If your home is feeling a little drab right now, it may be time for a change. But that doesn't mean that you have to repaint, or otherwise fix the interior. Instead think outside the box — to your front and back yards! Especially these days, when we're all much more likely to be hosting outside, you can get a lot of mileage out of Accenting the exterior of your home. Natural elements, from flora and fauna to privacy trees, stonework, and water features all make for a far more inviting space for your future guests (not to mention a restful retreat for you!).
Here, we've compiled our favorite landscaping ideas in the hopes that they'll inspire your next outdoor renovation. Let these backyard ideas motivate you to create your own beautiful garden or front lawn oasis without breaking the bank. From a perfectly-positioned rose arch that'll give your home major English garden vibes, to a modern brick staircase dotted with flowers and a fabulous dug-out fire pit (s'mores, anyone?), there's something here for just about every homeowner—no matter his or her design sensibility.
Of course, the best part of the ideas we've compiled here is that you can implement many of them without spending a fortune. We've got budget porch and patio decorating ideas, simple DIY tutorials, and easy hacks for thoroughly overhauling small backyards—and very few of them actually require a professional designer. Time to start dreaming and saving big!
Have a Seat
Adding seating to your yard opens you up to a world of possibilities: You can dine alfresco, you've got a great new spot to crack open a new book, and so much more. Laying down gravel or pebbles is a good place to start; next, add a table and chairs.
Install a Simple Stone Path
We're fans of stone paths for both pragmatic and aesthetic reasons. They're beautiful, of course, but they're also the easiest and most convenient way to get from place to place. No need to wander through your freshly cut grass anymore!
Install a Simple Stone Path
We're fans of stone paths for both pragmatic and aesthetic reasons. They're beautiful, of course, but they're also the easiest and most convenient way to get from place to place. No need to wander through your freshly cut grass anymore!
Upgrade a Garden Shed
Got an old shed that's a bit of an eyesore? Renovate — or tear it down, and build it into something you actually want — like this lean-to gathering spot!
Get Fancy with Water Features
Of course if money is no object, you could design an entire house around the landscape! For this Wyoming home, architects utilized an ancient aquifer to add truly remarkable water features.
Line a Path with Lavender
Lavender is practically indestructible, comes in beautiful hues, and is deer-resistant
