23 Simple Landscape Designs for an Easy Outdoor Space Refresh

Last updated on October 29, 2025

Check out how these simple landscape designs use clean lines, easy-care plants, and smart layouts to create calm, good-looking spaces.

We design simple yards inspired by the way people actually live—coffee on the steps, muddy dogs, spontaneous dinners. Fewer parts, more life, and plants that won’t stage a revolt.

Our approach is clean lines, native layers, and shapes that guide the eye and the feet. Low-maintenance, water-wise, and kind to budgets and seasons.

We solved the unglamorous bits (drainage, privacy, storage) so the pretty moments can shine. Think seating that invites conversation, paths that don’t trip you, and lighting that flatters everyone.

Take a quick look at landscapes that feel calm and get better each year. If a hose, a weekend, and a good mulch can keep it tidy, we’re in.

Modern Patio With Sunken Fire Pit

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Backyard with pergola, lawn, and sunken fire pit

Clean geometry leads the eye from the pergola dining area to a crisp expanse of lawn and a sunken fire pit lounge. Low hedges, lavender mounds, and ornamental grasses soften the edges, keeping the mood relaxed rather than regimented.

Inspired by modern minimalism and resort courtyards, the layout balances hardscape and green space for easy entertaining. Neutral stone, warm wood tones, and lush textures feel sophisticated yet unfussy—like a little vacation you don’t have to pack for.

Curved Border With Lush Shade Garden

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Neat lawn with layered shade plants

A crescent bed of hostas, ferns, and evergreens hugs the fence, creating soft layers of cool greens and chartreuse. The tidy dark mulch edge frames the lawn like eyeliner, but for plants.

Trailing baskets and a small stone pagoda add vertical interest and a hint of Zen calm. It borrows from woodland garden cues, maximizing texture and shade tolerance without demanding high maintenance.

Pebble Path Through Blooming Oasis

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Curving pebble walkway with hydrangeas and evergreens

A meandering river of smooth pebbles is edged with chunky stone, guiding the eye past mounded evergreens, hostas, and lavender. Hydrangeas pop in electric blue while ornamental grasses soften the borders like nature’s throw pillows.

Touches of Japanese garden influence appear in the bamboo accents, stone lantern, and artful boulders, creating calm without feeling fussy. It’s a low-maintenance scheme inspired by dry creek beds and cottage borders—zen meets country, minus the raked-sand chore.

Sculpted Lawn With Floral Crescents

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Curved garden beds with colorful blooms around manicured lawn

Sweeping, scalloped beds carve into the lawn, framing a jewel-box mix of hydrangeas, daylilies, phlox, and neatly clipped boxwood orbs. A small ornamental tree anchors the center, giving the scene a calm focal point amid the color burst.

The palette leans cottage-garden romantic, but the crisp edging and mulched rings keep it polished and low-fuss. It’s inspired by classic English borders updated with modern, easy-care structure—like wearing hiking boots with a tux and somehow pulling it off.

Cedar Retreat With Garden Patio

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Cozy patio with wicker seating, fire table, and manicured lawn beside a cedar-clad home

A smooth stone terrace anchors wicker lounge seating around a clean-lined fire table, framed by clipped boxwood and perennial borders. The cedar siding and natural stone on the house echo the garden’s earth tones for a warm, lodge-like vibe without the moose antlers.

Beyond the patio, a ribbon of river rock, a small water feature, and a tidy shed create layers of texture and purpose. Evergreen backdrops and breezy birches inspire a calm, woodland feel—like a weekend getaway you don’t have to drive to.

Zen Stream Bed With Evergreen Hedges

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Curving pebble river through mulched garden

A sinuous ribbon of river rock flows through rich, cocoa mulch, bordered by low, sculpted shrubs and anchoring boulders. Upright evergreens form a tidy privacy screen against the metal fence, giving the scene structure without feeling fussy.

The palette leans on soothing grays, deep browns, and fresh greens for a calm, modern vibe inspired by dry creek beds and Japanese gardens. It’s low-maintenance, water-wise, and just whimsical enough to make you expect tiny boats to float by after a rain.

Checkerboard Patio In Palm Grove

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Rattan seating around brick fire pit

A checkerboard of terracotta, charcoal, and cream pavers sets a playful stage for a circular brick fire pit and breezy rattan seating. Tall palms and clipped hedges frame the space, creating a cozy outdoor room that whispers tropical resort without the airfare.

Low, structured borders anchor glossy foliage while warm uplighting grazes trunks to add evening drama. The look blends mid-century geometry with island vibes—comfort-forward, cocktail-ready, and just daring enough to make marshmallows a design accessory.

