Concrete stepping stones act as both entry path and an extra parking space. Photography by Lars Frazer
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury front yard partial sun driveway in Austin with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Midcentury Landscape

Large midcentury front yard partial sun xeriscape in San Francisco with a garden path and gravel for summer.

Mid Century Modern Gem

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The uneven back yard was graded into ¬upper and lower levels with an industrial style, concrete wall. Linear pavers lead the garden stroller from place to place alongside a rain garden filled with swaying grasses that spans the side yard and culminates at a gracefully arching pomegranate tree, A bubbling boulder water feature murmurs soothing sounds. A large steel and willow-roof pergola creates a shady space to dine in and chaise lounges and chairs bask in the surrounding shade. The transformation was completed with a bold and biodiverse selection of low water, climate appropriate plants that make the space come alive. branches laden with impossibly red blossoms and fruit.

Less Is More.....Unless It's A Bore

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

A bluestone stepper path connects the front and rear spaces. Two large spheres are nested into the landscape bed as an homage to mid-century design. Intimate seating and a gas fire pit are visible in the background.

Living Green Wall and Landscape Remodel - Mid-Century Modern Home Sausalito, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Detail of the concrete pathway with polished Mexican pebbles, steel edging and modern light fixtures. We designed and installed this dramatic living wall / vertical garden to add a welcoming focal point, and a great way to add living beauty to the large front house wall. The dated walkway was updated with large geometric concrete pavers with polished black pebbles in between, and a new concrete driveway. Water-wise grasses flowering plants and succulents replace the lawn. This updated modern renovation for this mid-century modern home includes a new garage and front entrance door and modern garden light fixtures. Some photos taken 2 months after installation and recently as well. We designed and installed this dramatic living wall / vertical garden to add a welcoming focal point, and a great way to add plant beauty to the large front wall. A variety of succulents, grass-like and cascading plants were designed and planted to provide long cascading "waves" resulting in appealing textures and colors. The dated walkway was updated with large geometric concrete pavers with polished black pebbles in between, and a new concrete driveway. Water-wise grasses flowering plants and succulents replace the lawn. This updated modern renovation for this mid-century modern home includes a new garage and front entrance door and modern garden light fixtures.

Laurelhurst Modern Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

Dramatic plant textures, modern hardscaping and sharp angles enhanced this mid-century modern bungalow. Soft plants were chosen to contrast with the sharp angles of the pathways and hard edges of the MCM home, while providing all-season interest. Horizontal privacy screens wrap the front porch and create intimate garden spaces – some visible only from the street and some visible only from inside the home. The front yard is relatively small in size, but full of colorful texture.

Valley Club Mid-Century

DD Ford Construction

Jim Bartsch Photography
Large midcentury backyard full sun formal garden in Santa Barbara with a garden path and concrete pavers.

Mississippi River Mid-Mod

J. Jorgensen

Landscaping: Walkabout Outdoor
This is an example of a large midcentury front yard full sun formal garden for summer in Minneapolis with a garden path and brick pavers.

Stairway to Meadow

FormLA Landscaping

Concrete steps lead from the gravel patios to a vibrant IdealMow meadow of Carex pansa peppered with California native accent grasses and wildflowers.

Two mid-century modern front yards

Luciole Design Inc.

Once visitors pass the screen wall, they're welcomed by a fountain, landing deck and seat wall. These elements enclose the front door, creating a more intimate feel even though the door is set like a stage above street level. photo Mike Heacox / Luciole Design

Landscaping

Picture Perfect Lawn

Drought tolerant landscape done to add major curb appeal
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury front yard full sun xeriscape in Other with a garden path and gravel.

Mid Century Modern Remodel

Reikow Landscape Design

RCMedia
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury front yard garden in Seattle with a garden path and gravel.

Mid-Century Front Landscape - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

View of the new entrance to the historical John Randal McDonald designed home. We were retained for the landscape design partially because of our background in architecture and our understanding of the mid-century aesthetic. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Mid Century Modern Gem

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

Mid-Century Front Walk - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The shifted, wedge-shaped concrete panels of the front walk allow for an intersecting bed of grasses. Beach pebble runnels separate the panels while 'Summer Beauty' allium helps to soften the boundary between the driveway and the front walk. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Courtyard Landscape Design Gresham Oregon

Ross NW Watergardens

Baker Blue granite boulders were used to add a sense of age and permanence to the garden. Landscape Design and pictures by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens

Palm Springs - Alexander Butterfly Mid-Century Modern

Robert D. Gentry Photography

Robert D. Gentry
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury partial sun garden in Other with a garden path.

