22 Landscape Design Ideas
Whether you’re designing a landscape for a brand new home or you want to update the tired design of your backyard,
you have plenty of options available. Here are 22 landscape design ideas to get you started.
1. Add a garden
Gardens are a great way to add color and texture to your landscape.
They can be as big or as small as you want, and you can even add a garden to your landscape design if you don’t have a lot of space.
There are many different types of gardens to choose from, including:
• Flower gardens
• Vegetable gardens
• Herb gardens
• Rock gardens
• Butterfly gardens
• Water gardens
If you’re not sure what type of garden would work best in your landscape, a landscape designer can help you choose the perfect one.
2. Add a water feature
Water features like ponds and fountains are a great way to add a touch of tranquility to any landscape.
You can even add fish or plants to your pond to create a mini-ecosystem.
Water features can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.
A small fountain can be a great addition to a patio or garden, while a larger pond can be a beautiful centerpiece for your landscape.
Note: If you plan to add fish or plants to your pond, you’ll need to make sure it’s deep enough to avoid freezing in the winter and that it has a good filtration system.
3. Add a pool
A pool is a great way to add a sense of luxury to your landscape design. It’s also a great way to beat the heat during the summer.
Pools can be expensive and require quite a bit of maintenance, so you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to take on the responsibility of having a pool in your yard.
If you are, a pool can be a great way to add value to your home and create a beautiful new focal point in your landscape design.
4. Add an outdoor kitchen
If you like the idea of creating outdoor living spaces, you might also like the idea of adding an outdoor kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill and a counter for food prep.
Or it can include a sink, refrigerator, storage, and even a pizza oven or smoker. You can also add a bar with seating.
Outdoor kitchens are great for cooking without heating up the house or adding to the air conditioning bill.
They’re also perfect for entertaining. And, they add value to your home.
5. Add an outdoor dining area
If you love to cook and entertain, an outdoor dining area is a must.
A patio is a great place to put a dining table, but you could also consider a deck or a pergola.
Pro Tip: If you have a large backyard, consider adding a second dining area. This can help break up the space and make it feel more cozy.
6. Add a fire pit
Fire pits are a great way to extend the use of your outdoor space into the colder months. They also provide a natural focal point in your landscape design.
Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, from simple, sunken pits to elaborate, built-in designs.
You can also choose from a variety of fuel sources, including wood, propane, natural gas, and even gel.
Consider the size of your fire pit in relation to your landscape design.
A small, intimate fire pit may be best for a small garden, while a large, built-in design may be more appropriate for a spacious backyard.
7. Add an outdoor living room
If you have the space and budget, an outdoor living room is a great way to extend your home’s living space and create a cozy place to relax and entertain.
An outdoor living room can be as simple as a few chairs and a coffee table or as elaborate as a fully furnished space complete with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and dining area.
When designing an outdoor living room, it’s important to consider the size of the space, your budget, and how you plan to use the area.
8. Add an outdoor shower
An outdoor shower is a great way to add a little luxury to your landscape design. It’s also a practical addition if you have a pool or live near the beach.
An outdoor shower can help keep your home clean and free of sand and chlorine.
Consider adding an outdoor shower to your patio or deck area. If you have a pool, you can add a shower near the pool deck.
You can also add a shower to your garden area. An outdoor shower can be a great way to rinse off after a long day of gardening.
9. Add an outdoor bar
If you love to entertain, an outdoor bar is a great landscape design idea to add to your yard.
You can make your outdoor bar as simple or elaborate as you want, depending on your budget and the amount of space you have.
An outdoor bar is a great way to create a separate space for entertaining and to add a focal point to your yard.
You can even add a bar to an existing patio or deck if you don’t want to add a new structure to your yard.
10. Add a play area
Play areas are a great addition to any backyard. You can customize the play area to fit your child’s interests and age. Some ideas for play areas include:
• A sandbox
• A playhouse
• A swing set
• A climbing wall
• A treehouse
• A trampoline
If your child is older, you can create a more sophisticated play area, such as a basketball court, a horseshoe pit, or a bocce ball court.
11. Add a dog run
Your dog may love to run around your yard, but the wear and tear they create can be tough on your landscape.
By adding a designated dog run, you can keep your pet’s playtime from damaging the rest of your yard.
Dog runs can be as simple as a fenced-in area with mulch or gravel, or as elaborate as a custom paver patio.
No matter the size or complexity, it’s important to choose a dog run material that’s safe and comfortable for your pet.
12. Add a fence
Fences can serve many purposes in a landscape. They can provide privacy, create a border, or add a decorative element.
