40 Stunning Landscape Design Ideas

An integral part of your home's overall look and livability, proper landscaping not only makes your property more beautiful, it can also turn your front yard or backyard into your own little oasis. Be inspired by these designer landscapes that use plants, hardscapes, structures and water features to create outdoor spaces that are a cut above.

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By: Kamron Sanders

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Landscaping: Make Your Home a Stand-Out

Unlike more expensive structural upgrades, landscaping is a do-it-yourself project that will not only increase your home's value but will also make your great oudoors look and feel even greater every day for your family. Plus, gardening has been clinically proven to boost your mood and is excellent exercise. So, what are you waiting for? Our 40 ideas will encourage you to head outdoors to give both your front yard and backyard a lush landscape that fits your style and lifestyle.

See More Photos: The Coolest Curb Appeal From Across the US

Create an Outdoor Room

Clever landscape design makes this cozy brick patio feel like an extension of the home. Overflowing raised planters and topiaries frame the space, while the outdoor rug establishes the seating area. Not sure which type of outdoor furniture is right for your space? Get our pro tips, below.

Watch the Video: Choosing Outdoor Furniture

From: Casa Smith Designs, LLC

Don't Waste a Good View

If your property overlooks a gorgeous vista like this, your landscape should support it. A flagstone and gravel patio maintains a much more natural look than concrete would, and Adirondack chairs are the perfect balance of comfy and low-profile, ensuring these rolling California hills are the stars of the show. Want to add a stone fire pit to your great outdoors? Get DIY tips and learn necessary safety considerations, below.

From: Margie Grace

Grow Some Shade

A sunny day spent outdoors is good for your mood and boosts your naturally occuring levels of vitamin D — but, like most things, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. The solution? Give outdoor spaces an organic boost of ambiance by planting climbing vines, tropical shrubs and a few shade trees so you can easily beat the heat. Learn more about growing your own shade, below.

Watch the Video: Use Vines in Shade Structures

From: Design 4 Corners

Transform a Slope Into a Waterfall

Make use of a naturally sloping lot by creating a custom water feature. When done properly, (aka, this is one for the pros) a waterfall will make your yard look and feel like a mountain oasis (hello, relaxation!). Take a tour of this gorgeous backyard, below.

See More Photos: Gorgeous Gardens: Koi Pond Is Perfect Spot for Reflection

From: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

Forge a Fairytale Path

A stone bridge and walkway are beautiful additions to any backyard garden or wooded retreat. With its old-world aesthetic and storybook charm, the hardscape addition doesn't have to be big to make a big impact — even a small bridge or short pathway will add maximum charm. See more of our favorite pathway ideas, below.

See More Photos: 40 Ideas for Creating the Perfect Pathway in Your Yard

From: Lewis Aquatech

Hide a Hot Tub

Hot take: Hot tubs don't have to be ugly. The creek-side hot tub at this stunning wooded sanctuary is masterfully integrated into the surrounding patio and has the feel of a secluded forest pond, so it's beautiful even when not in use. Follow the link below to take a tour of this tranquil retreat.

See More Photos: Outdoor Oasis: Tranquil Retreat in the Woods

From: Designscapes Colorado

Plant Your Privacy Wall

This brick walkway winds through a jungle of tropical plants and eventually reveals this hidden hammock oasis. Can you say perfect nap spot? The use of large tropical plants creates an unmatched layer of privacy and makes this spot a secluded sanctuary. See our favorite privacy-providing plants, below.

See More Photos: Plants for Privacy

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Go the Big-and-Bountiful Route

Over 200 varieties of trees, shrubs and groundcover plants create an ever-changing palette of garden delight for this New Hampshire residence. The surrounding wild natural beauty complements the home's stone exterior, giving it a cottage feel. Find out how to achieve this look for yourself by following the link, below.

learn more: 30+ Cottage Garden Ideas We Love

From: CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects

Or, Make It Minimal

Maybe 'big and bountiful' isn't your thing, or maybe it just doesn't suit your climate. This minimal, water-wise landscape works well with the home's modern style and keeps the area feeling neat and tidy. Follow the link, below, to learn how to plan your own water-wise garden.

