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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!
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1
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.
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2
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!
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3
Gather Around the Fire
A fire pit is the easiest way to ensure that your backyard is the talk of the town this summer. Your neighbors won't be able to get enough! If you do go this route though, don't forget to stock your pantry with plenty of marshmallows and graham crackers.
See more DIY outdoor fireplace ideas.
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4
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!
See more garden shed upgrades.
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5
Build a Sophisticated Treehouse
A treehouse isn't just for kids, you know! Sure, they might spend the most time in it, but don't discount the whimsy and fun that a treehouse will add to your backyard.
See more amazing adult-sized treehouses.
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6
Grow Patio Roses
A rose arch running over a garden path or along a patio door frame will give any space an English countryside feel. (It helps to have an adorable dog as well!)
Find popular garden rose varieties.
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7
Line a Staircase with Flowers
Here, a pair of Napa Valley homeowners enhanced their wine-country facade with the warmest welcome—florals dotting the modern brick front steps.
Read more about great garden flowers.
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8
Gussy Up the Entrance
Neutral fanatic and Country Living frequenter Nancy Fishelson welcomes guests to her Orchard Park, New York home with a bit of punchy flower power and complementary elongated topiaries.
Read more on Nancy Fishelson.
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9
Plant a Floral Border
Use a bed of blooms to separate the driveway pavement from the grass, as designer Loi Thai did with this Maine fixer-upper.
Read more garden edging ideas.
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10
Go Natural in your Garden Beds
A California family of seven transferred their affinity for white decorations outside the house, as well, which makes for an eye-catching garden bed contrast.
Read more raised bed garden ideas.
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11
Plant Symmetrical Saplings
Once you get past the wonder that is this barn-top-floor-turned-functioning-farmhouse, gain inspiration from the matching exterior evergreens that frame the hayloft just right.
Read more about the farmhouse.
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12
Make an Urban Escape
Thanks to rustic rockers, a collection of terra-cotta pots, and climbing vines, you'd never guess at first glance that this seemingly pastoral townhouse garden terrace lies in the heart of New York City's storied West Village neighborhood.
Read more about the townhouse.
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13
Add a Mid-Garden Hangout
After renovating their farmhouse, a Wisconsin family set their sights on their backyard, adding wooden garden beds (designed to look like old fruit boxes!) around a dug-out fire pit and seating area.
Read more about this renovated farmhouse.
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14
Install a Galvanized Water Trough
If your backyard already includes chickens (or ducks!) — or if you just want to keep your furry friends hydrated, consider adding a unique DIY rustic water feature, like an inground watering trough.
Read more about raising backyard chickens.
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15
Add a Garden Arbor
Leave it to Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame to design such a stunning walkway for her garden. The vine-covered arbor overhead gives the outdoor space an ethereal feel.
Read more about Joanna Gaines' farmhouse garden.
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16
Add a Topiary or Two
Topiaries are a staple of New England landscaping. They're especially fitting in the colorful garden of this quite-nice Connecticut farmhouse.
Read more about the Connecticut farmhouse.
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17
Repurpose a Bike Into a Planter
Landscaping doesn't have to break the bank. Give old items a second life as garden structures or planters like blogger Carlene Blair of Organized Clutter did with this bicycle in her self-described "junk garden."
Read more about Carlene Blair's junk garden.
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18
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.
Read more about this amazing Wyoming home.
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19
Add Some Simple Flower Beds
Flower beds bursting with a variety of textures and colors add interest to this rustic barn-turned-guest house, while hanging flower pots anchor the porch.
Read more about this rustic barn-turned-guest house.
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20
Line a Path with Lavender
Lavender is practically indestructible, comes in beautiful hues, and is deer-resistant.
Read more about how to grow lavender.
