Lush green grass is always in style for American exteriors, but there is more to a lawn than its color and thickness. Many homeowners take for granted the size and shape of their lawns, but with some motivation, anyone can redesign their grassy spaces for a more sophisticated outdoor space. Here are a handful of lovely lawns ideas to inspire your yard’s makeover.
Circular
Believe it or not, circular lawns are the most formal of all landscaping styles. The symmetrical form generally requires attention to detail and mastery over the elements, which you most often find in rigidly controlled yards and gardens. Circles are particularly good for small outdoor spaces as well as spaces you expect to use for entertaining, as the shape has the largest ratio of area to perimeter.
- This circular lawn provides a small grassy area in a largely hardscaped yard. The circle contrasts attractively with the square tile pattern and trellis lines.
- In what would otherwise be an open yard, the pattern of grassy circles adds whimsy and excitement to this outdoor space.
- Thanks to the smart use of the lawn’s curve, this tiny garden is a chic and spacious entertainment space.
Rectangular
Straight lines may sound boring, but square and rectangular lawns are actually quite visually stimulating in the right environment. Plus, large rectangles are ideal for family homes, as the shape facilitates recreation and makes maintenance a snap; however, the wide, open space does necessitate more attentive lawn care, which means it is likely wise to hire a lawn specialist well-versed in fertilization, lawn aeration, and more.
You can add more interest to your yard by overlapping several square or rectangular shapes or tilting them ― as long as the lines remain at either 45 or 90 degrees to the house.
- This landscaper used borders to divide an otherwise huge rectangular lawn into smaller squares, which mirrors the square-shaped steps leading to the patio.
- This is a sophisticated example of a large rectangular lawn. The buildings around the lawn align perfectly with its edges
- For a highly structured yard, you might consider creating a checkerboard with grass and cement. The style is clean and classic, especially when surrounded by impeccably tended flora.
- Not all attractive square and rectangular lawns are flashy in their design, as this simple and stylish space
Open
A more natural style, open lawns gently flow around a yard to create an informal and soothing atmosphere to encourage relaxation as well as recreation. Curves should be large and full to be visually attractive, which means an open design works best in a large yard. An open design is also preferable if your yard already contains asymmetrical trees or bushes that you are loath to remove.
- This open lawn looks grand, especially next to the rustic dignity of the property’s house. The huge space is perfect for entertaining large parties.
- This lawn also uses an open look, as it is bounded only by a few perimeter planters. The designer was able to continue the lawn thanks to stairs, which are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
- Open lawns can extend in any direction, as this yard demonstrates. Wide curves create the illusion of garden areas while maintaining a central entertainment space.
Free-Flowing
The free-flowing style is similar to the open style in that it relies on a less formal and more natural organization, but the major distinction is that free-flowing lawns are not vast swaths of grass.
Rather, yards employing this design seem more closed off, with islands and peninsulas of other fauna that create paths and distinct garden areas. Best for large spaces and experienced gardeners, the free-flowing style adds mystery and romance to a yard, but it is only appropriate for small gatherings and leisurely activity.
- The islands in this free-flowing lawn create a path leading to a secluded area of the yard. The lack of hardscaped borders around the lawn allows a more natural feel.
- It’s impossible to say exactly how large this yard is, thanks to its excellent free-flowing design. The tall shrubs and archway add a touch of fantasy, as well.
- Here, the designer used the lawn as a comfortable foot path to connect the front and back yards as well as a few other interesting areas of the yard.