GET THE HOW-TO: Landscape Plan: Water-Wise Garden

From: Kathryn Prideaux

Mimic Nature

When it comes down to it, all the best landscape designs are influenced by nature itself. By looking to nature for influence, this yard bridges a gap between a wild pond filled with aquatic plants and a cottage garden straight from a whimsical storybook. Learn how to select your own aquatic plants at the link, below.

See More Photos: Choosing Pond Plants

From: Andrew Grossman

Define Areas With Boxwoods

Why build a wall or fence when nature's perfect border does the trick? For ages, boxwoods have been grown and trimmed to create intricate designs and borders. The thick shrubs are inexpensive, relatively easy to grow and can be trimmed into a variety of shapes. Follow the link, below, to get our best tips and tricks for growing healthy boxwoods.

learn more: Growing Boxwoods

From: Mullin Landscape Associates

Or, Get Swirly With Them

Maybe a stone wall is more your style — that doesn't mean you can't benefit from some boxwood beauty. Just get swirly with your boxwoods and create an intricate design all your own. Check out more gorgeous boxwood designs, below.

See More Photos: 20 Ideas for Fabulous Boxwood Designs

From: Harold Leidner

Vary Textures

A mix of stone, steel and wood creates an abundance of curb appeal on this contemporary-meets-rustic home. Combining textures on a home's exterior and in the surrounding landscape offers visual appeal and keeps a home from feeling one-note.

From: Kurt Kraisinger

Pile On the Plants

Can you ever have too many plants? We certainly don't think so. Layer upon layer of lush greenery make this tropical backyard infinitely inviting. At the center of the oasis, a small pool is the crown jewel. Learn how to achieve a tropical landscape in even not-so-tropical climates with our tips, below.

See More Photos: Foolproof Winter-Hardy Tropical Plants

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Exercise Your Green Thumb

Unsure how to elevate the look of your home's exterior? Put your green thumb to work by growing an ivy wall for some instant elegance (well — maybe not instant). Get growing with our tips, below.

learn more: Enhance Your Landscape by Growing Vines

From: Moss Landscaping

Flower-Covered Fence: Instant Curb Appeal

A white picket fence adds instant curb appeal. Throw some colorful blooms on either side and you've got a vibrant display that will really help your house stand out. Ready to construct your own? Watch our video, below, to learn how to install a timeless picket fence.

Install a Classic Picket Fence

Choose Your Plants Wisely

In this shady backyard, a stone path meanders from the front to the rear entertaining area. When selecting the right plants for each area of your yard, consider drainage and lighting conditions. Here, shade-loving plants, like hosta, hydrangea and ferns happily coexist to create a lush, blooming border that will return year after year. Learn more about pretty perennials that thrive in the shade, below.

See More Photos: 15 Top Perennials for Shade

Light a Path

Landscape lighting serves the practical purpose of illuminating a path while also casting a cozy glow that boosts the landscape’s overall aesthetic. With many DIY styles available including solar powered, installation takes mere minutes, making lighting up your great outdoors one bright idea. Learn more about the types of landscape lighting and approximate costs, below.

Learn More: Landscape Lighting Trends and How to Choose What's Right for Your Yard

From: Bob Hursthouse

Expand the Horizon

Mirror, mirror on the ... pool? Why not! Here, tall ornamental grasses are reflected in the calm waters of the pool, visually expanding the landscape while providing a bit of privacy. This simple mirror trick ties the pool into the landscape and lends a more natural look to the entire area. See more of our favorite poolside landscaping ideas, below.

See More Photos: 40 Stunning Ways to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

From: Wagner Hodgson

Bring In Some Color With Pavers

The center of attention in this backyard is definitely the grouping of blue pavers, laid in a timeless herringbone pattern, adjacent to the patio. Tying in with the sky-blue hue of home, these glossy pavers ensure the small garden stays colorful year-round. Follow the link, below, to see more fun paver designs.