Laurelhurst Modern Garden

Northwest Native Landscapes LLC

Mid Century Courtyard Remodel

Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. Photography by: http://www.coreenschmidt.com/

Mid-Century Modern Revival

Coldham & Hartman Architects

Ethan Drinker Photography
Mid-sized midcentury courtyard partial sun xeriscape in New York with a garden path and natural stone pavers.

Midcentury Outdoor Design Ideas with a Garden Path

Australian and New Zealand outdoor living is hard to rival – the warm, temperate climate encourages the year-round enjoyment of backyards, courtyards, patios, verandahs and balconies. These alfresco areas, sometimes referred to as outdoor rooms, are so ubiquitous with the Australian and New Zealand lifestyles that they are now being treated the same way as any other room in the house in terms of architecture and landscape design. Modern backyards and gardens are now extensions to the home. Even cooking is moving outside with many Australians and New Zealanders including outdoor kitchens in their home designs. Unlike the rest of your home, however, a midcentury backyard, patio or verandah needs regular attention, to ensure it doesn’t become overgrown with plants, or look drab when the weather turns. But clever decisions can reduce the level of maintenance needed to keep your alfresco areas and outdoor furniture looking fresh and neat. Browse the photos on Houzz for landscape architecture ideas, and engage with the outdoor specialists of your favourite picks, so you can make the most of your home’s outdoor living spaces.

How do I decide on my landscape design?

Before you dive head first into planning your midcentury outdoor areas, consider the site in which your home sits. Understanding your soil type, topography and climate will ensure you make the most of your site. Plants, for example, should grow comfortably in the climate and soil conditions, and complement the existing landscape. Next, take into account how you will use your outdoor areas and how much maintenance you can sustain. More hardscape – paths, walls, steps and decks – generally means easier upkeep. If you have children, you will want to divide your backyard into areas: you could opt for an entryway, entertaining area and play area. A sheltered area is usually a must, too, whether in the form of a pergola, awning or arbour. How much you entertain may dictate whether you want to include an outdoor kitchen, or even an outdoor bar. Outdoor specialists – landscape architects, landscape designers and garden designers – will be able to take your outdoor areas to the next level. Just browse Houzz professionals for a full list of experts in your area.

How do I create an outdoor room?

Outdoor rooms take the comfort of the indoors outside. No longer just a covered area in the backyard, outdoor rooms have a visible connection to the spaces within the home. Laser-cut screens could create a sense of enclosure for a modern veranda. Or, a patio could be an extension of your midcentury living room, with leather or upholstered chairs substituted with outdoor-suited materials. Even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into outdoor rooms. An inner-city balcony, for example, could squeeze in a couple of chairs, a drinks table and a stylish shelving unit. Outdoor kitchens are one of the most popular types of outdoor rooms in Australia and New Zealand. They, too, can come in many forms, however many outdoor kitchens like to spill out from the interior. Those that stand their own often have a built-in barbecue, bar fridge, built-in sink and plenty of storage. A wood-fired pizza oven is just the cherry on top!

How can I get the most out of my front yard?

Your front yard doesn’t have to act purely as a transitional zone. A front fence can create privacy from a busy road and, in turn, open up the option of having a small courtyard in which you can entertain or relax in. Not having a fence, on the other hand, can make your front yard appear bigger, and will show off the architecture of your home. If this is the case, you may want to create a structural feature out of something like your letterbox. Pathways should be easy to navigate, well-lit and obstacle-free. Add more functionality to your front yard with a bench seat or herb garden; or keep your focus on creating a welcoming entry with a water feature, sculpture or garden art.

What small backyard ideas will maximise my space?

Small backyard ideas are plentiful on Houzz. You’ll notice terracing is popular in small backyards as it adds dimension and visually expands a small plot into distinct, separate spaces. Consider using large pots to break up the space, creating different points of interest, too. Next, think vertically. Tall plants are a great way to add height to a small backyard, or consider using a trellis, arbour or pergola to draw the eye up. Other small backyard ideas include complementing your interior with the same colours and style to make it feel more like its own living room; installing smart lighting that creates a backdrop or gently illuminates the area; and creating a focal point to distract the eye from the limited square meterage.

What retaining wall options are available?

A retaining wall isn’t just functional, but can add aesthetic value to your outdoor areas, too. Which retaining wall designs are best suited to you will depend of your budget, the incline of your slope, local regulations and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Timber sleeper retaining walls are the most common retaining wall, because they are relatively affordable; however, they do have limited longevity. If life expectancy is an issue, consider concrete sleepers, or clad the timer slats in Corten steel panels. A boulder rock bank is the most cost-effective type of retaining wall, and with the inclusion of plants, is often the most natural looking, too. Corton steel blades or rendered masonry walls can retain a small dip in your landscape and make an eye-catching feature, while masonry walls and drystone walls are the most expensive options, but do tend to look the best.