There are many different types of fences to choose from, and you can customize them with different materials, colors, and styles.
Wooden fences are a popular option, and you can choose from a variety of woods, like cedar or redwood.
They can be stained or painted to match your landscape design. Other popular fence materials include vinyl, composite, and aluminum.
13. Add a gate
A gate can be a simple or complex addition to your landscape. It can be functional, decorative or both.
Gates can be used to section off areas of your yard, add privacy to your property, or simply to add a decorative element.
A simple white picket gate can add a touch of elegance to your landscape design.
14. Add a path
A path is a great way to create movement and flow in your landscape. It can also be a way to add a pop of color to your yard.
There are many different materials you can use for a path, including pavers, flagstone, gravel, and more.
The best material for your path will depend on your budget, the look you want to achieve, and how you plan to use the path.
15. Add a sitting area
If you don’t already have a sitting area in your backyard, it’s time to add one. A patio, deck, or even a simple arrangement of outdoor furniture can do the trick.
Choose a spot that’s relatively flat and that’s close to your house so you can easily access it.
If you already have a patio, consider adding another one in a different part of your yard to create a second sitting area.
16. Add an arbor or pergola
Whether you want a focal point for your yard or a structure to provide shade, an arbor or pergola is a great option.
These structures can be used to define an outdoor dining area, create a grand entrance, or provide a tranquil space for a bench swing.
Arbors are typically smaller and often used as an entryway to a garden or yard. They are usually made of wood or metal and covered with climbing plants.
Pergolas are larger and can be used to define an outdoor room. They are often used to create a sense of enclosure for dining or seating areas.
Like arbors, pergolas are usually made of wood or metal, and they can be left open or covered with a roof or fabric.
17. Add a gazebo
A gazebo is a great way to add a focal point to your backyard. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from dining to entertaining to just relaxing.
Gazebos can be open or enclosed, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Choosing the right location is key. You want to make sure your gazebo is easily accessible from your home and that it’s placed in an area where you can enjoy the view.
If you have a pool, consider placing your gazebo near it so you can enjoy the shade and the view of the water.
Gazebos can be made of wood, vinyl, or metal. Wood gazebos are the most popular and can be made of cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine.
Gazebos can also be made of composite materials.
18. Add a greenhouse
Greenhouses are a beautiful and functional addition to any landscape.
These glass structures are perfect for growing plants, flowers, and even fruits and vegetables year-round.
Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one to fit your landscape.
Whether you want a small, simple structure or a large, elaborate one, a greenhouse is a great way to add visual interest to your landscape while also providing a functional space for growing plants.
You can even add a small greenhouse to your patio or balcony if you don’t have a lot of space in your yard.
19. Add a swing
A swing can be a fun and unexpected addition to any landscape.
Not just for kids, swings can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to take in the beauty of your outdoor space.
Swings can be attached to a tree, porch, or pergola, or they can be freestanding. You can even add a swing to a gazebo or arbor.
There are many different types of swings to choose from, including:
• Traditional swings
• Hammock swings
• Porch swings
• Canopy swings
• Bench swings
• Chair swings
When choosing a swing, think about the design of your space and what type of seating best complements it.
20. Add a hammock
Is there anything more relaxing than laying in a hammock on a warm summer day?
If you have the space, consider adding a hammock to your backyard. You can hang it between two trees or posts or get a freestanding hammock with a stand.
Just make sure you have some shade nearby or an outdoor umbrella to protect you from the sun’s harsh rays.
21. Add a deck
Decks are a great way to extend your living space and create a great place for entertaining.
They can be built at ground level or elevated and can be made of many different materials, including wood, composite, and PVC.
Decks can be as simple or as complex as you like and can be customized to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
Some decks are built with built-in seating or planters, and many are designed with multiple levels and areas for different activities.
22. Add a patio
A patio is the perfect way to add a functional space to your yard. Patios are great for entertaining, dining, or just lounging in the sun.
There are a variety of materials you can use to build a patio, including concrete, pavers, or even wood.
The size and shape of your patio will depend on your budget and how you plan to use the space.
You can also add a patio as part of a larger landscape design project, such as a new garden or outdoor kitchen.
Conclusion
It’s easy to plan all your beds and borders down to the last detail – and to fill them entirely – when you buy a random selection of plants that catch your eye. It’s much more difficult to do this when you have to choose a series of plants to fit a certain color scheme or any other self-imposed restriction. In other words, it’s easier to be creative when you have fewer options to choose from.
