Landscaping ideas: 27 ways to transform your plot with levels, walls, floors, and more

Good landscaping ideas are crucial for taking a garden from drab to fab. Perhaps you're working with a blank canvas or just want to make a few tweaks to your existing design. Either way, there are all kinds of things you can do to transform your space into the yard of your dreams. 

And we're not just talking about how it looks, although that, of course, is important. As with all good garden design ideas, the best landscaping solutions are practical, too, enabling you to use your space exactly how you wish. Think statement walls and screens for dividing zones, stretches of water as soothing focal points, stepping stone pathways, floating benches, and other stunning features. In fact, there are so many options it can be tricky to know where to begin.

We're here to help with your makeover plan by bringing together plenty of looks for you to get inspired by.

From quick additions and DIY jobs to bigger, call-in-a-builder projects, we've got ideas for all styles and budgets here. We're sure you'll find something you love in this selection.

BY SARAH WARWICK, HOLLY CROSSLEY

Garden paths tend to be a crucial factor in a landscaping design, leading the way from A to B. And there are plenty of ways to get creative with them – from the shape and form they take to the materials you use. 

Think about the effect different types of paths will have on the way you move across your plot. A meandering, stepping stone pathway around flower beds feels relaxed and will encourage a sense of play, for instance. Meanwhile, a sleek, paved walkway with recessed lights is a practical solution for areas of heavy traffic – perfect as a front yard landscaping idea.

This example provides easy access to the raised beds and decked zone, without the need to walk on the lawn (handy for when it's raining or frosty). It looks great too – we love the mix of timber sleepers and gravel with the smart stone edge. And tucking it to the side is a wise move – positioning a path right down the middle of your plot is a common landscaping mistake that is seldom practical.

Have you ever considered bringing pool ideas into your plot? Whether you want to host the best parties in town or simply get in some more exercise, they're a lovely addition to a garden when the weather warms. Add some loungers to the side and it'll be your new favorite place to relax, guaranteed.

You can go for round shapes, square shapes, the classic kidney bean, or even a natural pool if you're not too keen on chemicals (plus, due to all the planting, they look gorgeous all year round). This rectangular design, however, works well with the surrounding pool landscaping ideas, and ties in neatly with the lawn, clipped hedges, and sleek exterior of the home.

A stretch of verdant lawn can be a lovely addition to a landscape design, and is perfect for summer picnics or for the kids to have a run-around. 

Line it with colorful borders bursting with blooms for a beautiful display: there are lots of options when it comes to landscaping with flowers for prettifying a plot. Garden edging in between will keep things looking neat.

A deck is a reliable way to create an outdoor extension of your living space, and can look stunning too.

Decks are perfect for grills, dining tables, potted plants (including herbs and veggies), and even hot tubs. While they're traditionally made of wood, composite decks made of new synthetic materials are gaining popularity. It's understandable – they're much lower maintenance and they don't splinter.

You can even utilize different levels in your decking – for a sunken seating space, for instance. But a deck doesn't have to be multi-tiered if you don't have space, of course. Single-tiered raised decking can create a flat and level dining area immediately outside the house or at the end of the garden, for instance.

Bringing patio ideas into your landscaping scheme is a super practical choice, providing a stable base for all your outdoor living needs. And, the paving you pick can be a leading factor in your backyard design.

Choose a style that complements the exterior of your home for a harmonious look. Take this setup, for instance. It oozes a sense of industrial cool with its pared-down, concrete pavers, that wrap around the edge of the house leading to a small pool area. Sleek porcelain is another chic (and durable) paving idea for a modern result.

If you prefer a softer finish, natural stone in warm tones may be the way forward.

If you're looking for an easy ground cover that's affordable, too, landscaping with gravel is a fantastic approach. It's simple to install and there's none of the fuss of mowing that you'd get with a lawn. Plus, it's good for garden drainage.

Gravel is also super versatile, complementing both modern plots and period properties, like the example above. What's more, you can plant straight into it: there are all kinds of plants that will be right at home in their stony surroundings.

We like how this graveled space has been raised, providing additional interest to the layout of the garden. The rustic stone edging makes a lovely touch, and ties in beautifully with the traditional planters.

If you love having guests over, it's a good idea to add an outdoor entertaining space to your backyard landscaping ideas.

You can keep things as simple or as elaborate as you like. Perhaps a quiet patio with a dining table is all you need, or maybe an outdoor kitchen complete with plumbing and electricity, plus a lounge area with a fire pit, is more fitting.

For something along the lines of the latter option, take a look at this gorgeous patio which features a cozy fireplace and sleek outdoor bar. It's the perfect setting for throwing an alfresco get-together with family and friends.

