Outdoor Design Ideas
Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all 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 outdoor design options?
When making changes to your 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 outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.
How do I create an 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 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 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 outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.
Whether you want inspiration for planning an outdoor renovation or are building a designer outdoor from scratch, Houzz has 1,677,566 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Steadfast Construction and J&L Interiors, LLC. Look through outdoor photos in different colours and styles and when you find an outdoor design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful outdoor ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
- Container Garden (17881)
- Dock (919)
- Fire Pit (50492)
- Fireplace (2668)
- Fountain (55568)
- Garden Entry/path (39448)
- Hot Tub (29462)
- Outdoor Kitchen (38147)
- Outdoor Playset (1320)
- Outdoor Shower (1093)
- Pond (5014)
- Pool House (9432)
- Retaining Wall (19126)
- Screened-in Porch (7260)
- Vegetable Garden (3773)
- Vertical Garden (3281)
- Water Slide (3383)
Design ideas for a small modern full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco for fall.
Grasses thrive in this Valley heat and tolerant all sorts of neglect..... I love them! I think they’re sort of peaceful ❤️ - cynthia_brickey
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard brick landscaping in Wilmington.
Now this is how you say Welcome! - lacelacy1
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in DC Metro.
Photos Rob Karosis
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary side yard brick landscaping in Portland Maine.
Wow, how versatile! Any style, any location. - auntiebuzzybee
Photography by Paul Dyer
Trendy patio photo in San Francisco
Consider high bar behind lounge area near fire place - nikki_moorelove
Ciro Coelho Photography
Example of a trendy concrete patio design in Santa Barbara with a pergola and a fireplace
Modern pergola for area off sunroom - lisa_ravenel51
Popular Filters to Try:
Lindsey Denny
Example of a large trendy backyard stamped concrete patio design in Kansas City with a fire pit and a roof extension
Patio off stairs-curved brick wall - vecchio_lynette
A line of 'Skyracer' molinia repeats the same element from the front yard and is paralleled by a bluestone stepper path into the lawn.
Westhauser Photography
Straight lines, materials overlap - cole_walker13
pc: Jim Westphalen Photography
Inspiration for a large beach style stone screened-in porch remodel in Burlington
Cool ceiling and stump table - zeeebird
Landscape/exterior design - Molly Wood Garden Design
Design - Mindy Gayer Design
Photo - Lane Dittoe
Coastal backyard brick patio kitchen photo in Orange County with a gazebo
Contemporary open concept outdoor space,
great space for being outdoors - andon_maratos
Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in DC Metro.
Timbertech
Large trendy backyard deck photo in New York with no cover
Nice deck. Nice steps. Nice lighting. The combo of wood and dark elements is nice. - webuser_80720888
This is the front porch of this craftsman style home. It is inviting and provides pops of color. The bold colors brought about in the furniture and accessories enhance the homes facade and add that wow factor from the street.
Love the pop of color and the outdoor rug - ldbruno
Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Denver
Sliding wall. Can be outdoors and indoors depending on weather or events happening - shelbyschnuck98
The inviting fire draws you through the garden. Surrounds Inc.
Photo of a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro with a fireplace.
Love the walkway, porch, fireplace, accent lighting, and plants - brilynnae
John Prouty
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver and rectangular water slide design in Phoenix
E: cantilevered concrete paving instead of separate pool coping. - evesgarden1
Sublime Garden Design
Mid-sized trendy backyard stamped concrete patio photo in Seattle with a fire pit
Fire pit and built in sit area. - dan_munoz11
Deck - transitional backyard deck idea in Kansas City with a fireplace and a roof extension
Fireplace, covered outdoor living area. Open air deck on top - evanncita
Open concept dining room and kitchen allow vacation renters to enjoy a meal together with seating for up to 18 at the large custom made dining table and island area.
Photo courtesy of Ralph Rippe.
This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet.
The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood
burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining.
The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio.
The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as
space for dining.
The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside.
The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really
gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling.
Click Photography
Love the addition of the fireplace! Need space for the Hamrforge and a pizza oven. I like the seating in this as well as the pavers as the walkway - dstewart9935
Stepping stones lead you to...
Photo of a small traditional partial sun backyard stone garden path in Portland for spring.
stepping stones and white flowered tree and bush, natural, slightly rustic - mpaula_