Ed Lehmann
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in Austin.

A Piedmont garden

Four Dimensions Landscape Company

Michael Thilgen
Inspiration for a mid-century modern landscaping in San Francisco.

San Mateo Highlands Eichler Home Tour 2014

amyvogel

Amy Lynne Vogel
Design ideas for a mid-century modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Find the right local pro for your project

Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz

Alameda Mid Century Modern

Maxwell & Kennedy Staging + Interiors

We turned this small outdoor patio into a cozy outdoor dining and lounge area using furniture from Article.com and Wayfair.com.
Patio - mid-century modern backyard patio idea in San Francisco

Staging Project in Los Feliz

Nesting Dolls Design

Example of a 1950s patio design in Los Angeles

Mid Century Modern

Dale Waldo Landscape Architecture

Mid-century modern porch photo in Orange County

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Example of a mid-sized 1950s backyard concrete and rectangular lap hot tub design in San Diego

Beaverton Mid Century Modern

Chinick Landscaping & Nursery

Design by Candace Chinick. This entry courtyard provides a dining space, uplighting on the wall, an herb container by the kitchen, two insets in the courtyard wall--one to screen the barbecue and one for the bins, furthest away.

Mid-Century Backyard Landscape - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The new patio space is greatly expanded over what was original to the home. Renn Kuhnen Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized mid-century modern full sun backyard landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

Fences & Gates

Urban Gardens, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-century modern landscaping in Denver.

Greater Avenues Mid-Century Modern

Kyle Aiken

Utah Mid-Century Modern Patio Photo - https://www.kaikenphotography.com/

Rose Villa

Aim Media Group

Example of a 1950s pool design in Other

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Mission Hills Residence

Carl Pallini LLC

Maha Comianos
Deck container garden - mid-sized mid-century modern deck container garden idea in San Diego

Indian Wells

Jen Samson Design

1960s pool photo in Other

Mid-Century Modern Lake House

NS Designs

1960s porch photo in Other

Mid-Century Retreat

DeForest Architects

Inspiration for a mid-century modern patio remodel in Seattle

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your mid-century modern 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 1950s 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 1960s 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 mid-century modern outdoor design options?

When making changes to your 1950s 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 1960s outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an mid-century modern 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 1950s 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 1960s 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 mid-century modern outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.

Mid Century Modern Gem

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The steel and willow roofed pergola creates a shady dining "room" and some respite from the sun.
Inspiration for a large mid-century modern backyard ground level metal railing deck remodel in Los Angeles with a pergola

X-100 Eichler Restoration

Lucile Glessner Design

Photo Credit: Sabrina Huang
Inspiration for a mid-century modern backyard concrete and custom-shaped lap pool remodel in San Francisco

Midcentury Pool

Pool - 1950s pool idea in Detroit