Dramatic plant textures, modern hardscaping and sharp angles enhanced this mid-century modern bungalow. Soft plants were chosen to contrast with the sharp angles of the pathways and hard edges of the MCM home, while providing all-season interest. Horizontal privacy screens wrap the front porch and create intimate garden spaces – some visible only from the street and some visible only from inside the home. The front yard is relatively small in size, but full of colorful texture.

Chimney Job

User

Photo of a large mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in Other for fall.

Simply + Modern - Sunnylands Las Vegas

Byron Mason Photography

Example of a mid-century modern gravel and rectangular pool design in Las Vegas

Browse By Color

Explore Colors

Street View

ADLA Studio

Articulated Design Landscape Architecture
This is an example of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Austin.

Palo Alto Eichler

The Garden Route Company

Richard Radford
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Water Features

Landscape Solutions & Maintenance

This is an example of a small mid-century modern full sun gravel landscaping in New York for summer.

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Design ideas for a mid-sized mid-century modern partial sun backyard gravel formal garden in San Diego with a pergola.

Mid-Century Side Landscape - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Indian grass, a native to Wisconsin provides a privacy screen on the south side of the house. Hidden behind upright junipers is a path to the backyard. Slate chip mulch collects rainwater off the overhang of the gutterless roof. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Silvertop

Jamie Bush & Co.

1960s courtyard gravel patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

One of a Kind Modern Berkeley Home

Visual Jill Inc.

Example of a 1960s gravel patio design in San Francisco with no cover

East Dallas Property

Southern Botanical, Inc.

James Wilson
Design ideas for a mid-sized mid-century modern backyard gravel landscaping in Dallas.

palm springs mid-century remodel

Gary Fredricks Landscape Design

Photo of a large mid-century modern front yard gravel garden path in Los Angeles.

Details

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Design ideas for a large mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Diego.

Mid-Century Modern; An Ode to Frey

Gabriela Yariv Landscape Design

Jennifer Cheung
Photo of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Mid-Century Backyard - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

View of the elevated perennial garden from the backyard lawn. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Photo of a mid-sized mid-century modern full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

Oakland Mid Century

Material

Julie Mikos
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern backyard gravel patio kitchen remodel in San Francisco with no cover

El Cerrito house

Bay Stone Landscaping

Gareth Walters
This is an example of a large mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Outdoor Lounge / Fire Area

Tharp Studios

Inspiration for a small mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Other with a fire pit for spring.

Hollywood Hills Mid-Century Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern partial sun front yard gravel garden path in Los Angeles.

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.

Creston Remodel

WA Design Architects

wa design
This is an example of a large mid-century modern drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.