Style has always been an important consideration in garden design but perhaps it’s only recently that most people have been made aware that many choices are available to them.
To explain what garden style is about, it helps draw an analogy to styles of music. When you consider styles of music you would think in terms of Classical, Jazz, Country or Rock. Particular rhythms and instruments come together and almost instantly we can categorize the piece as belonging to a style.
Similarly in the garden when you put together particular plants, structures and features you create a recognizable style. Some garden styles are based on Cultures (Japanese, Mediterranean, European, Aussie).
Some are Traditional styles (Formal, Cottage, Kitchen, Tropical). Some are based on Natural landscapes (Arid, Woodland, Rainforest). And some are Contemporary (the "new native" garden, xeriscapes, the current trends).
Good style is created when all of the components of the garden work together: plant selection, construction materials, colours, decorative features and even the maintenance methods applied.
Of course all of this is going to come crashing down if the main structures in the landscape (your house especially) don’t fit the chosen garden style. For example an Australian colonial house doesn't sit well in a traditional Japanese garden. For this reason it is best to start your planning based on the style of your house.
Your second consideration should be for a style that suits your environment. For example, it’s going to be difficult if you want an alpine garden and you live in the tropics!
The style you choose should also suit your lifestyle and the amount of time you want to spend “pottering” in the garden. A formal garden with roses and clipped borders requires more time than a modernist courtyard with paved surfaces and sparse planting.
Your garden should be a very personal and unique place. My intention in explaining and showing various styles here is not to find one to “copy” but more so to help you define what it is that you really like.
 Contemporary Courtyard |  Formal Italian Garden (Cultural) |
 A contemporary Xeriscape Garden |  A very Aussie style outdoor living area (Cultural) |
 A traditional garden showing formal and informal borders |  Japanese style (Cultural) |
 Cottage Garden streetfront. (Traditional) |  The Kitchen Garden (Traditional) |
 Arid Stlye (Natural Landscape) | |