can be a delicate balance of math and art, so you might want to consider hiring landscape professionals to help you find the right lighting for your outdoor space. 

FAQs About Contemporary Landscaping in Utah

When planning your contemporary landscape, there’s a lot to consider, so we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions (with our answers) to help!

What is contemporary landscaping, and why is it popular?

Contemporary landscape design focuses on simple, elegant, functional, clean, and modern aesthetics, which can be tweaked to match your preferences. 

What plants thrive in a contemporary Utah landscape?

Think drought-tolerant plants like yucca, agave, lavender, coneflower, ornamental grasses, weeping spruces, and more. If you aren’t sure what to choose, work with a landscaping company specializing in Utah’s climate. 

What’s the difference between modern and contemporary landscaping design?

The main difference is that modern landscape design refers to a specific time in history and the aesthetics associated with that time (early to mid-20th century). Contemporary means “of the moment,”- so whatever design is in vogue at the moment is contemporary, giving it a little more flexibility in definition and application. 

How do I adapt contemporary landscaping to Utah’s climate?

Thankfully, Utah has a great climate for contemporary landscape designs. Use neutral colors, clean lines, and simple patterns, and you will be on your way! 

Can you recommend a professional landscaping service in Utah for this style?

Big Rock Landscaping is Utah’s premier landscaping company, and we specialize in contemporary landscape design. Our team of landscape design professionals loves the challenge and the final results of contemporary landscape design. 

Contact Big Rock Landscaping for Help with Your Contemporary Yard Design

Finding the right team to help with your contemporary landscape design can be challenging—there are many pitfalls in this design style that, if not addressed by experts, could make the final project feel “off.” 

Our team has designed and installed dozens of full yard renovation projects with contemporary designs, and every single one has been a delight to complete. We pride ourselves in truly learning your individual aesthetic and needs for your space, then creating a bespoke and delightful final design you’ll love for years. Find out if we are the right fit for your contemporary landscape design with a free consultation or by calling us today, we can’t wait to hear from you!