15 Modern Landscape Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project

When it comes to modern landscaping, homeowners have more options than ever. In addition to traditional grassy lawns, there are now artificial turf options, drought-tolerant plants, and even installations that require little to no maintenance.

The best modern landscape for your home will ultimately depend on a few factors including your personal preference, the area you live in, and what you’re willing to budget for your project. So, let’s take the time to research your options and find what works best for you.

Less Is More

With landscaping, it's easy to get carried away when you have a large space and many options. After all, there are so many possibilities. While it can be tempting to implement several ideas at once, it's important to remember that less is usually more.

A well-designed landscape should complement your home and not overwhelm it. It should be simple and easy to maintain, making it an attractive and useful addition to your home. Consider the amount of time and money you’ll be dedicating to lawn maintenance. Rapidly growing shrubs will need to be cut back and shaped often while adding a few potted plants to your front porch will require little maintenance and offer more flexibility. While you can get as elaborate as installing a full-blown water feature in your backyard, ask yourself if it complements your home’s current design rather than distracting from it.

Landscape Or Hardscape?

Another thing you'll want to consider before diving into a landscaping project is whether you want to do some landscaping or hardscaping.

Landscaping: the activity of caring for the garden and grounds of a home. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, planting flowers, etc.
Hardscaping: the activity of building or installing structures such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other features that help make a home more attractive and functional.

When you're looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, you'll want to consider both landscaping and hardscaping. You can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space with the right combination of both.

15 Modern Landscape Design Ideas

If you’re looking to liven up your yard, there are plenty of vibrant options to get you there. Here are 15 modern landscape design ideas that will help you create a unique outdoor living space that will have the neighbors talking.

1. Plants/Greenery

One of the simplest ways to spruce up your backyard is to add plants and other greenery throughout the space. This is a great way to add a pop of color and texture to your yard.

If you're just starting with plants, you'll want to stick with smaller potted plants that grow quickly and are easy to care for. Once you start feeling more confident with your gardening skills, you may want to upgrade your yard by adding an array of larger plants and bushes that will add more depth and dimension to your space.

Keep in mind that each plant will require particular amounts of shade, sunlight, and water to thrive. While some plants may do well along your home’s perimeter, others may require their own boxes or garden plots. If you want to avoid wasting money on plants and supplies, you can hire a landscaping company to install and maintain your plants for a quick and effortless effect.

2. Trees

Trees are a great way to add some privacy to your yard and create a natural border between your home and your neighbor's property. They also help to block out unwanted noise and can provide much-needed shade on those hot summer days. Trees can add up to 17 percent to your property value depending on the size and location, so if you’re looking to increase your home’s long-term return on investment, a tree is a great way to start.

Not all lawns have adequate soil to support a tree’s needs, so be sure to do your research before making an expensive purchase. For example, a Japanese maple tree is relatively easy to grow and can provide a beautiful contrast to your lawn with its red leaves. However, if you try to grow a fruit tree in the wrong climate, you’re more likely to waste your money. Some trees can also carry diseases, so it’s always wise to consult an arborist if you’ve noticed trees dying on your property.

3. Grass Tiles

Artificial grass tiles, or turf, are becoming increasingly popular for landscaping, especially in warmer, drier climates where grass may not be the best choice for your yard. Several benefits including water conservation, easy cleaning, and flexibility make them an excellent choice for any yard. These tiles are easy to install and can be placed over nearly any existing surface. This makes them ideal for those who want to add some greenery to their yard without doing much work.

4. Stone Tiles

Stone tiles are an excellent choice for those looking for a more permanent solution for their landscaping needs. They are available in various colors and textures, making them versatile enough to be used in many ways. They can be used to create patios, walkways, and even driveways. Some prefer to plant grass or other small seeds like clovers between the stone tiles for a greener look.

5. Pebbles

Pebbles are a great way to add texture and interest to your landscaping. They can be used to create paths and borders and can even be used in water features. Pebbles are available in an assortment of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect ones to match your landscaping style. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great choice for those on a budget.