Twilight Palms With Soothing Soak

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Modern backyard with lit palms and hot tub

A low, white planter anchors a row of uplighted palms against a matte-black privacy fence, turning evening light into a calm, resort-like glow. Crisp concrete pads with grass joints frame a velvety lawn, giving the space a clean, grid-like rhythm that feels effortless.

A curved deck steps up to a round spa, softening the strong geometry and inviting a slow exhale after a long day. The palette—charcoal, white, warm wood, and lush green—borrows from coastal minimalism, proving you can have vacation vibes without packing a suitcase.

Color-Banded Border Along Emerald Lawn

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Curved flower bed with bright blooms and edging

A sweeping lawn edge frames layered color, from chartreuse hostas to purple phlox and red-white annuals. Rounded boxwoods and a small ornamental tree add structure so the border looks tidy even on lazy mowing days.

Natural wood edging and dark mulch create crisp contrast that makes the hues pop, like a garden wearing eyeliner. The planting palette borrows from cottage gardens but keeps a modern rhythm with repeated shapes and staggered heights.

Terraced Lounge With Glow And Plunge

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Cozy sunken fire pit beside lit plunge pool

Warm cedar cladding and trim lines create a layered courtyard with a sunken conversation pit and a glowing plunge pool. Integrated LED uplights wash the fence and sculpted trees, giving the space that movie-set magic without the drama.

Built-in benches, pebble bands, and square pavers keep the geometry crisp, while neutral cushions soften the edges. The look borrows from spa minimalism and California modernism—think calm, clean, and just a little brag-worthy.

Cottage Patio With Citrus Accents

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Small patio with gray shed, orange door, and lounge chairs under an orange umbrella; surrounded by lush plantings and stone steps

A compact cottage patio pops with citrus orange accents against cool gray shingles and slate pavers. Wood railings frame the platform while layered planters and clipped boxwoods soften every edge.

Flagstone steps lead from the lawn to a cozy seating pair that begs for slow Saturday coffee. The palette borrows from classic coastal cottages, then adds bold umbrella-and-door color for a cheerful twist—like sunshine on demand.

Cottage Nook With Meandering Bloom Walk

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Curved lawn with stepping stones to a cozy wood deck and shed, bordered by colorful perennials

A sweeping ribbon of lawn frames drifts of lavender, salvia, and pastel foxgloves, guiding the eye along a stepping-stone path. The rhythm of rounded shrubs and soft silver foliage adds calm, like a deep breath after mowing.

At the end, a cedar platform and matching shed create a warm anchor for lounge seating and terracotta pots. The palette nods to English cottage charm with modern lines—proof that order and whimsy can happily share a backyard.

Geometric Greens With Sculpted Hedges

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Formal lawn framed by boxwood hedges, agaves, and palms

A crisply edged lawn anchors the space, wrapped in low boxwood borders and punctuated by sculptural agaves and clipped lollipop trees. Stepping stones lead to a simple urn on boulders, giving just enough drama without stealing the show.

The palette plays with silvery foliage against deep green, inspired by modern Mediterranean courtyards. Clean geometry keeps maintenance easy, while the soft curves and staggered plant heights prevent it from feeling too buttoned-up—garden tuxedo, sneakers optional.

Circular Courtyard With Blooming Fringe

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Round patio with umbrella and flowers

A crisp circular terrace of warm stone is framed by concentric paver bands and sculpted boxwood, creating a tidy stage for the glass-top dining set and umbrella. Perennial drifts of lavender, hydrangea, and black-eyed Susans add soft color that plays beautifully against the neat geometry.

This layout borrows from classic parterre gardens, then loosens up with cottage-style planting for a friendly, not-too-serious vibe. The symmetry keeps maintenance simple while the blooms do all the showing off—no tuxedo required.

Courtyard Cabana With Birch Serenity

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Modern courtyard with wood cabana, birch trees, and boxwood borders

Clean-lined paving frames a crisp rectangle of lawn, while clipped boxwoods and feathery grasses add soft structure. A warm cedar cabana with lattice sides anchors the space, offering shade and a quiet lounge moment.

Slender birches and trellised climbers lend height without heaviness, channeling a calm, urban Zen vibe. The palette sticks to greens, creams, and natural wood, inspired by Scandinavian courtyards where order meets easygoing comfort.

