5 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Elevate Your Dream Outdoor Living Space

Last updated on December 3rd, 2025

Transform your home’s backyard living space into a dreamy outdoor oasis. Whether creating an outdoor living space perfect for entertaining or a private backyard sanctuary, your landscape design can be personalized to reflect both your preferred aesthetic and interests.

Backyard landscaping can be both functional and beautiful, often including features that allow the space to blend seamlessly into the interior design of your home. 

Explore five landscaping ideas incorporated into our Toll Brothers model homes nationwide and get inspired to personalize your dream outdoor living space. 

 

Low-Maintenance Water Features

Add a refreshing touch to your landscape design by incorporating a low-maintenance water feature. The movement and sound of cascading water create a sense of calm while serving as a decorative element or focal point of your landscape design. Enhance your natural surroundings with a versatile water feature designed to create a tranquil atmosphere that provides visual appeal while also promoting relaxation and peace of mind.

 

Patio Designs for Entertaining

Enjoy year-round entertaining with an outdoor patio designed for the way you want to live. Patios are multi-functional; they can be designed primarily as lounge areas, incorporate a home bar, and/or feature a full outdoor kitchen for hosting the ultimate outdoor dinner party.

An outdoor kitchen is a must-have backyard design feature for every home chef. An outdoor kitchen is not only an energy-saving addition to your home, but the enhanced benefit of cooking outdoors extends your living space to make preparing meals more convenient.

When designing an outdoor kitchen, consider water-resistant materials for countertops that withstand UV rays and other weather elements over time. Tile, natural stone, and concrete are all popular options.

Hardscape materials such as pavers, natural stone, or concrete are all durable and stylish options for maintaining a functional patio living space for seasons to come.

 

Landscape Architecture Structures

Enhance the beauty of your backyard landscape with a pergola that offers privacy and additional sun protection during the warm summer months.

Similar to a gazebo, the pergola is a freestanding architectural structure that is commonly used as an entertaining area while providing filtered shade from sun exposure.

Consider a pergola to refresh your backyard patio design; this attractive structure enhances the visual appeal of your space and adds value to your landscape. 

 

Fire Pit Designs for Warm Nights

No matter the season, it’s always enjoyable to spend an evening by an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. In addition to warmth, fire pits are a popular landscape element perfect for entertaining.

Built-in fire pits can be designed with various materials to complement the exterior of your home and backyard landscape including stone, brick veneer, or concrete. There are also many options for fuel depending on your environment and preference, from wood-burning to natural gas or propane. Fire pits can be used year-round and serve as a key design element for any backyard landscape. 

 

Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

Lighting is an essential component of any backyard design. When done correctly, lighting can serve to showcase your space in an entirely new way when the sun goes down.

In addition to lighting for visual effect, functional exterior lighting is also a necessity for high-traffic areas, including pool walkways and stairways. Enhance backyard walkways with path lighting, a feature that provides both safety and a desired aesthetic. Consider LED lighting for an energy-efficient option to illuminate pathways, or task lighting above an outdoor kitchen for preparing meals.

Exterior lighting adds value to your landscape and seamlessly extends your living space for year-round enjoyment.

 

Visit our Toll Brothers Pinterest page for more landscaping ideas and explore design trends for your new home on our Build Beautiful blog.