Pebbles can also minimize weed growth between your plants, and protect your soil from sunlight, pests, and erosion.

6. Boulders

Boulders are another great way to add texture and unique focal points to your yard. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to create beautiful walls and water features to create hardscape elements in your yard. In addition to adding natural charm, boulders can also act as great balancing tools if you have other large features that might otherwise make your property seem lopsided.

7. Flower Beds

Flower beds are a nice way to add color and texture to your yard without overwhelming the natural elements. The best flower beds are made of a mixture of plants that will attract various kinds of birds and butterflies, but also deter pests. Some options that require minimal maintenance include Globe Amaranth, Zinnias, and Calibrachoa. These are also a wonderful way to support pollinators and other beneficial insects. These varieties often return year after year as well, so you won’t need to worry about sowing every spring.

8. Tiered Gardens

A tiered garden is a little different than your typical garden, it is a series of raised beds separated by a low wall between each bed. You can grow different types of plants in each bed, giving your garden an extra level of dimension. Small inclined along the edges of your property or home are great places to place tiered gardens. They can make a space feel cozier and more developed without requiring extensive hardscaping.

9. Patio Garden

A patio garden is a great way to make use of an empty patio or deck. These can be as simple as a few potted plants or as elaborate as a full-fledged outdoor kitchen. The best part about patio gardens is that they are usually fairly easy to care for since they are in contained spaces and may be partially or fully covered. A patio garden can bring life to an outdoor space and add some interest to the rest of your property. You can also add lighting and other features to make your garden more inviting and functional.

10. Outdoor Living Spaces

Adding outdoor living space is an excellent way to combine landscape design and entertainment if you have the space. This type of space can include a firepit, seating, and even an outdoor kitchen where you can entertain friends and family. These types of spaces can be costly to create but are worth the investment if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Consider adding some hedges or small trees for privacy, and you'll be able to enjoy your time outdoors even with close neighbors.

11. Wooden Decks

Wooden decks can help further improve your outdoor living space. They are a great way to combine nature and style into one space. To incorporate landscaping with your new structure, consider adding some climbing plants, like wisteria, ivy, or roses. These will add some color and life to your deck while also providing privacy from any neighbors. You can also add planters filled with flowers or other plants to help bring nature closer to you.

12. Wall Lighting

Wall lighting is a great way to add some flair to your landscaping. They are available in a variety of designs and can be used to highlight different features in your yard. You can use them to accentuate a beautiful tree, light up a dark corner of the porch, or even line your deck. This type of lighting also makes real estate photos really pop if you're considering selling.

13. Lighted Pathways

Lighted pathways are another way to add some additional lighting to your yard. They can highlight the beauty of your landscape or illuminate the path to your house. These are especially useful if you have a long driveway or live in a rural area. You can find these lights in a variety of designs to match the style of your home, and they can also come in handy in deterring potential burglars.

14. Ornaments, Sculptures, Or Statues

Hardscaping is a great way to add additional features to your yard. Adding statues, sculptures, and other ornaments to your yard is a creative way to add style and character to your landscape. However, this is another category where less is more. While one stone sculpture will look tasteful and interesting, ten may be overwhelming and make lawn maintenance difficult.

15. A Focal Point

If you're looking to add something more unique to your landscape, you'll want to consider adding a focal point, such as a swimming pool, fountain, or fire pit for your family and friends to enjoy. These can help add a bit of character to your yard and increase your lawn's functional space.

Landscaping Done Right With Heroes Lawn Care

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your landscape design journey. With a little creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting oasis. Consider what you want to use your space for and go from there. If you need help getting started, consider hiring a professional landscape designer to help you bring your vision to life.

No matter what type of landscaping you are looking for, the professionals at Heroes Lawn Care are here to help. We have the experience and the knowledge to help you lay the groundwork for the perfect landscape for your home.