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" If you want a sleek look for your outdoor space, follow these contemporary garden design ideas. Simple colours  1. White and green is a good base for your colour scheme. So, for instance, use pale limestone paving or gravel to create elegant paths or a patio area. 2. Paint any rendered or brick walls and fences white. Painted brickwork lends an extra element of texture to the design. Planting structure  3. 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. 4. Create contrast between the simple geometric shapes of lawns and paths and include some loose, blousy planting spilling out of the flowerbeds. 5. In among the billowing planting, include a pattern of structural plants such as\u00A0box balls. They&amp;#039;re hardly seen in the summer, just giving a hint of structure, but in winter they hold the garden together. 6. Contemporary planting tends to have a &amp;#039;glue&amp;#039; plant, one that&amp;#039;s in every border and lasts a long time through the summer. One example is Verbena bonariensis, which\u00A0forms a haze of purple hovering above all other planting. Finishing touches  7.\u00A0Modern designs are fairly pared-back, so it&amp;#039;s best to avoid fads. Have clear reasons for everything you include. 8. For ornaments and furniture, natural materials provide another contrast to the immaculate planting patterns and the crisp, white surfaces. Options include a driftwood bench, or even a well-worn trough. 9. For several years horizontal battens on fencing have been the look for contemporary gardens. They do look great but can be overwhelming, so break up the lines with strong uprights and try not to have them on all sides or you&amp;#039;ll feel like you&amp;#039;re in prison! 10.\u00A0Lighting 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\u00A0the battens, textured brickwork or the repeated patterns of planting to emphasise the design. Keep up-to-date with our inspiring ideas, latest looks, real-life homes and expert advice by signing up for our FREE newsletter\u2026  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.housebeautiful.co.uk/garden/designs/a542/tips-for-a-stylish-contemporary-garden-design/>