Photo of a small eclectic partial sun backyard brick water fountain landscape in San Francisco for spring.

A quiet, meditative space on a tree-covered, west facing side yard. The dominant planting motif is semi-tropical foliage emphasizing chartreuse and light green leaves in varying textures and forms. Photo: Billy Goodnick

Indoor Swimming Pools

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Eclectic indoor round pool photo in Milwaukee

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Outdoor Living

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

This small space between the garage and main house has been turned into a functional and attractive outdoor kitchen. Just steps from the kitchen, the built-in grill and counter provides a great space for those summer cook outs and entertaining. Harold Leidner Landscape Architects.

Sagamore Drive

Kala Performance Homes

Custom Built Back Porch with Farm Doors
Mid-sized eclectic concrete screened-in back porch idea in Other with a roof extension

Outdoor Living Bali-India Style Retreat

Eden Clark of VEDA Design Group

Originally this side patio was simply a barren cement patch that was cold and uninviting (see the BEFORE picture). It has a basic stone and concrete patio floor, with concrete brick walls. There was some natural bamboo behind the wall, but otherwise no plants. The house sits down in to the property, and to get to the front door you have to descend a steep set of stairs. This patio area is one of the first things people see as they descend the stairs to the front door, so we wanted to make it as inviting and cozy as possible. Plus, with all the natural tree coverage, it's a perfect place during hot days to curl up with a book or glass of wine under the shade. Not wanting to spend money on a massive renovation, the goal was to create a cozy niche for both entertaining guests and personal relaxation, reminiscent of an India-meets-Bali exotic retreat. We created something that was organic and natural looking, in harmony with the relaxed environment of Laguna Beach. To keep it budget friendly - and better for the environment - we also opted for recycled and pre-owned items we found on Craiglist and eBay. I chose to first mask the barren concrete walls with an carved wood screen from India, to add depth and interest. I placed two large daybeds with heavily padded cushions in an “L” shape to entice people to curl up and sink in. Rather than opting for a regular square patio table, I found a one-of-a-kind custom oak tree slab table (a fantastic Craiglist find!) that added a beautiful organic feel. The Moroccan lamp I brought back from one of my trips to Marrakech, and it added the perfect personal touch, in addition to personal sacred objects such as an antique Kwan Yin statue (great eBay find), crystals, and shells found at the beach. Finally, various plants were added — including both a satsuma orange tree and grapefruit tree that add lovely bursts of color when in season. And makes for a great quick snack when lounging about!

La Selva Beach

Kathleen Shaeffer Design, Exterior Spaces

Photo: K. Shaeffer
Inspiration for an eclectic front yard gravel garden path in Other.

Eclectic Outdoor Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your eclectic outdoor living area is your first chance to inspire and make an impression on neighbors and guests, so sprucing it up can give your blah house a much-needed boost. When browsing eclectic outdoor decorating ideas and remodel inspiration, keep in mind the following advice to make the most out your great outdoors: Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all eclectic outdoor ideas before delving in. Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. Research materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style, and don't forget add the plan for the final touches, like outdoor decor and furniture, to complete the space.

What are my eclectic outdoor design options?

When making changes to your eclectic front yard or backyard, be sure to consider what makes sense for your home and the local weather. For those in dry desert climates, avoid water-thirsty grass and opt for less-thirsty alternatives, then invest in a pool that will keep you and the neighbors cool in the heat. For more mild climates, a pool may not be the most practical of outdoor ideas, but a hot tub or unique water feature could be just the right element for you. On top of thinking about climate, consider maintenance as well. If you have the time and energy to work outdoors every weekend, a flower or vegetable garden would be a worthy investment. If all that effort isn't in your future, consider a nice rock garden, pond or intricate hardscaping instead. Finally, think about what works for your family. Some plants and flowers are poisonous for pets, and kids should have plenty of space to run around and play with friends, whether it be grass or pavement. Ultimately, yards should act as eclectic outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an eclectic outdoor room?

During the summer, your outdoor designs become key for entertaining and should flow like an extension of your indoor space. With a few key components, your patio, porch or deck can easily be turned into an entertainment haven; after all, when the weather is nice, most people don't want to be stuck indoors. To make your eclectic outdoor living space really feel like part of the house, create an outdoor kitchen, complete a grill, prep station, countertop and mini fridge. To become the neighborhood party house, you should also invest in a fire pit and hot tub, which are both great outdoor ideas for those cooler nights. If expensive renovations are out of your reach, new outdoor furniture and accessories are great for a cheap yet effective end result. A typical concrete patio or front porch can get a major makeover by simply implementing a few easy eclectic outdoor decorating ideas, such as new furniture cushions and string lighting, or some brightly colored pots and accent statues. Take a look at a variety of pictures and eclectic outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.