Part of the job of owning a home is being able to create your aesthetic, both inside and out. From paint choice to décor, there are ample opportunities to create a unique place of your own. One part of this is landscaping.
Most homeowners have a yard, but not everyone puts a lot of effort into setting their house apart from the rest.
Whether you decide to invest in beautiful topiaries, exquisite statues, or even something as simple as a well-curated flower bed, here are ideas to help you get inspired.
We’ve rounded up 30 unique landscaping ideas to spruce up your backyard or front yard space to distinguish your home from the rest.
1. A Modern Garden
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This modern garden is not what you’d expect when thinking of a traditional garden.
The neutral stone rocks create a backdrop for the pop of green provided by the foliage. Carefully curated circular shrubs are the focal point here in this beautiful, clean, modern garden.
2. Metal Garden Arch
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Update a classic arch by keeping it clean and not overrun by invasive greenery.
Adding a pop of color makes for an inviting atmosphere. Try installing the arch at the beginning of a driveway for a more regal vibe.
3. Modern Zen Garden
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The modern zen garden is both appealing to the eye and the soul with its square aesthetic.
The small, square ponds and cool, grey stones offer a nice place to relax. This corner of your backyard can be the perfect area for the end of a long day.
4. A Literal Flower Bed
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This avant-garde flower bed is for the lighthearted. Bury the bed and add colorful flowers for a landscaping idea that will get attention.
5. Mushroom Stone Sculpture
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A stone structure for the playful, the mushroom stone sculpture is both cute and classic.
Add this to your garden to bring a bit of life to an otherwise ordinary flower garden.
6. Cubed Trees
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Add some symmetry to your yard with something like these unique, square-cut trees.
This idea will help trim down some front yard trees while adding originality to the project.
7. Planted Ombre Flowers
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Not a traditional ombre, but planting flowers in diagonal rows in various shades of the same color adds an extra level of thoughtful design to your yard.
8. Retro Flower Baskets
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Use flower baskets to give your front porch or front yard a unique planting style. You can even mix these wicker baskets into your garden or backyard landscaping.
9. Cacti Garden
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Don’t be afraid to use cacti to spice up your landscaping space. Cacti thrive in more dry environments, so if you live in a warmer climate, look into adding cacti to your yard.
10. Bonsai Trees
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Though they’re small, bonsai trees live for an extremely long time. They’re also used for meditation due to their specific upkeep needs.
So, why not plant a tree in your backyard and reap the rewards of taking care of your own bonsai?
11. Animal Stone Sculpture
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Adding a fun, animal-shaped stone sculpture to your yard will add something extra to your home beyond the classic gnome.
12. Animal Topiary
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Take your garden to the next level by commissioning a piece of art made from shrubs!
13. Colorful Stone Tiles
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Upgrade your run-of-the-mill grey stone walk with colorful stone tiles like these.
14. Fountain Centerpiece
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If you have the space for a fountain, bring one in to give your garden a central focal point. Add greenery and flowers to encircle the fountain for an extra touch of color.
15. Modern Bridge Design
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This modern, wood-planked bridge will provide the perfect break from the greenery. Mixing wood and flowers translates well for a modern look.
16. Rock Garden
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Not into plants? Use different colored rocks for a bit of separation from the standard grey color scheme.
If you’re feeling creative, place the stones in a design of your choice for a beautiful rock garden.
17. Tulip Cluster Garden
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Not everyone thinks of tulips when they think of what to make the focal point of their garden, but these tall-stemmed flowers look great standing above the rest.
18. Swirling Pond
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Take your pond to the next level by implementing a swirl design to direct the water flow to another area and add something unique to your space.
19. ZigZag Garden
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Use both flowers and shrubs to create a strict but colorful pattern that weaves its way in front of your home or business.
20. Floating Stepping Block
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Spice up the walkway with these blocks that give the illusion of floating. Contrast dark and light colors for the ultimate effect.
21. Luxurious Waterfall
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Add in these unique waterfalls that seem to come out of the greenery on the side of the home.
The waterfalls can go into a pond, but if you have an unlimited budget, they look really cool going into a pool.
22. Hit the Lights
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Simple but effective lighting can elevate your current landscape. These glowing globes sit right on the lawn and add a sense of wonder to your already completed look.
23. Maze Inspiration
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Take inspiration from the classic maze and implement it on a smaller scale. You can use the classic trees cut into a maze or combine flowers and cement to create one.
24. Walls of Green
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Though it can be time-consuming and upkeep may be a challenge, using greenery on the side of a building is a great way to show your personality to passersby.
25. Use Large Flower Pots
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Flower pots can be part of the landscaping design as well. Use the coloring of the flowers to your liking and find flower pots that make a statement.
26. Or Old Shoes
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An old shoe can also be used for flower pots if you are the eccentric type!
27. Swirling Tree
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This classic but beautiful tree cut into the shape of a swirl will bring character to your yard.
28. Colorful Fence
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Sometimes a fence is necessary for privacy, but you can upgrade it with everyday items like fans or even flowers.
29. Glass Bottle Fence
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Speaking of fences, you may need to add on when you are building your design. You can recycle items like empty bottles to make a fence that is unique to you.
30. Seashell Accents
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Seashells aren’t just for the beach. Try adding some to your yard, along with some ancient-looking pots, for a complete look. We think this idea would look great in coastal-themed homes.
Things to Consider
As with all DIY projects, it is important to consider a few things before you embark on a landscaping project:
- Will you have the energy to execute this project yourself?
- You may need to save up for a while to afford the renovations
- Will you need to outsource the entire project to a professional company?
Either way, these ideas can offer inspiration to you for any budget or need.
Which Landscaping Idea Will You Choose?
Choosing a landscaping design can be challenging, but it allows you to harness your creativity and build a certain pride in your project. And our landscaping idea roundup is a great place to start.
Regardless of what features or influences you use as inspiration, ensure that you are equipped to take on the project you have set your sights on, and most importantly, have fun!