Porch Path With Painterly Flower Mounds

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Colorful cottage border along a curving walkway

A white-trimmed porch welcomes you with a ribbon of pale pavers that curves through richly mulched planting beds. Rounded mounds of perennials and shrubs—golden spirea, burgundy heuchera, airy grasses, and cheerful daisies—create a lively, layered tapestry.

The palette riffs on cottage charm, balancing high-contrast foliage with pops of marigold orange and lavender to echo the sage-green siding. Soft curves keep the eye moving, and those tidy mounds say “I’m low-maintenance” while secretly showing off.

Limestone Terrace With Boxwood Symmetry

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Modern patio with limestone pavers, trimmed hedges, and built-in grill framed by rounded boxwoods and pink blooms

Clean-lined limestone paving sets a crisp stage for two cozy seating zones and a sleek outdoor kitchen, all framed by sculpted boxwoods and soft pink hydrangeas. The geometric step lights and pebble inlays add a gentle glow that says “stay for one more drink.”

This layout borrows from modern Italian gardens—orderly bones with plush textures—then loosens the mood with warm wood furniture and relaxed cushions. Agave accents and charcoal gravel provide contrast, making the greenery pop like it dressed up for date night.

Sunlit Deck With Lattice Privacy Nook

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Small cedar deck with lattice screen, bench seating, and potted plants beside raised beds of succulents and greens

A compact timber deck steps down to raised planters, mixing crisp lines with lush textures. The lattice privacy wall filters light like a cozy sundial, while the slim pergola casts graphic shadows for drama without bulk.

Potted evergreens and succulents flank a teak bench and side table, creating a tidy perch for morning coffee and nosy neighbors to admire. The planting palette riffs on edible greens and drought-tolerant rosettes, inspired by urban homesteads where style and salad happily share the same square footage.

Shoreline Cottage With Curved Bloom Walk

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Stone cottage deck overlooking lush lawn and colorful flower borders by the water

A cedar-toned deck hugs the stone cottage, flowing into a sinuous ribbon of emerald lawn. Layered beds brim with geraniums, crocosmia, and hostas, creating a soft frame that guides the eye toward the water—because views deserve a proper runway.

The design borrows from English cottage sensibilities, then streamlines it with clean deck lines and restrained furniture. Textural contrasts between rough stone, smooth decking, and feathery foliage keep it lively without shouting—like a garden that knows its inside voice.

Fountain Courtyard With Formal Hydrangea Beds

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Compact courtyard with central tiered fountain, gray pergola, boxwood balls, and blue hydrangea borders

A crisp checkerboard path leads to a classic tiered fountain, framed by clipped boxwood globes and silvery groundcovers. Hydrangea mounds pop in soft blues and whites, playing beautifully against charcoal stone edging and sleek planters.

Tall evergreens and a stone privacy wall create a hushed, green backdrop, letting the fountain do the talking (in gentle burbles). The look borrows from formal European gardens, then lightens up with modern containers and a clean pergola for a timeless, low-key luxe vibe.

Tropical Nook With Succulent Bistro

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Small circular patio with wooden bistro set amid lush tropical and flowering plants

A snug circular paver patio tucks a folding bistro set into a verdant pocket of the yard, ringed by tidy boxwood and layered blooms. A petite tiered plant stand brims with succulents, adding texture and a playful “mini desert meets jungle” contrast.

Towering fronds and banana leaves create a canopy effect, while cascades of ivy and bright geraniums punch in cheerful color. The mix feels inspired by European courtyard cafes and tropical garden rooms—casual, charming, and perfect for lingering over coffee.

Charcoal Planters With Produce Promenade

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Narrow garden with black raised beds and stepping-stone path

Sleek black raised planters line a straight gravel walk, creating a tidy kitchen garden that feels crisp and intentional. Square pavers march down the center like minimalist breadcrumbs, guiding you to a modern slatted gate and arch.

Vegetables climb slim metal trellises while bright marigolds and petunias add cheery pops of color—beauty with a job description. The design borrows from urban courtyards and modern farm aesthetics, balancing productive rows with graphic contrasts for a space that’s as photogenic as it is practical.

Meandering Meadow With Bench And Birdbath

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Stone path through colorful cottage garden with bench and birdbath

A stepping-stone path wanders through layered perennials, guiding the eye to a weathered bench and petite birdbath at the heart of the planting. Soft mounds of salvia, coneflower, yarrow, and ornamental grasses create a painterly mix of purples, pinks, and sunny yellows.

The design borrows from cottage-garden romance but tightens it with crisp edging, spaced stones, and repeating plant hues for calm amid the color. It’s a pollinator-friendly refuge that feels curated yet effortless—like it woke up fabulous without trying too hard.

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