Award-Winning Landscape Designs You've Gotta See
Take a look at these incredible home landscapes by top professionals. Chosen by HGTV editors and fans in the HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards, these designs will have you seeing green - with envy.
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April 20, 2018
Charming Courtyard in Charleston, S.C.
Anyone who's strolled down the streets of historic Charleston, S.C., knows that behind every gate or wall lies a picture-perfect garden. These matte black doors are no exception, marking the entrance to a charming courtyard on lower King Street.
From:
Carolina Landscape
Bluestones Make Beautiful Outdoor Mosaic
Just through the gate, guests will find a beautiful mosaic of large, irregularly-shaped bluestone right at their feet. With a variety of sedums, thyme and dwarf Mondo tucked into the cracks, this garden draws ample visual interest.
From:
Carolina Landscape
Antique Gates Allude to City's History
To further evoke Charleston's rich history and charm, the Carolina Landscape team hung iron gates along the garden wall. Greenery enhance's the vignette's beauty.
From:
Carolina Landscape
Brick Stairs, Wall Tie Backyard Together
To the left of the patio, brick stairs lead guests to the home's main entrance and complement a nearby garden wall. In turn, this outdoor space looks as cohesive as possible.
From:
Carolina Landscape
Raised Patio Allows for Entertaining
Straight ahead, a raised bluestone patio with plenty of chairs gives the owners room to entertain or lounge. Windmill palms flank the patio on either side, while two very mature Crape Myrtles provide a touch of symmetry.
From:
Carolina Landscape
Waterfall Surrounded By Vibrant Flowers
Wanting to make full use of the lot's natural slope, the landscape architects created a custom waterfall that flows right into the koi pond. Flowers color the setting and make it feel even more enchanting.
Tranquil Koi Pond Tucked Into Garden
Like a treasure, this tranquil koi pond waits to be discovered by visitors. Trees and lush vegetation surround the picture-perfect space, making it feel like a natural part of the landscape.
Fairytale Garden Includes Koi Pond
Rich green plants and an abundance of koi fish prove that life thrives in this fairytale garden. Thanks to broad windows against the back of the house, the owners can enjoy the view from inside as well.
Pavilion Features Outdoor Dining + Kitchen
A smooth stone walkway guides visitors over a bridge and towards a pavilion. Here, a dining table and custom kitchen give the owners room to entertain, while a fireplace allows for enjoying the outdoors year-round.
Stream Showcases Yard's Natural Beauty
A gentle stream flows through the heart of this backyard, highlighting an array of lush vegetation and vibrant annuals. Anyone who wanders around here will certainly feel compelled to stop and smell the wildflowers.
Gorgeous Greenery in Front Yard
A long walkway allows for clear views right to the front door. With trees and lush greenery across the front yard, this vacation home truly complements its stunning surroundings.
From:
Landform Design Group
Modern Home in the Mountains
A polished concrete driveway sets the tone for this mountain home, striking a beautiful balance between modern design and raw natural materials. As guests follow the limestone walkway to the front of the house, they'll spy fresh greenery, stone retaining walls and a chic wood exterior.
From:
Landform Design Group
Modern Fire Pit
Cushioned armchairs ensure that this newly added outdoor space feels especially cozy. Meanwhile, Mexican pebble at the base of the fire pit is both beautiful and functional, as it serves as a draining system for runoff water.
From:
Landform Design Group
Backyard Complete With High-Tech Equipment
Beneath the wood and steel overhang, guests will also find electric heaters, recessed lights, high-tech audio equipment and a screen that rolls down to offer shade from the sun. Two thickened stone walls frame views to the golf course and ski resort.
From:
Landform Design Group
Intimate Sitting Area Surrounded by Flowers
Following a brick path from the dining area leads visitors to the next "room," an intimate sitting area with three chairs. An outdoor rug softens the patio below, while an umbrella promises to keep the space cool.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Picture-Perfect Reading Nook
Just around the corner from the dining area, two wicker armchairs give the owners another spot to read or relax. With flowers all around and the warm glow of lights in the distance, the space is truly enchanting.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Cozy Corner With Fire Pit
As the evening winds down and the stars come out, a corner fire pit becomes the perfect spot to snuggle up. Here, six wooden chairs circle round to keep everyone warm.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Brick Path Allows for Evening Stroll
After dinner, guests can follow the brick path to an adjacent sitting area. Along the way, they'll enjoy views of fresh flowers and lovely greenery.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Effortless Transitions Across Garden
One of the garden's greatest strengths is its intuitive layout: guests enter off the kitchen, arrive at an outdoor dining table, then shift to a nearby sitting area for drinks before they end the night by the fire pit.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Cushioned Armchairs Make Comfy Seating
Wicker armchairs not only complement the wood trellis ahead, but also easily withstand the elements. Meanwhile, their cushioned seats are sure to keep guests comfortable.
