From flower gardens to outdoor firepits, these front-yard and backyard landscape ideas will transform your yard into an attractive, usable outdoor living space.
A well-designed landscape displays a distinct style and offers an enjoyable retreat to entertain friends and family, relax with a book, or tend to your garden. Check out these beautiful landscaping ideas to get your wheels spinning:
Curb Appeal
As any real estate agent will tell you, curb appeal is key when it comes to selling your home. It’s the first impression that potential buyers have of your property and it can make a huge difference in their interest level. Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, curb appeal can still be an important factor in how your home is valued.
There are a number of projects that you can complete to add some serious curb appeal to your home. From cleaning your gutters to replacing your mailbox, there are plenty of easy-to-do things that will have a big impact on the way people perceive your home. Aside from these bigger projects, simple things like cleaning the windows and doors and trimming bushes are also great ways to increase your home’s visual appeal.
One of the most effective ways to boost your curb appeal is by installing a paver walkway or adding some decorative garden stones. These are relatively affordable and can instantly add a nice pop of color to your front yard. Choosing paving stones that complement the colors of your house and other landscaping features is a great way to ensure the walkways blend in seamlessly with the rest of the space.
Another great way to increase your curb appeal is by adding some window boxes and flower pots. These are a great way to add some much-needed greenery and can be an excellent focal point for your home’s exterior. It’s also a good idea to choose plants that are low maintenance, so you don’t have to spend too much time weeding and watering them.
Finally, don’t forget to consider your lighting. Having welcoming lighting on your porch or deck can make all the difference in how attractive your home looks after dark.
When it comes to your landscaping, the type and quality of plants you choose will have a big impact on how your home looks. It’s a good idea to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions, as this will ensure that they thrive in your backyard. Investing in some high-quality plantings will add a lot of curb appeal to your home and can help to improve its value.
Outdoor Living Space
A well-designed outdoor living space extends the boundaries of your home into a place that’s suited for relaxing, entertaining and spending quality time with family and friends. The options for this type of outdoor project are nearly endless, and can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. It can be as simple as a comfortable, cozy seating area with a fire pit and a dining table, or as elaborate as a complete backyard kitchen, pool and outdoor lounge. Whether you live in a city apartment with a tiny patio, a small plot of land behind your townhome, a concrete terrace at a suburban condo or a large, open backyard on a rural estate, an inviting outdoor room will transform the way you use your yard.
Creating an outdoor living space is not a project that has to break the bank. Even a simple patio can add much-needed livable space to your property, especially if you incorporate a shade structure like a pergola or a covered deck.
To make an outdoor living space feel more secluded and intimate, it’s important to create a sense of enclosure. This can be accomplished with low walls or a design element that clearly distinguishes the paved sitting area from the lawn. The design of the walkway that leads to the secluded spot is also crucial–in this example, a brick-lined path adds interest and a clear route.
An outdoor living space is a place to gather with friends and family, so it’s important that the seating arrangement is both comfortable and functional. This cozy, welcoming setting has plenty of seats, including a large sectional that’s perfect for stretching out on a summer evening.
A patterned trellis adds visual interest to this patio, while the rounded shapes of its columns are reminiscent of natural rock formations. The shady, paved patio is also outfitted with an outdoor fireplace, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner party or an afternoon barbecue.