This backyard transformation focuses on high-impact, year-round aesthetics with minimal upkeep. The centerpiece is a lush artificial turf lawn that maintains a perfect "manicured" look without water or mowing. The lawn is defined by sweeping, organic curves of stone curbing, which separates the green space from a textured river rock bed. A striking cobalt-blue ceramic fountain serves as a focal point, providing both visual interest and the soothing sound of running water. For relaxation, a heavy-timber cedar pergola anchors the space, supporting two modern hanging egg chairs over a stamped concrete patio. The side yard is designed for functionality and cleanliness, featuring a level path of compacted decomposed granite bordered by a narrow rock trench for superior drainage. The entire perimeter is enclosed by a tall, board-on-board cedar fence, providing maximum privacy while complementing the natural wood tones of the pergola and seating area.

A concrete paver walkway with river rocks bordered by DG--decomposed granite, gravel and succulents.

YardDoc designed and created multiple rock landscapes for customers in Austin, TX. These drought resistant landscapes liven up your yard with unique designs and individual beauty. While we craft every landscape to the yard and customer, we present examples here to inspire you. Working with the existing trees and plants, we built this landscape to match the wrought iron fence. First, we placed a limestone barrier in a design reminiscent of a lake emptying into a river. Outside the retainer stone, we laid larger, red river rocks. On the inside we placed smaller, black rocks to highlight the rest of our modifications. We built a stone fire pit in the center then crafted stone benches for seating around the campfire. We built a path our of large, flat stones that bring the different colors and textures together. Finally, we placed one last stone that, while decorative, can also be used as an end table, if necessary.

Maureen Nowak
Example of a large classic gender-neutral medium tone wood floor nursery design in New York with beige walls

This is an example of a landscaping in Salt Lake City.

University of Chicago Child Care Center uses an ECO-ROCK™ Wall System filled with colorful rocks.
This is an example of a mid-sized industrial courtyard gravel landscaping in Tampa.

Getz Creative Photography
Example of a mountain style freestanding bathtub design in Other

The original kitchen in this 1970s home was enclosed and filled with outdated cabinets, countertops and appliances. After knocking down walls and creating an entirely new interior, this breathtaking renovated space is now open, fresh and inviting. Medallion Cabinetry, Lancaster door style, Eagle Rock stain and Buff paint on maple. Design by Peter Von Esten, BKC Kitchen and Bath, in partnership with Truss Interiors & Renovation. Photography by Emily Minton Redfield.

The hall table is a custom made piece design by in collaboration with the interior designer, Ashley Whittaker. The floor has an inlay Greek key border, and the walls are covered hand painted Gracie paper.

The river pebbles give a natural feeling and the glass tile bordering the stone pebbles are the perfect touch on this beautiful shower. Rain shower head with LED lights and a beautiful and functional shapoo shower. Design by Luz Marina Selles. Photos by Mike Small Photography.

Adam Harvell
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard landscaping in Raleigh.

This poolside covered patio and outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston features a Big Green Egg kamado grill built into a stone island. The far side of the island is raised to accommodate bar seating. www.outdoorhomescapes.com

Photography by Harold Gomes
Small trendy home climbing wall photo in San Francisco

Example of a large arts and crafts backyard concrete patio kitchen design in Dallas with a pergola

Joe and Tod, homeowners in the Vintage Hills area of Temecula, undertook this yard transformation themselves. Their goal was to replace a lawned portion of the right side of their front yard with drought-tolerant plants and rock complementing the existing landscaping. The homeowners began the project by transplanting kangaroo paw, yucca, lantana and jade plants. Some of the plants made the journey from their former home in Long Beach and others came from thinning out existing plants in the yard. In addition to designing the space together, they also installed the project themselves. The small, light gray boulders and cobble were already located on the property, and closely resemble Sierra boulders. Gambler's Gold 3/4" crushed rock was used to create the "islands" around the plants, with 3/4" gray crushed rock to fill in the larger areas. Premium Sunburst pebbles in the 1"-3" size finished the area off as the border with the neighbor's property.

Rock garden featuring Applegate river rocks bordered by Rogue river 3/4" round rock. Landscape steel edging separates between rock garden and bark mulch.

Behind the Tea House is a traditional Japanese raked garden. After much research we used bagged poultry grit in the raked garden. It had the perfect texture for raking. Gray granite cobbles and fashionettes were used for the border. A custom designed bamboo fence encloses the rear yard.

Waterfall, Pool, and Spa custom designed and built by Dynamic Pools & Patios. Photo by Angela Morrill © 2018
Example of a large mountain style backyard custom-shaped and stone water slide design in Houston

A flagstone & decomposed granite (DG) walkway bordered by different size & colors of rock.The long walkway winds through drought-tolerant beds with a small boulder, DG, palms and drought tolerant plants.