Landscaping pros share the 13 best outdoor decor ideas that boost curb appeal

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

• Adding decor to your outdoor landscape can help boost curb appeal.
• Exterior aesthetics also make outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
• These outdoor decor ideas can help you create a beautiful front and backyard to be proud of.

People often talk about curb appeal as it relates to home value. But you don't need to be selling your home to worry about outdoor aesthetics. Whether you're making over a front yard flower garden or adding new backyard landscaping, beautifying your yard can make it more enjoyable to spend time in. 

We reached out to two outdoor design experts to get their tips on the best ways to create a gorgeous outdoor landscape. Dave Angelov is the founder and CEO of garden design company Plant Parenthood and Blythe Yost is the chief landscape architect and cofounder of Tilly, an online landscape design company. 

If you're interested in creating a front or backyard oasis, we've gathered 13 outdoor decor ideas to boost your home's outdoor aesthetics. 

Integrate calming water features

Water features perform double duty in an outdoor setting. They provide a relaxing, audible water trickle and act as sculptural features. Angelov explains that a water feature serves a few purposes aesthetically, but most important is the sound. "It adds a calming effect and turns an industrial space into a tranquil one," he says.

Most fountains require an electrical hookup, so keep that in mind when selecting placement. If you live somewhere with freezing winters, you may need to consider storage options, depending on the manufacturer's instructions regarding winterization. Water movement is also essential. "It's important to make sure your water isn't stagnant as that can attract mosquitoes to lay eggs," says Yost.

What we like:

Create a steamy hot tub hangout

A hot tub is the perfect backyard addition for people who love to entertain. Unfortunately, most hot tubs are kind of an eyesore. If you're concerned about aesthetics, consider choosing a bubbly outdoor tub made of rot-resistant wood to blend into the natural landscape. Or try jazzing up your new hangout spot with a few carefully selected pieces of decor.

"A great way to integrate a hot tub into a yard is to sink it into a deck or add a pergola overhead," says Yost. "You can also add planters around the hot tub to mask the side. Remember to add practical elements like stepping stones to the tub, a bench to hold your towel, and string lights for evening dips to make this feature more usable and enjoyable."

What we like:

Add trees for visual interest and privacy

A yard without trees may be easy to maintain, but it can also feel bare. Trees add visual interest and can help provide privacy to what was once a wide-open yard.

Choosing the right trees for your climate and space is key. "Remember to consider the mature size of the tree when selecting it for your yard," says Yost.

If you're dealing with a compact front yard, opt for bushes or dwarf-size trees that won't gobble up your outdoor real estate or grow vast roots that may damage nearby structures. If you're concerned about privacy, hedges may be an option, but consider that they will likely require regular maintenance. And if space or soil quality is a concern, choose statement planters for your new saplings. 

What we like:

Plant a gorgeous flower garden

Adding a flower garden to your outdoor space is a no-brainer in terms of aesthetics. A flower-filled area instantly brightens things up and makes a lifeless garden come alive. 

"My favorite projects are when clients say they want a more natural/wild look, fewer straight lines, and more natural curves and organized randomness," says Angelov, who recommends swapping evergreen shrubs for pretty native wildflowers.

Depending on your property, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of color with flowers, including planters, in-ground beds, and flower boxes. Edging can also help delineate a flower bed and keep things looking neat and tidy.

What we like:

Go vertical with structures and climbing plants

Looking for a touch of shade in a sunny yard? A trellis can help keep the sun off your face and provide privacy when you feel like hanging out outdoors. It's also a great way to incorporate plant life if you're short on ground space.

"When selecting plants for a trellis, consider companion planting to allow for multiple bloom times," says Yost. "A classic example is the New Dawn rose paired with a Jackmanii clematis. The rose provides a woody structure that the clematis can climb, and each will bloom in the same space."

What we like:

Use the right lighting

Outdoor lights aren't just for the holidays anymore. They can help brighten up your yard, make it safer, and create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor get-togethers. 