See More Photos: 40 Unique Paver Designs for Outdoor Spaces

Achieve an "Untouched" Aesthetic

Understandably, this homeowner didn't want to impose on the natural beauty of the property. Instead of a wood deck or concrete patio, a stone path and patio make for the perfect rustic retreat to accompany this pond in the woods. Ready to rock your yard? Learn how to incorporate rocks into your landscape, below.

See More Photos: How to Use Rocks in Your Landscape

From: Designscapes Colorado

Take the Living Room Outdoors

A creek-side pavilion with a stone fireplace is what landscape dreams are made of. Rain or shine, this cozy outdoor living room is the perfect spot to curl up next to the fire with a good book and enjoy the surrounding gorgeous garden. What would a living room be without a fireplace? Learn how to build your own outdoor fireplace, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Outdoor Fireplaces

From: Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction

Border With a Pool

These days, there are very few limits to where you can put a pool. This lengthy lap pool creates the perfect border against this enviable waterfront deck, making use of an awkwardly sized space. Get all our pool-planning tips, below.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Take Design Cues From Your Surroundings

Take a cue from the beach itself and opt for a sandy surface beneath your beachy outdoor dining area. The use of sand imparts an unfussy, casual vibe and looks effortlessly cool beneath shady palm trees.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Dream Big

Aside from budget, there really is no limit to what can be done in landscape design. This designer pulled out all the stops with a lazy river installation. If you look closely, you'll even notice the cozy sunken fire pit area hidden in the center. Check out more over-the-top pool designs, below.

See More Photos: 180+ Stunning Swimming Pools from the Ultimate House Hunt

From: Ryan Hughes Design Build

Keep Seating On the Down Low

With ocean views this amazing, the designer was smart to opt for a sunken seating area. By keeping the outdoor sofas below the deck, there are minimal furnishings to block the horizon. Take a closer look at this stunning oceanfront retreat, below.

See More Photos: Waterside Retreats: Stunning Oceanfront Deck & Pool

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Opt for Old

Antique reclaimed stone pavers cap the knee walls, act as floating steps and as coping on the benches surrounding this koi pond. This aged patina is impossible to reproduce, adding a historical permanence and established aesthetic to the newly installed landscaping. See more of this gorgeous garden, below.

See More Photos: Strolling Garden With Koi Pond

From: AguaFina Gardens International

Frame the Front

Using your landscape to frame your home's exterior is an easy way to achieve an elegant, cohesive visual. The two towering cypresses, flanking this home's grand entry, blend seamlessly with the home's Mediterranean aesthetic. Find other creative ways to use landscaping to beautify the front of your home, below.

See More Photos: 80 Lush Landscaping Ideas for Your Front Yard

From: Mark Scott Associates

Grow Your Own Oasis

Rows of billowing bushes in sleek containers make the rooftop terrace of this modern penthouse feel like a garden oasis in the middle of the big city. Want to create your own rooftop garden? Follow the link, below, for our best tips.

learn more: Grow a Rooftop Garden

Get Playful by the Pool

A standard concrete patio wouldn't do justice to the lush tropical landscape surrounding this pool. Instead, the designer chose a playful paver surface intertwined with grass to seamlessly blend the landscape and hardscape together. Learn more about poolside landscaping in the link, below.

Let Nature Do the Talking

Now you see it, now you don't. This home blends into the grassy hillside surrounding it, thanks to its green roof. This camouflaging tactic is a great way to take a backseat to your home's surroundings, in order to not detract from Mother Nature's beauty. Take a tour of this impressive, hilltop home, below.

