40 Wow-Worthy Hardscaping Ideas

An outdoor getaway is the perfect place to flex your creativity. Think of a place that inspires you — whether it's a luxury resort you've visited or even a photo you saw online. Decide which elements you like best and incorporate those into your design. Pulling inspiration from Balinese style, this home opens up to a covered lounge area with stone pillars and Peruvian travertine flooring. The contemporary pool stretches out to an additional gazebo and outdoor living space.

Look no further than your home's architecture for hardscaping inspiration. This paver driveway is a mix of soft tan and brown hues that blend seamlessly with the southwestern style of the home. Easy-to-maintain landscaping full of cacti and low-water plants is just right for the dry climate while also creating ultimate desert curb appeal.

When designing outdoor spaces, know where the sunrise and sunset will happen, as well as the historic prevailing breeze. Create structures that maximize the best parts of your outdoor elements. The corrugated metal roof of this covered lounge area provides protection from the afternoon sun, while large cutouts allow for cool breezes to pass through.

Take advantage of the surrounding environment you already have. This patio and pergola completely blend into the towering trees and colorful plantings. Concrete and rustic wood stepping pads jump right off the natural stone boulders to lead out to a floating deck above the pond.