21 Cool Yard Ideas for Your New Home
Updated: 03/10/24
Published: 11/22/22
You’re here because you want to spice up your yard with some cool landscaping and design elements.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or looking to add character to your existing outdoor space, these ideas are sure to inspire creativity.
Here are some cool, fun, and unique yard ideas for your outdoor living space.
1. Exotic Trees
Trees are a popular landscaping option that not only look cool, but can increase your home’s resale value when moving out, provide privacy, freshen the air, provide shelter from wind, and prevent soil erosion.
You could plant a large one in your front yard to be the talk of the block. Or plant some in your backyard to create a lively & natural atmosphere.
To really add character, choose something unique and exotic. Just be sure that whatever you choose will thrive in its natural habitat and that you care for it appropriately.
2. Outdoor Putting Green
Golf enthusiasts rejoice – you no longer have to move to Florida for those coveted golf communities. You can have a lifelike golf experience from the comfort of your own backyard.
The most popular option with the least maintenance is an artificial turf course.
You can either hire professional installers or build your own putting green. If you choose to build your own, here’s a popular provider.
3. Water Fountain
Who doesn’t love the serene sound of a gently flowing water stream? Water fountains are are a way to experience this from the comfort of your backyard, and enhance your property value.
Be sure to keep the cleaning requirements in mind in order to prevent & fix clogs from minerals, dirt, and debris.
You have many options on size and style of fountain, here are some ideas for inspiration.
4. Giant Statue
Here’s a unique idea for your yard – add a cool, fun statue to your yard.
The rhino sculpture pictured above is coined the Rhino On Coffee Pot. Its located on the front lawn of a residence in St. Petersburg, Florida and it has generated quite the buzz. It even has its own Instagram channel.
For something a little more inconspicuous, you can add statues to your backyard too.
5. Outdoor Speaker Rocks
Outdoor bluetooth speakers are a must-have for any backyard. But what if you could secretly integrate a more permanent structure into your yard?
Outdoor speaker rocks blend in to their natural environment and link seamlessly to your smart device for a stylish audio oasis.
6. Outdoor Dining Area
Get some fresh air while dining with your friends and family outdoors.
Rather than a standard patio table, consider a rustic wood that is large enough to accommodate large groups of people.
This will let you get your vitamin D and look nice in your yard.
7. Cozy Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to gather, unwind, and stay warm while enjoying the outdoors.
To add some pizazz, consider landscaping around your pit to include in-ground stone seating. You can also add outdoor pillows, decor, and lighting to create a homey outdoor environment.
8. Bocce Ball Court
Bocce ball is a great leisurely activity for friends and family to unwind, relieve stress, and spend quality time together.
Consider building a court right in your backyard.
Not only will it be a blast, it will look pretty cool too.
Here’s how to install one yourself. Otherwise, you can hire a pro.
9. 2 Levels
Create 2 levels in your backyard by landscaping in a retaining wall.
This is great for leveling off a sloped backyard and creating a clean aesthetic.
10. Tire Swing
Create nostalgia with a good old fashioned tire swing.
All you need is a used tire, some rope, and a sturdy tree.
Give the kids hours of fun for an easy install and next-to-nothing cost.
11. A Home Away From Home
You could build an insulated shed in your yard that serves as a little get-away from your home. Build the thing you always wanted to have but never had the space for, with an added element of privacy.
Some ideas are a game room, gym, home theater, detached master suite, or a bar area. If you’re into music you could have it be a studio or just a place to blare your music. Sports lovers could build a golf simulator, basketball arcade game, or fan zone to watch the big game.
The sky’s the limit.
12. Tree House
Who doesn’t love tree houses? The sky’s the limit when building one.
Whether you want to build a full house like the one pictured above, or simply nail some boards to the top of your tree, a tree house is sure to inspire imagination and add character to your backyard.
13. Nordic Bath
A Nordic bath is a uniquely styled hot tub that is circular in design with vertical wooden panels.
While a hot tub of any sort is a great way to unwind, soothe sore muscles, and increase health, a Nordic bath offers a cool aesthetic.
14. Outdoor Heating
What good is a cool yard if you’re freezing cold?
For those who don’t have the luxury of nice year-round weather, outdoor heating can be an excellent way to enjoy your yard year-round.
You could even install in-ground heating if you want to get crazy with it.
15. Colorful Lighting
For enjoying your yard at night, outdoor lighting is a must.
Why not have some fun and integrate colorful LED lighting for your outdoor space?
You can use strip lighting, colorful bulbs, string lighting, even year-round Christmas lights.
You can either DIY the setup, or have it done professionally by hiring an electrician for outdoor lighting. Either one will work, but the pros will be able to handle things like in-ground installation and creating the perfect look.
16. Outdoor Theater
Turn your backyard into an outdoor movie night venue.
You have 2 options for your theater – projection and LED.
With projection, all you need is a white backdrop and the projector itself. It’s great for nighttime viewing on a budget. They can also be set up temporarily with an inflatable rig.
LED poses the advantage of being able to shine bright enough to be seen during the day, but it will set your pocketbook back several thousand dollars. LED walls can be installed in your backyard, or temporary with a mobile trailer or truck.
17. Hardscape
Hardscaping refers to incorporating hard man-made elements such as stone and brick into surrounding landscapes.
Hardscaping produces a pristine look and offers the benefit of being virtually maintenance-free.
The above image shows artificial grass turf incorporated in with stone, which is a great choice.
18. Tree Stump Seating
Tree stump seating is a natural, eco-friendly, and free option for providing a space to take a load off.
Simply cut some tree stumps to size and place accordingly.
You can also paint the stumps to add a playful aesthetic.
19. Zen Garden
Create the mecca of relaxation with an outdoor zen garden.
The basic elements of a zen garden include raked sand, precisely pruned shrubbery, rocks, and water features.
Whether you’re into meditation, or simply like the elegant look of these Japanese gems, a zen garden is sure to help you chill out.
20. Hammock
Another great way to decompress and stylize your yard is with a hammock.
Naturally placed hammocks (hung on trees instead of fabricated metal) will look the most appealing and be the most relaxing.
Be sure to have some outdoor pillows and blankets for ultimate comfort.
21. Swimming Pool
Swimming pools are a great way to stay cool, have some family friendly fun, and enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Depending on your space, budget, and climate, you have all kinds of options. You could do an above-ground, in-ground, lap pool, pool-spa combo, or even a custom design.
Be sure to consider the maintenance and energy bill requirements, and find a reputable installer.
Make your yard your own with these novel design ideas
Follow these tips to create a comfortable outdoor space in your new home. If you’re moving out soon, these can also be a great way to increase your property value. Or, if you simply want to spice up your existing yard, these should do the trick.
These cool yard & landscaping ideas are a surefire way to gather community and create a warm & comfortable outdoor environment.
