This tired, unused San Francisco backyard was transformed into a modern, low-maintenance landscape with site-appropriate plantings enhanced by raised planting beds and a lead-free artificial lawn to replace the existing water-thirsty lawn. I created two separate "rooms" to break up the long narrow yard, and specified full range blue stone for the two small patio areas, connected by a curved pattern of rectangular pavers of the same natural stone. The raised concrete rectangular planting beds were incorporated to bring more movement and interest to the landscape along with gravel bed accents alongside. Some of the existing concrete remained, and was stained with a color to compliment the natural stone. These photos were taken over a three year period. Photos: © Landscape Designer, Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design.

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Carolina Mariana Rodriguez
Family room - contemporary family room idea in Chicago with gray walls

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2014 Houzz
Deck - coastal deck idea in Seattle

Jim Bartsch
Hot tub - mediterranean backyard rectangular and concrete paver lap hot tub idea

Great Room anchored by the large fireplace with large sliding glass doors that open up to the outside patios. Builder - Build Inc, Interior Design - Tate Studio Architects, Landscape - Desert Foothills Landscape, Photography - Thompson Photographic.

Example of a transitional gravel patio design in Los Angeles with no cover

Modern outdoor pool and spa with white marble patio
Large minimalist backyard rectangular lap pool photo in New York

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone landscaping with a fire pit.

Colored pool lights accentuate pink moment of sunset over mountain views. Outdoor seating below pool with open firepit.
Mid-sized trendy backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub photo in Santa Barbara

Melissa McCabe Navaroli
Inspiration for a small modern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Diego.

Patio - large traditional backyard patio idea in New York with decking and a pergola

Large beach style back porch photo in Charleston with a roof extension

Jeffrey Kilmer
Inspiration for a timeless deck remodel in New York

Photo: Bjorg Magnea
Contemporary three-story brick townhouse exterior idea in New York

Screened porch on rear of home with Ipe hardwood tongue and groove flooring.
Inspiration for a farmhouse porch remodel in Charleston

Lloyd Flanders Milan collection's sled base and sleek lines will add a sense of modernity and levity to your outdoor living space. The Milan's soft greige finish adds a textured earthy feel to these pieces. Featuring large, plush, over-stuffed cushions that are available in a large selection of Sunbrella fabrics. Lloyd Flanders vinyl furniture is made with 100% virgin vinyl that contains no added "fillers" ensuring that it will remain soft and pliable through many years of use and hold its shape. This all-weather vinyl wicker is wrapped around welded all-aluminum frames that are corrosion-resistant and extremely durable. Create a warm, comfy retreat in your backyard with Lloyd Flanders Milan all-weather vinyl wicker collection.

Water slide - mid-sized transitional backyard concrete and rectangular lap water slide idea in Austin

Stainless Steel Providence Rectangular Gas Fire Pit Table features a 12x24" Stainless Steel Crystal Fire® Plus Burner for a compact design, perfect for smaller outdoor spaces. This simple, modern design will look great in any outdoor space.