Modern Garden Design for a New-Build Outdoor Living Space

When I moved into my new-build home in Nottingham, I was greeted by what most new homes offer: a bare rectangle of soil with basic fencing. As a landscaper, though, I saw the potential immediately. It was the perfect chance to demonstrate how thoughtful garden design and landscaping can turn a small garden into a stylish and functional outdoor living space.

This was more than a job - it was a personal garden project, allowing me to apply the same principles I use with clients to my own home.

Garden Design & Planning

I wanted the design to strike a balance between comfort, style and practicality. Before any work began, I explored a wide range of ideas to maximise the space and create a contemporary garden that felt calm, open and well-structured.

My priorities included:

• Space to relax and entertain

• A thoughtful, modern colour scheme

• A strong focal area

• Durable, high quality materials

• Planting that would be easy to maintain

Early concept sketches helped turn this garden design inspiration into a refined plan.

Laying the Foundation

The first stage was site preparation, levelling the ground and installing drainage beside the house. Getting these fundamentals right is key to long-lasting results. Once the base was ready, I laid large porcelain paving stones to form a generous garden patio. Their clean finish, low-maintenance qualities and durability make them ideal for modern garden design, especially when used to connect inside and outside living areas.

Early stages of the garden project, with ground levelling and layout markings completed before patio installation.

Porcelain Patio

A key feature of this garden project is the porcelain patio positioned directly outside the rear doors. I chose porcelain paving stones for their high quality finish and durability; they suit a contemporary garden perfectly, offering a clean, modern look that’s easy to maintain.

The patio creates a practical outdoor living space for dining and relaxing, while its neutral tones help tie together the garden’s overall colour scheme. By using the same porcelain to clad the built-in seating, the design stays cohesive and visually balanced.

In the evenings, warm outdoor lights soften the stone and extend the usability of the area, making the patio one of the most inviting parts of the garden year-round.

Early construction progress: porcelain patio layout completed while ground is prepared for the rest of the garden.

Evergreen Space with Artificial Grass

To soften the harder elements and provide room for children to play, I installed premium artificial grass. This simple choice is one of the most effective low-maintenance garden ideas, delivering neat, year-round greenery without endless upkeep.

It breaks up the stone surfaces beautifully and gives the garden an inviting central space.

Raised Beds & Planting

Timber raised beds along the boundaries add height and structure to the layout. These frames make planting accessible and help organise the garden into subtle zones.

The beds use maintenance planting - shrubs and evergreens selected for their ability to look good throughout the seasons, without demanding constant care.

Fresh artificial grass and raised beds begin to bring colour and structure into the space.

A Focal Seating Area

At the back of the garden, I created a built-in seating area clad in the same porcelain as the patio. This creates a strong focal point that draws you through the space and anchors the design.

Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or an evening by the fire pit, this corner is where we spend most of our time. The consistent materials tie the whole garden together, reinforcing the clean, contemporary feel.

Contemporary Boundaries

To enhance privacy and style, I upgraded the standard fencing with horizontal slatted panels. The natural timber softens the smooth paving while supporting the contemporary garden aesthetic. The effect is understated but transformative, giving the space a warm, cohesive edge.

The slatted fencing and porcelain-clad seating add a warm, contemporary edge to the garden.

Outdoor Lights & Evening Atmosphere

Lighting was the final element - and one of the most impactful. Warm outdoor garden lights were installed to highlight the seating area and bring subtle illumination across the rear boundary.

Simple fairy lighting adds a soft glow overhead, extending the usability of the outdoor living space well into the evening. Combined with the fire pit, the garden truly comes alive after sunset.

Evening view of the garden glowing with warm outdoor lights and a cosy firepit.

The Finished Space

This garden project has transformed a plain new-build plot into a welcoming, modern environment built around practical use and a strong sense of place. The garden blends porcelain paving, artificial lawn, slatted fencing, and raised beds to create a balanced space that works year-round.

It’s a reminder that even a small garden can become a beautifully designed, highly functional outdoor extension of the home when the right ideas and high quality finishes come together.

Before-and-after transformation of a small backyard into a modern, clean outdoor living space featuring artificial grass, paving, and raised planters.

Looking Ahead

Working on my own garden reinforced just how effective thoughtful garden design and landscaping can be. Clever zoning, smart material choices and considered planting allow a compact site to function like a much larger one.

If you’re thinking about transforming your outdoor space - whether with porcelain paving, artificial grass, raised beds or a full bespoke garden design, I’d love to help.

At Nottingham Landscaping Services, we specialise in creating contemporary spaces built around how you live, offering practical, beautiful solutions tailored to your home.

Let’s turn your garden into a place you genuinely love spending time in.