"Lights add another 12 hours of decor to your house every day," says Angelov. He recommends adding uplights (lights pointing upward) to medium-size trees and around the house. For pathways, he says, pick lights that point down to light the way. Some decor pieces also feature built-in lighting, like fountains or other water features. 

You can also add lighting to other spots in your yard, like around an umbrella, hanging from a pergola, or right in your pool.

What we like:

Incorporate a sculptural focal point

When you think of sculptures, your mind probably goes to indoor spaces. But a sculptural piece can be an incredible focal point for your front or backyard garden. Plenty of options blend in well with different aesthetics, from modern Zen gardens to romantic English-style landscapes. 

"Sculptures can make a space feel really special when chosen correctly," says Yost. "You can align them with views from your windows so you can enjoy them or so that they draw you out into the landscape. Alternatively, you can tuck them away so that they become surprises in your space, an exciting and unexpected moment in your backyard."

What we like:

Consider succulents

Drought is a common issue for gardeners throughout the US, and people are more concerned than ever about conserving water and choosing plants that don't require gallons of it to survive. Consider a rock garden filled with drought-tolerant succulents if you're interested in reducing water usage or don't want to spend much time watering. Bonus: Many succulents spread easily and create a gorgeous carpet of greenery over time.

While rocks look great, Angelov says that it's important to put down weed fabric to keep weeds at bay since they'll quickly crop up among rocks without any kind of barrier.

What we like:

Set the scene with outdoor furniture

Adding outdoor furniture is another way to increase the visual appeal of an outdoor space for those who prefer not to get their hands dirty. Creating a comfortable place to sit will make it easier to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests. 

"The right outdoor furniture for your garden or patio can really add the finishing touches to your space," says Yost. "A great wicker sofa can quickly create a beachy vibe, or a bold-colored bistro table can be the perfect set for the corner of a cottage-style garden."

It's also important to keep climate in mind when selecting furniture. Yost says recycled plastic works well for rainy and humid clients and cautions that metal is susceptible to water damage and can get very hot.

What we like:

Hang a wreath on the front door

Decor to boost curb appeal doesn't need to be complicated or pricey. Adding a simple wreath to your front door can make your entryway look more put together. You might even try changing wreaths seasonally or according to upcoming holidays.

Yost says she's especially fond of DIY wreaths. "It can be easiest to start with a wire frame and then use young boughs and branches to build structure," she says. "Stick in anything you find in your garden like seed pods, leaves, flowers."

What we like:

Plant an herb garden

Flowers are beautiful, but most of them aren't edible. If you're a bit of a foodie, consider planting a fragrant, mouth-watering herb garden that you can harvest from as needed. Herbs like mint and thyme are low maintenance and attract pollinators like butterflies. 

Adding an herb garden effectively reduces lawn, which Angelov points out is a huge waste of water. "Think of your garden as a long-term project," he said. "It's not a paper you hand in and never read again. It's a live ecosystem that constantly needs to be nurtured."

What we like:

Add a weatherproof rug to your patio or deck

Arranging a rug underneath your outdoor dining or lounge set is the perfect way to add a burst of color. Placing a rug also makes a space feel more cohesive and ties the whole "room" together. 

"Make sure the rug you purchase is, in fact, for outdoor use because outdoor rugs must withstand the elements, heavy foot traffic, and be able to dry," says Yost. "One of my favorite things about outdoor rugs is it's a great place to have a little fun! You may be less likely to take a risk with an indoor rug that you see every day, but a great pop of color or bold print outside might be just the right option for an evening or weekend relaxing outdoors."

What we like:

Apply a fresh coat of paint

Whether indoors or out, sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint to beautify a space and breathe some life into it again. Consider repainting your front door or window trim to give your home's exterior a quick facelift. And if you're feeling adventurous, opt for a bold color choice like dramatic black, cheery yellow, or vibrant red. 

Yost says there's been an uptick in interest for neutral paint colors with blue and green undertones. Some favorites include Raccoon Fur by Benjamin Moore and Anonymous by Sherwin Williams. 

What we like: