There are two things that I’m completely obsessed with when it comes to home design, and one of them is landscaping. Combine that with brilliant design, and I’m in heaven!
Today I wanted to merge these two dream worlds and share some of the prettiest outdoor ideas to inspire you to see all the possibilities.
I know many of you have already started planning your next project, but for the rest of you, let me just tempt you to dip your toes in the waters and see all the pretty potential.
1. Winding path
You can add such a sense of magic to your yard with a meandering path through your garden. It feels like something straight out of a storybook!
A winding walkway offers a really fun adventure for kids and a gorgeous, mythical aesthetic for you to admire. If you love that fairy tale wonderland vibe for your yard, then you absolutely need this.
2. Fire pits
Okay, so when the kids are all grown up, it is absolutely time to turn your backyard into the ultimate conversation and party space for adults.
A firepit offers the perfect centerpiece for that! Just imagine sitting around with a glass of wine and a couple of friends on a cool night.
The conversation just flows while the crackling fire warms you right up. So cozy!
3. Japanese inspired garden
I love the idea of adding a splash of Zen to a garden with a Japanese-inspired theme. Think about perfectly placed rocks, serene ponds, and tranquil water features that can turn your backyard into such a relaxing haven.
I will say, Japanese gardens can be tricky to get just right, so you’ll want to do a lot of research or even think about hiring an expert to nail the look.
4. Floating bench
This look is so modern, stylish, and unique! Floating benches seriously bring the wow factor to any seating area.
They’re commonly made using gorgeous hardwood, and this is one surefire way to spruce up your backyard sitting space. It’s a beautiful and modern combination.
5. Conversation pit
Here’s the perfect space for grown-ups to entertain their friends! Much like the fire pit, a conversation pit is the ideal addition for when the kids fly the coop.
It’s low maintenance and high fun, letting you enjoy time with friends in your own backyard paradise. You could even add a fire pit right in the center for extra coziness.
6. Sculpted hedges
Aren’t sculpted hedges just so impressive? They make such a statement in a garden.
Essentially, they’re natural fences that allow you to frame your whole garden with a beautiful bit of greenery. I just love this look!
7. Outdoor room
Why not bring the inside out with a beautiful open sitting or dining area? You could even do an outdoor kitchen.
With an outdoor room, the possibilities are endless. The sky is the limit. Literally!
8. Beach theme
You can turn your backyard into a beachside getaway with sand, tropical plants, rustic woods, and reclaimed driftwood.
If you don’t live beside the beach, you can bring it to you just by theming your garden. A little tip though, be careful with sand next to pools because you might need a special filter.
9. Stone
Stones offer such a modern surrounding for your pavers. If you’re wanting a modern path to your front door, consider using light-colored pavers paired with darker colored stones.
This approach will help keep your pavers cooler in the summer to step on, while also offering a chic, modern contrast that I just love.
10. Offset pavers
I think offset pavers provide such a natural-looking stone path layout, especially for those looking for something different than modern squares.
You can lead your guests on a really unique journey with offset pavers. It’s a great updated combination!
11. Floral variety
If you ever feel that your garden has become a bit same-samey, you should consider shaking it up by varying the flower types you have.
Choose some accent colors or styles, and try matching small with large and bright with dark. Changing up the floral types within your garden will have such transformative effects, really bringing it to life.
12. Vines
Want to transform a boring concrete or brick wall? You should totally add a classic feature that will turn any garden into a mystical wonderland.
Vines are just so beautiful and add so much character!
13. Large planters
Do you want to let your plants stand out and break up a flat garden, all without breaking the bank? Well, large planters are your new best friend!
They offer a perfect home for your plants that really features them amongst your yard, and it doesn’t require any advanced landscaping. It’s a great way to add color and design.
14. Orchard
If you happen to have a large backyard, you might consider turning part of it into your very own orchard.
You can plant citrus trees and a whole variety of fruits to provide your family with a delicious selection of naturally sweet foods to enjoy. I feel like orchards are a must-have for any large, rustic country backyard.
15. The classic pool
Are you looking for a fun way to cool the kids down in the summer? Or maybe even a relaxing place for some cool, calm quiet time? You definitely need a pool.
This classic has been designed and then redesigned so many times that it can now fit into almost any sized backyard. It’s a game changer!
16. Natural timber fencing
I think this is such an understated classic. Natural timber fencing can transform any yard with a simple, rustic aesthetic that really pushes your plants to the forefront.
If you want to cordon off an area of your yard for a private, hidden space, natural timber offers a really flexible and affordable fencing type.
17. Tropical forest
Nothing says tropical island paradise quite like your very own mini tropical forest!
You can plant tropical trees, shrubs, and bushes with a matching base and just watch as your garden transforms into the ultimate tropical getaway. So beautiful!
18. Garden arbour
If you’re after a grand entrance, an arbour is definitely the place to start. You can lead your guests through a flower paradise walkway right to your front door, stunning them with beautiful flowers.
If you’ve ever been to a park with an arbour, like South Bank Parklands in Brisbane, then you will know exactly how breathtaking they can be, especially in the spring.
19. Outdoor shower
To complement your beach-themed backyard, why not include an outdoor shower to wash off all the sand? I love this idea!
You can decorate it with towels and surround it with natural woods, and you’ll have a super stylish space to wash off after a swim.
20. Circles
Are you tired of square gardens? You should try something different!
Circles are a classic landscaping design that beautifully breaks away from the more industrial-looking squares we see so often.
21. Plant beds
I love the idea of surrounding your yard with manicured plant beds, which provide a safe space for your plants when playtime comes around.
Plant beds provide the perfect accent to turf or courtyards, adding a second level or dimension to the space and breaking up any flat areas.
22. Raised garden bed
The absolute best way to break up a flat yard is with raised garden beds. You can create a tiered space that’s reminiscent of native South American ancient structures.
Not only does it add beautiful greenery to your space while breaking up a flat area, but it also looks so impressive. This is how you add the wow factor to your yard!
23. Vege garden
Do you love to cook? If so, you will absolutely adore your own Vege garden. It’s amazing to bring the freshest ingredients into your kitchen right from your own backyard.
Not only is it a really environmentally friendly addition, but it’s also a ton of fun for the whole family!
24. Tree shaded patio
If you want to provide some shading around your patio without having to install a whole roof, you could try using trees!
Mature trees provide such excellent natural cover, giving you shade while still maintaining that wonderful outdoorsy feel.
25. Bird bath
This is such a classic addition that brings color and sound to your garden. You can attract local birds and watch as they play and swim in your bird bath.
It’s far smaller than a proper water feature, so a bird bath is able to fit in most gardens and comes in so many different aesthetics.
26. Grass insets
If you want a truly stylish pathway, put away the concrete or stones and try grass insets between your pavers.
Not only does this add a lovely splash of color, but it provides a refreshing, natural aura to your yard that will impress any visitor. Isn’t it an amazing combination?
27. Tree lanterns
You can transport yourself to a fairy wonderland with tree lanterns.
Just hang gorgeous lanterns from trees or cover them in fairy light sets and you can transform your garden into a mystical fairy-tale world. So pretty!
28. Archways
Archways provide the perfect entrance to any yard, I think.
No matter what your theme is, you can find an archway that will accent the yard beyond it, whether it’s rustic, classic, Japanese, or modern.
29. Flower covered pergola
Want to transform your pagoda with a classic European style? Cover it with flowers!
Not only does it provide a gorgeous, colorful aesthetic, but it also provides a living roof to escape the sun and cool down under on those hot summer days. What a dream!
30. Wispy plant
You can soften the harsh lines of a modern yard or accent a rustic yard with wispy plants. These plants are so soft and they move with the wind.
They create such a beautiful aesthetic that is really hard to ignore.
31. Two level yard
If your front or back yard is a bit hilly, you have the perfect opportunity to transform your yard into a manicured, multi-tiered statement piece.
I have this issue in my own backyard! You can utilize retaining walls, like what’s offered by landscape design expert Troy, to achieve this beautiful effect.
32. Garden lighting
Accenting your gardens with lighting is such a fantastic idea. It’s different from tree lights, as this addition will create a night-time focal point specifically for your garden.
You can even consider playing with the lighting color. Garden lighting adds that wow factor across your whole garden and is just perfect for parties.
33. English courtyard
If you have a small space but you’re unsure what to do with it, why not turn it into a classic English courtyard? You can add vines to the walls, some rustic furniture, planters with colorful flowers, and maybe a nice water feature.
The English courtyard provides the perfect relaxation space to escape from the world. Imagine sitting down with a good book and a glass of wine in your ultimate cozy getaway.
34. A small greenhouse
If you happen to have a green thumb, then a greenhouse is an absolute must-have. You can fill it with your favorite plants, providing you with a natural getaway for when you need to escape the world.
A greenhouse creates such a gorgeous, nature-filled space for those times when you just need peace and quiet.
35. A splash of colour
Colorful plants, pots, and more can lift any space into a gorgeous haven that you will just love spending time in.
Try adding colorful plants, or even some bright cushions to your outdoor furniture, to add a splash of color across your entire yard.
36. Flower lined staircase
This look is so natural, beautiful, and the perfect entrance piece to any home. A flower-lined staircase is a must-have for any rustic-styled front yard, in my opinion.
You can lead your guests through a beautiful line of flowers as they walk to your front door. This accent to a staircase provides an excellent first impression to any home.
37. Play with shapes
Why not go beyond squares and circles and experiment with different shapes? If you’re installing a pool, for instance, instead of choosing a standard square design, you could try a kidney-shaped design.
This can really break up any square monotony and give you some fun shapes to work with when you’re theming the area.
38. Wooden benching
Is a garden ever truly complete without a nice bench to sit down in and enjoy the fresh air with a cup of tea? I don’t think so!
The perfect afternoon outdoor retreat spot is your garden bench. It allows you to keep an eye on the kids while kicking back and admiring your beautiful garden. Everyone needs a garden bench.
39. Pergola covered outdoor area
Pergolas are just perfect for any backyard. You can turn your sitting area into an all-weather haven, providing you with a worry-free outdoor escape.
They are so flexible that you could even create an outdoor living room, complete with a TV. Get creating!
40. Driveway/path lighting
I love the idea of lighting the way to your home with hidden lighting along your pathways.
You could use solar lights that simply turn on at night, or if you want to get a little fancy, add some hidden edge lighting to low walls along the path. So beautiful!
41. Minimalist fencing
Do you want a grand gate and fence at the front of your home but are looking for a more modern aesthetic than classic wrought iron gates? Minimalist fences might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Try mixing black metal with white rendered brick posts for a chic look. Minimalist fencing will give you modern, gated privacy.
42. Rose garden
You can add a classic English makeover to your garden with roses. They are so loved for their variety of colors, beautiful petals, and wonderful scent.
You can truly transform any garden with the simple addition of roses. So many possibilities!
43. Corner Garden
Do you have a corner that is just begging to be transformed? You should try creating a small corner garden complete with a comfortable bench.
Plant your favorite flowers, add some nice lighting, and create a gorgeous space to sit back and relax. Quiet time would never have looked so beautiful.
44. Square walkways
This look is modern, simple, and tasteful. You can never go wrong with a square walkway.
Whether it’s with pavers or a stone and concrete mix, squares provide the ultimate modern look to any home.
45. Indigenous plants
The perfect addition to any home is indigenous plants. Not only should they be easier to grow in your yard, but they also restore the natural beauty of your land and preserve the species for future generations.
I also love that indigenous animals are drawn to these plants as they help restore their natural habitat.
46. Garden walls
Combining the best of a vine wall and a flowered gazebo is a vertical garden wall. It’s such a brilliant idea!
You can transform a bare wall with beautiful flowers. This vertical garden provides such a natural beauty to a wall that otherwise would have stood out like a sore thumb.
47. Classic porch
If you’re looking for a space to sit back and relax while overlooking your garden paradise, a porch is the perfect option.
This classic choice rarely goes out of style, and when it’s done right, it can offer a gorgeous, rustic relaxation space for you and your family.
48. Hidden garden
Doesn’t everyone want their own secret garden where they can hide away and be transported to another world?
You can fence off a space in your garden with hedges or vined walls, add a secret gate, and voila! You have your very own hidden space to escape to.
49. Garden fountain
Fountains are the perfect centerpiece for any garden. Whether you’re looking to create an impressive entrance or a relaxing backyard corner, a fountain is the go-to addition.
It can also provide a lovely place for native birds and lizards to sit, allowing you to watch colorful birds play around on hot days.
50. Galvanised water trough
Want to see more wildlife in your garden? You can provide a reason for them to come with a galvanized water trough.
You’ll start to see local wildlife lounging around both outside and inside the trough all through the summer. If you love lizards, this is an absolute must-have.