From:
Casa Smith Designs, LLC
Backyard Becomes Escape From City
That gorgeous bluestone continues into the backyard, where an intimate dining area and swimming pool give the owners room to unwind. With lush greenery all around, this outdoor space is easily a sweet escape from the city.
Credits: Architecture: Koffka/Phakos Design; Landscape Contractor: New View Landscape; Pool/spa and Masonry: Darin Marten Construction; Metal Work: Salvador Delgado
Spanish Bungalow in Los Angeles
A low garden wall separates this Spanish bungalow from the street, making the home feel secluded, even in Los Angeles. Poured-in-place concrete steps and a custom laser-cut metal gate mark the entrance to the courtyard.
Credits: Architecture: Koffka/Phakos Design; Landscape Contractor: New View Landscape; Pool/spa and Masonry: Darin Marten Construction; Metal Work: Salvador Delgado
Moroccan-Inspired Design Ties Home Together
The Moroccan-inspired motif of the entry fountain is repeated in the pool tile, making the two spaces feel connected. The deep greens, rich browns and cool blues of the tile echo the colors of the landscape and tie the front garden and rear garden together as well.
Credits: Architecture: Koffka/Phakos Design; Landscape Contractor: New View Landscape; Pool/spa and Masonry: Darin Marten Construction; Metal Work: Salvador Delgado
Pool, Tiled Accent Wall Framed by Pergola
Retractable fabric adds another level of shade to the dining space. Because it sits just across from the pool, this refreshing area also comes with views of the water fountain and tiled accent wall.
Credits: Architecture: Koffka/Phakos Design; Landscape Contractor: New View Landscape; Pool/spa and Masonry: Darin Marten Construction; Metal Work: Salvador Delgado
Swimming Pool and Lounge Area
After soaking up some sun on the deck, the owners and their kids can cool off in the pool. A blue tiled accent wall with three water fountains makes the space feel even more refreshing.
Credits: Architecture: Koffka/Phakos Design; Landscape Contractor: New View Landscape; Pool/spa and Masonry: Darin Marten Construction; Metal Work: Salvador Delgado
Bistro Lights, Fireplace Illuminate Outdoor Dining Space
At night, bistro lights and a working fireplace cast an enchanting glow across this chic dining space. With a table set for six, the owners and their guests can enjoy dinner al fresco and then head to the fire pit for drinks.
From:
BOXHILL
Modern Backyard Turned Private Paradise
Tucked into the hillside and encircled by trees, this outdoor space by designer Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery seems like something out of a dream. Here, visitors can take a lap in the infinity-edge pool, stretch out on either of the lounges, or cozy up by the fire pit and enjoy views of the desert at sunset.
From:
BOXHILL
Modern Backyard Glows in the Evening
With twinkling string lights and a roaring fire pit, this modern backyard practically glows at sunset. In turn, visitors can make use of the space no matter what time of day.
From:
BOXHILL
Notched Garden Wall Showcases City Skyline
Clean lines and low-level garden walls provide sweeping views of the desert and city skyline below. In turn, the backyard turns an everyday feature into a stunning visual display and so celebrates the local landscape.
From:
BOXHILL
Pavilion Encourages Quiet Reflection
Made from northern white-cedar and bamboo, this quiet pavilion beautifully complements its woodland surroundings. A small reflecting pond and lush vegetation all around ensure that the owners will want to sit and enjoy this space for hours.
Garden Includes Subtle Asian Influences
While the original design leaned heavily on Asian-inspired aesthetics, it was also necessary to integrate some indigenous flowering options for the yard's pollinators. The result is a blend of traditional Asian structure and form, with colorful flowers and shrubs.
Infinity-Edge Pool Tucked Into Hillside
Torrey Pines Landscape Company worked with the existing upper patio consisting of gorgeous cobblestone to further the home’s historic European aesthetic. Meanwhile, a large existing infinity-edge pool allows the owners to swim against the hillside.
