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Step 1
Use the most current materials. Up-to-date materials are essential for modern patio designers and metals and plastics should be used in place of more traditional materials. Inventive finishes are important in a modern style. For example, marble and granite can be polished to a glass-like surface or given a more frosted appearance.
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Step 2
Consider using unusual materials in the design. Look around your home for decidedly modern but unusual materials that can be implemented in the garden. For instance, crushed CDs, which have a real sparkle, can be used in place of gravel or crushed shells in planting beds.
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Step 3
Keep it modern by limiting color. A smart urban look can be created using a limited color palette, in both materials and plants. While natural materials are generally left to speak for themselves, artificial ones are often dyed to shades that would never occur in nature. You can find man-made pebbles in bright blues and reds and plastic pots in a range of colors.
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Step 4
Implement unusual shapes. If you have a keen design sense or are able to employ a designer, then you might like to experiment with asymmetric shapes, but make sure that the design is not too dominant. Look beyond gardening for your inspiration and try looking to architectural magazines or the world of industry and product design to ignite your creative fire.
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Step 5
Choose modern looking plants for a modern patio. Select low-growing plants with metallic looking leaves like Houttuynia cordata and Ajuga reptans "Burgundy Glow." Selected forms of Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea group have interesting marbled leaves, and Heuchera "Pewter Moon" makes satisfying clumps of silver-gray foliage. Many grasses are perfect for the modern patio look.
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Step 6
Be prepared to update the patio. A possible drawback is that a patio in this style can date quickly as new trends emerge. You should be ready to update your patio every other year if you want a modern patio.