See More Photos: Waterside Retreat: Ocean Views From Hilltop Home

From: Shades of Green Landscape Architecture

Schedule Tee Time Any Time

Just like the interior of your home, your landscape is a reflection of you, and you should plan it accordingly. A fan of all things golf? A personal putting green may be the missing piece of your landscape's puzzle. Learn how to build your own, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Building a Golf Putting Green

From: Mom's Design Build

Add Drama Where You Can

Grass surrounding large concrete pavers turn this driveway into a dramatic, graphic display. After seeing this, imagine how lackluster a standard concrete driveway would appear. Find more ways to add drama to your driveway, below.

See More Photos: 13 Great Ways to Enhance Your Driveway

From: Mirador Group

Install a Water Feature

Ever sat in a garden with a nearby fountain and immediately felt at peace? That's the effect of a water feature. A fashionable fountain like this will not only boost your garden's visual appeal, but also the mood of everyone who enters. See more gorgeous water features, below.

From: DabneyCollins

Think About Your Lighting

Exterior lighting is often an afterthought and seen as unimportant. Wrong! The way you light your landscape can be just as important as your landscape design itself. Here, this streamlined, modern fire pit and surrounding bench are cleverly lit from below, enhancing the minimalist look of the landscape at night and disappearing in the daytime. Discover more landscape lighting inspiration, below.

From: Charco Design & Build

Make a Symmetrical Statement

There are two types of people: those who love wild-and-free landscapes and those who love perfectly planned precision. Symmetry is the only option for some, and if they can pull off something this beautiful, we're here for it. Follow the link below for more formal garden inspiration.

See More Photos: 12 Inspiring Formal Gardens

From: Cross River Design, Inc.

Mirror Your Home's Exterior

A wild, cottage-style garden would look completely out of place surrounding this modern concrete-and-steel home. So, naturally, the landscape designers opted for containers and hardscaping elements that mirror the home's straight lines and minimal style to create a cohesive whole. Take a tour of this modern lakeside home, below.

See More Photos: Contemporary Lakeside Home

From: Juxtapose Design Build

Encourage Reflection and Relaxation

Inspired by the tranquility of traditional Asian gardens, this stunning multicolored round river stone walkway encourages an intentional, quiet reflection. The meandering shape of the path defines the surrounding green spaces, while the varying sizes and textures of the stone promote concentrated steps, causing visitors to slow their pace and relax. Use our tips, below, to find your zen by encouraging relaxation in your outdoor space.

From: Sun Valley Landscaping

Get Creative With Vines

Vine-covered walls are nothing new in landscape design, but there are a few modern takes on the old practice. By training these vines to grow in a crisscross shape, they become an accessory to both the building and the garden, elevating and enhancing the beauty of both. Learn how to train vines, below.

From: Andover Landscape

Add a Scenic Path

Life's not just about the destination, but the journey as well. The walk from this contemporary front patio to the hidden pool draws visitors past a stunning garden of water-wise plants and colorful groundcover plants that grow between the pavers to soften the pathway.

40 Stunning Landscape Design Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Landscaping: Make Your Home a Stand-Out

Create an Outdoor Room

Don't Waste a Good View

Grow Some Shade

Transform a Slope Into a Waterfall

Forge a Fairytale Path

Hide a Hot Tub

Plant Your Privacy Wall

Go the Big-and-Bountiful Route

Or, Make It Minimal

Mimic Nature

Define Areas With Boxwoods

Or, Get Swirly With Them

Vary Textures

Pile On the Plants

Exercise Your Green Thumb

Flower-Covered Fence: Instant Curb Appeal

Choose Your Plants Wisely

Light a Path

Expand the Horizon

Bring In Some Color With Pavers

Achieve an "Untouched" Aesthetic

Take the Living Room Outdoors

Border With a Pool

Take Design Cues From Your Surroundings

Dream Big

Keep Seating On the Down Low

Opt for Old

Frame the Front

Grow Your Own Oasis

Get Playful by the Pool

Let Nature Do the Talking

Schedule Tee Time Any Time

Add Drama Where You Can

Install a Water Feature

Think About Your Lighting

Make a Symmetrical Statement

Mirror Your Home's Exterior

Encourage Reflection and Relaxation

Get Creative With Vines

Add a Scenic Path

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