Hilly yards can be a little trickier to landscape than flat ones, but with some good sloping garden ideas, you can still create your own personal oasis. 

One of the best approaches is to bring in terraces, by leveling out different areas of your backyard and then connecting them with gently curving paths or smart steps. In this stunning plot, for example, a terrace with loungers sits downhill from the house.

Once you've added your levels, the options are almost endless: you can install everything from small pools to dining areas to fire pits, creating different 'rooms' as you go.

If you're short on time, or live somewhere that's consistently hot and dry, then consider using landscaping ideas to create a stylish dry garden.

Drought-tolerant plants are perfect for this sort of style and there are so many colors and textures to choose from. Landscaping with grasses is also a good approach to add airy height and form.

You might consider dotting larger stones or boulders about the scene, too.

When you plan your garden layout, you may wish to make some areas more private than others with the help of screens. Plus, dividing a space up into separate zones in this way will make it feel more enticing to explore and can also make your plot seem bigger.

There are all kinds of garden screening ideas you can use – from dense planting and woven panels to trellises and walls – so pick one that will complement your theme. A bright blue wall is a great choice for this garden, adding an element of freshness and fun whilst keeping the dining space sheltered from the house beyond.

Painting an existing wall or fence a vibrant new shade is also a great option if you're on the lookout for cheap landscaping ideas.

Urban gardens tend to be a little overlooked, which is why good garden privacy ideas are a must-have for a more exclusive feel. But, if your plot is on the smaller side, a tall wall or fence on all four sides may make your outdoor space feel ‘boxed-in’ and claustrophobic. Opting for a leafy screen instead is a softer approach.

You can choose from a variety of plants, from dense evergreen arborvitae trees to quick-growing bamboo. Alternatively, pick hedging plants for a dense green screen, or, for an attractive option that takes up less floor space, plant a row of espaliered trees. White-barked varieties look particularly elegant – as demonstrated here – or opt for fruit trees to enjoy spring blossom and an autumn harvest.

Just make sure whatever you plant will thrive in your specific climate, and definitely take seasonality into consideration – if your trees drop their leaves in the fall, they might not do such a great job maintaining your privacy in the winter.

If you're contemplating decking ideas for your garden, you could consider going one step further and extending it to a surrounding fence, just like in this scene.

The result is a very modern 'garden room' that will feel sheltered and private – the perfect base for some statement outdoor furniture. 

Add splashes of color with a selection of planters, or even an integrated tree for something a little more unusual. We love the sculptural shape of this acer and how it offers contrasting texture and vibrancy to its surroundings: a great example of landscaping with trees.

Making the most of your outdoor space is easy if you have a cover installed, whether that's a gazebo, awning, or simply a roof that's built directly onto the side of your home. So, if you're including a patio or deck in your landscaping scheme, it's well worth considering a shelter overhead.

If you're not strictly after shade, opt for a clear roof to keep the scene bright and light. Plus, that way you can look up and admire the blue sky, pattering rain, or the nighttime stars. And if it's sturdy enough, you can utilize overhead beams when it comes to your furniture – a hanging chair is one of this year's must-haves.

There are tons of patio cover ideas to choose from for an outdoor space. But, with a little imagination and creativity (and, admittedly, a bit of a budget) they can become a permanent fixture in your garden that will elevate not only the overall look but also extend the time you spend outdoors, all year round.

This spectacular design was spotted at a Chelsea show garden. We love how the sleek hardwood canopy frames the view of the flower-filled space beyond, with the timber pleasingly contrasting against the paving and stone.

Benches offer ample space to sit, while integrated lights will illuminate the zone come nightfall. It's a wonderful twist on a classic pergola.

When planning a backyard makeover, take time to sit down and make a proper plan. And once you know the things you need to prioritize, you can begin organizing them into zones: a smart approach for larger yards.

We're loving how this clever mid-height planter serves a multitude of purposes. Sure, its crisp white edges look great, adding to the plot's modern look and complementing the architectural alliums. But it also helps to divide the space, separating the seating area from a lawn and garden building beyond. What's more, it serves as a support for the floating benches, which offer a pared-back, zen-like feel.

The stepping stone pathway adds to the contemporary vibe, while drawing the eye down to the sleek deck. Don't miss the paneled fence too, where more clean lines help to elongate the space.

Outdoor shower ideas are growing in popularity – particularly in warmer regions. What could be better on a hot day than a cool rinse-off outdoors? And, of course, they're handy for washing muddy boots or pets, too.

You don't need acres of space to add one, as this setup shows. We're loving the patterned tiles which add a fun flair, while plenty of surrounding foliage gives a spa-like vibe to the scene. 