Lanterns Illuminate Paved Walkway
To ensure the homeowners can navigate this space at night, little black lanterns light the path along the walkway. Rustic European cobble stepping stones provide interesting paths to watch the sunset over the hills.
Formal Garden Includes Idyllic Fountain
As they wander along the garden path, guests will eventually arrive at a stone patio centered by a fountain. Thanks to its warm, two-tiered design, the piece perfectly complements the home's Mediterranean architecture.
Patio Overlooks California Hillside
Around the back of the house, a small patio overlooks the rolling California hillside. With another fountain and flowers all around, this quiet space is perfect for reading or simply enjoying the sunshine.
Charming Mediterranean-Style Courtyard
To preserve a native oak tree, the Torrey Pines Landscape Company renovated the central courtyard to lessen water usage and create a background tapestry of plants appropriate to its microclimate. A Cameron flagstone patio seating area was carved out to connect to the original stone fireplace anchored to the home elevating the warmth of this outdoor living room.
Dream-Worthy Infinity Pool
This dream-worthy pool is the focal point of this stunning back yard, so the patio works as a place to lounge, socialize and watch the youngsters splashing about and gaze into the distance of the hills.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Indulge in the Sunset Views
This design is an indulgence to its surrounding landscape and views. Your eyes drift off the pool’s edge into the sunset, instantly relaxing your mind and body.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Back of Home with Infinity Pool
This dark-bottom infinity pool blends in with the lush landscape that surrounds it. It's the perfect place in which to watch the sunset and entertain.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Contemporary Gas Fire Pit with Stunning Views
Earth, wind and fire. We should all be so lucky to have a patio overlooking these stunning views. This contemporary gas fire pit is perfectly situated for guests to enjoy a relaxing fire on a cool night.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Natural Stone Steps at Dusk
Natural stone steps can be a way to call attention to your landscape or to allow it to nestle into the backdrop of a more naturalistic style. They also emphasize the journey, causing visitors to slow down and take their time while exploring this peaceful backyard.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Exterior Spiral Staircase with Stone Tiered Fountain
Weathered finishes, simple details, and a muted color palette evoke a sophisticated backyard design. Hand forged ironwork rails wrap a spiral staircase and large tiered fountain.
From:
Mark Scott Associates
Lanterns Provide a Touch of Light
Six lanterns ensure that this outdoor space is just as alluring at night. Once the sun goes down, the lights cast a warm glow on the water that allows the owners to see without interrupting their stargazing.
Swimming Pool at Sunset
Thanks to its sleek, infinity-edge design, the swimming pool blends seamlessly with the horizon. In turn, the owners can enjoy unobstructed views of the valley and ocean.
Elegant Estate Complete With Pool, Lounge
Large archways and double doors open this estate to the pool and lounge area. After a day spent exploring their backyard, the owners can cool off in the water and relax beneath the stars.
Soothing Stone Accent Wall
For additional ambiance, the landscape architects outfitted the garden with an accent wall that doubles as a cool, cascading water feature. Lush green plants all around further the sense of a hidden oasis.
Dining Area Boasts Panoramic Views
Thanks to its position on a cliff, this pavilion boasts panoramic views of the valley. In the center of the space, a dining table and chairs encourage the owners to take their meals outside.
Pergola Offers Passage to Sitting Area
In the spirit of British Colonial style, this property includes a series of "outdoor rooms," or spaces that are defined by walls of palm trees and other native plants. This wood pergola marks the entrance to one such space, with a bench at the end for quiet reflection.
Cool, Multi-Level Patio Design
Tiered patios become an eye-catching design element in this backyard, creating different levels for swimming, sunbathing and catching up with friends. At the same time, soft lights illuminate the pool at night and allow the blue Pebble Sheen interior finish to really shine.
Tranquility Among the Trees
When they're not swimming, the owners can sit along the side of the pool and listen to the waterfall. With large boulders and trees all around, this space exudes the same peace and tranquility of the Great Outdoors.
Casual and Comfortable Entertaining Spaces
On the other side of the pool, various seating options and a stone fireplace create different zones for entertaining. After a quick dip in the water, guests can kick back on the lounge chairs or enjoy a drink by the fire.
Beautiful Backyard Retreat in Virginia
With its own spa, a custom waterfall and an infinity-edge pool, this backyard from Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction is a stunning oasis tucked into a Virginia neighborhood. Boulders and plants along the edge of the lot further the sense of privacy and seclusion.
