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.
- Container Garden (18497)
- Desert Look (80)
- Dock (983)
- Fire Pit (51777)
- Fireplace (3533)
- Flower Bed (128)
- Fountain (56219)
- Garden Entry/path (40590)
- Hot Tub (30547)
- Lawn Edging (87)
- Outdoor Kitchen (39294)
- Outdoor Playset (1381)
- Outdoor Shower (1159)
- Pond (5362)
- Pool House (9870)
- Privacy (67)
- Raised Garden Bed (77)
- Retaining Wall (19716)
- Rock Feature (83)
- Screened-in Porch (7603)
- Vegetable Garden (3948)
- Vertical Garden (3442)
- Walkway (124)
- Water Slide (3464)
- Waterfall (62)
Inspiration for a large eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in Denver.
I love rocks and the way they add height. - annehead66
This project in Colleyville is awesome for daytime & night time use. The pool has two sets of triple rain falls that give the pool a very unique contemporary feel. The fire bowl helps accent it in the evening along with the cam lights in the cabana. There is a nice kitchen inside the cabana featuring a round bar area along with their Big Green Egg and refrigerator. The cabana matches the architecture on the house with 12" x 12" cedar posts and a steep hip roof. The patio was capped with Subway Travertine. There is also an arbor on the raised patio opposite the cabana. Project designed by Mike Farley.
Like these raised walls outside of the pool with the fountains. Nice that it doubles as seating for people who want to interact in the pool but not get it...would be interesting to explore maybe on a corner of the back side of the pool? Not sure if it would close up the space too much. - kerry_cathcart
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in DC Metro
Design ideas for a small modern full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco for fall.
pretty drought tollerant plant ideas - joshua_prince75
David O. Marlow Photography
Example of a mid-sized mountain style backyard stone patio design in Denver with a gazebo and a fireplace
Hanging lantern style on outdoor covered porch - circa1832
Mountain style screened-in porch idea in Austin with decking and a roof extension
Opened style fireplace for inside - piacek
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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
outdoor kitchen .. landscaping - webuser_578033477
Ciro Coelho Photography
Example of a trendy concrete patio design in Santa Barbara with a pergola and a fireplace
Over back table? or pergola ideas - elasha_morgan
Example of a trendy pool design in Other
spot for towels to hang outside bathroom - laurarichardet
Carl Mayfield
Example of a mid-sized tuscan backyard stone and rectangular lap pool design in Houston
Everything is absolutely beautiful....my lounge chairs! - magsters
Tranquil spa bathroom with water views. David Burroughs
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Baltimore with white cabinets, blue walls and glass-front cabinets
It's the most wonderful time of the year! We love designing warm and cozy spaces that are perfect for hosting friends and family! How do you keep your home feeling merry and bright during the busy Christmas season?
I would love a covered outdoor sitting area with a fireplace. - webuser_121704638
Stepping stones lead you to...
Photo of a small traditional partial sun backyard stone garden path in Portland for spring.
Peaceful. Natural Beauty. Floral. - elizabeth_criswell
A paver patio (Anchor Afton, walnut color) to gives the homeowners the entertainment and dining space they wanted. The blended colors of the pavers pull together the colors of the roof shingles (brown) and the New York Bluestone (blue/gray). The smaller pattern of the pavers defines the space, inviting guests to sit. Plus, the plant bed between the wall and the patio gave the homeowners a space to plant seasonal color and an edible garden.
Love the fence , deck and size of yard - egkilner
Sublime Garden Design
Mid-sized trendy backyard stamped concrete patio photo in Seattle with a fire pit
location of fire pit similar to our plan in location to the gazebo - ghbraun
Island style indoor custom-shaped pool photo in Jacksonville
Nice rock coping and deck. Cool rustic feel. - tdconst
Patio - mediterranean patio idea in Los Angeles
lighting, rock path, grass between the rocks - rebecca_shannon43
Design ideas for a midcentury modern landscaping in San Luis Obispo.
Decomposed granite, blue fescue, pea gravel - ithiriomha
Duy Tran Photography
Large eclectic screened-in back porch idea in DC Metro with decking and a roof extension
Mid-sized minimalist backyard rectangular hot tub photo in Dallas
I like the walls. Not these with the pattern though. - dholloway42
Ground view of deck. Outwardly visible structural elements are wrapped in pVC. Photo Credit: Johnna Harrison
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard outdoor kitchen deck remodel in DC Metro with a pergola
Add Pergola for sun and lights for steps? - geoffrey_eisenberg