Got more space? Outdoor bathtub ideas are another, or additional, option for turning your plot into a serene sanctuary.

Building outdoor kitchen ideas into your landscaping plan is a brilliant approach for those who love to entertain. And nowadays, there are tons of styles to choose from, from sleek worktops to rustic pizza ovens that will instantly transport your patio to the Med.

Whatever type of setup you go for, the space will become the social hub of your home all throughout the summer months. And, you can enjoy cooking up all your favorite feasts in the fresh air – bliss.

Garden walls are a staple feature in landscaping ideas, dividing one zone to the next, screening off less-than-sightly views, and providing shelter for seating spaces or more tender plants. But, practical as they may be, walls can also be a stylish statement for your plot and help pull together a theme.

Take this design for instance, which brings a striking, contemporary backdrop to oversized containers brimming with plants. Living walls are another option – and are perfect for getting more greenery into a smaller space. 

Or, how about a wall water feature? They are having a real moment right now in garden design and it's easy to see why.

Have you recently treated yourself to some stylish garden furniture? Creating a distinct backdrop behind your seating spot is a great way to show it off.

This cool gray color adds an urban edge whilst allowing the chairs to take center stage with their intricate woven design. What's more, the difference in materials helps to distinguish the zone, giving the plot more structure and direction.

If you're not a fan of gray, then you could pick something bold instead – try ochre yellow, raspberry pink, or cobalt blue, for example.

Patio flooring ideas don't have to be plain. Adding a patterned design is an easy way to transform a small back garden that doesn't have grass, or zone off part of a bigger plot. 

Make sure any tiles you choose are suitable for outdoor areas – porcelain designs are usually your best bet. They need to withstand frost, be durable enough for garden life, and offer some level of slip resistance for added safety when wet.

Garden seating can be built-in as well as freestanding. It's a top option for smaller gardens as it's more space-efficient. Plus, you don't have to worry about storage over the winter. Don't just save it for seating, though – a bench is also the perfect place to show off plants. 

For maximum impact, pick your garden planters' proportions to fit the space – too many small pots could look chaotic. A hit of color will make them more of a feature, too, as will choosing strong shapes.

Good backyard landscaping ideas take everyone's needs into account. So, if you've got children or grandchildren, consider making a special kids-only zone to keep them happily entertained as part of your family garden ideas.

This stunning setup, complete with a sandpit and chalkboard, demonstrates how it doesn't have to be an eyesore. The trick is to stick to materials that blend into the surroundings, such as the natural timber seen here.

If you've got the space, you may want to bring in some larger play equipment – slides and swings will always tempt kids outside and away from their screens. Just don't forget to include an area for grown-ups, too.

Whether you need some shade on your deck, your patio, or a grassy lounge area on your lawn, a pergola is a stylish way to block out some of the sun's intensity and frame the zone.

There are plenty of prefab pergolas that you can buy online for relatively reasonable prices. Alternatively, you could splurge on a custom high-tech variant, like this example, in which the slats are mechanized and can be adjusted to control the amount of light let through. These days, you can often add lights and heating too.

Horizontal slatted garden fence panels have a contemporary style that can give your garden a whole new feel. A design like this can introduce more daylight to your outside space too, as it'll let the light through rather than block it. It can also allow a cooling breeze in, which you'll appreciate on hot summer days. 

Bear in mind, though, that although it will obscure you somewhat it won't create complete privacy. If that's what you need at the boundary, try using this style of fence as screening within the garden instead.

Yards can be a lot of work, so if you're looking for low-maintenance garden ideas, opt for artificial turf instead of planting grass. There's no need to water or mow, making it the perfect option for someone who loves the look of grass but doesn't have the time to take care of it. 

Artificial turf is also an excellent option for those who have small yards in a more urban environment – it can be installed atop concrete or asphalt, though you should work with a professional installer to work through potential issues with drainage.

You don't have to build a wall from stone to enjoy the beauty and tactility of the landscaping material in your garden. Cladding can be added to boring brick boundaries to give them a fresh lease of life, or used to help create a screen, as seen here.

Although it's a thin layer, cladding will make the wall appear to be solid stone, and it can dress up low walls as well as full-height versions. There are lots of different stone effects, too, so you can get a contemporary or more rustic look.

You might not have the space to dig a pond, but water features can be added to your garden landscaping in all but the tiniest of plots. They'll provide a lovely focal point and a soothing sound, boosting the sensory qualities of your backyard.

This mirrored design works well in a contemporary garden, reflecting the vibrant planting to create a mesmerizing effect.