Our clients’ goal was to add an exterior living-space to the rear of their mid-century modern home. They wanted a place to sit, relax, grill, and entertain while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Using natural materials, we created an elongated porch to provide seamless access and flow to-and-from their indoor and outdoor spaces. The shape of the angled roof, overhanging the seating area, and the tapered double-round steel columns create the essence of a timeless design that is synonymous with the existing mid-century house. The stone-filled rectangular slot, between the house and the covered porch, allows light to enter the existing interior and gives accessibility to the porch.

Laurelhurst Modern Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

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.

Holistic Modern in NE Portland, Oregon

Drake's 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Center

A small backyard space, bordering a NE Portland golf course. Taking out the lawn made ample room for native plantings, a water feature and flagstone walkways. All home to many a bird, squirrel and forest critter. Photography by: Joe Hollowell

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Urban Meadow

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

A boring front lawn transformed into an explosion of color with drought tolerant perennials and grasses and an Idaho Fescue lawn. Warm, welcoming entry in this Urban garden.

Lap Pool

Owens Custom Pools

Stainless Steel / Gunite Hybrid Lap Swimming Pool with All Tile Floor with Retractable Enclosure
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic backyard tile and rectangular lap pool remodel in Other

Dry creek bed close-up

Jay Sifford Garden Design

Ornamental grasses such as Karley Rose pennisetum, blue dune lyme grass and Karl Foerster feather reed grass soften the banks of the dry creek bed. Photo by Jay Sifford.

Simply + Modern - Sunnylands Las Vegas

Byron Mason Photography

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

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Hillside MCM Residence

Studio Bergtraun AIA

Treve Johnson
Example of a large mid-century modern backyard concrete paver patio design in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

Mid Century Courtyard Remodel

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Wakecrest Residence

ShubinDonaldson

Benny Chan
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s backyard deck remodel in Los Angeles with no cover and a fire pit

Midcentury Patio

Inspiration for a 1950s patio remodel in Los Angeles with a pergola

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.