11 Landscape Design Tips for Homeowners (No Designer Needed)

Ever wonder why some landscapes just feel… off? Creating a beautiful, balanced outdoor space takes more than planting a few shrubs—it requires planning and attention to detail. And while all mistakes can throw off your design, some are more common (and more costly) than others.

In this article, I’ll share my top landscape design tips for homeowners so you can create a DIY design that fits your style and brings your vision to life.

If you’d rather watch than read, check out my YouTube video about this topic:

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1: Start with a Clear Plan

If you want that magazine-worthy garden of your dreams, the best place to start is with a clear plan. Professional landscape designers never begin a project without one—and even if you’re planning to DIY your space, you’ll see much better results when you follow the same approach.

Having a purposeful design ensures your outdoor space is both beautiful and functional, giving you a cohesive look instead of a disjointed one.

And the good news? Designing your landscape doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ve broken the process down into 7 simple steps that will help you create your dream garden from scratch:

1. Gather garden and landscaping inspiration photos
2. Determine your garden style
3. Create a scale plan (drawing) of your landscape
4. Take a site inventory of your yard’s conditions and features
5. Create a garden wish list
6. Draw out some designs on your scale plan
7. Research plants and features that fit your style

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success and create a garden that looks like it was designed by a pro.

2: Learn from a Pro or Invest in Your Design Skills

One of the best ways to create a truly inspiring landscape is to invest in learning—whether that means consulting a professional or studying landscape design on your own. When you build your knowledge, you’ll feel more confident making informed decisions and designing a space that feels polished and intentional.

If you’re going the DIY route, you’re in the right place. I offer products and courses designed to guide you through every step of the process, helping you create a landscape that reflects your style and needs.

Here are some of my top recommendations for beginners:

1. Garden Style Mood Board Workshop
   Best for: You have no idea where to start and want to get ideas / define your style!
2. Plant Perfect Activity Book
   Best for: Your yard is a blank slate and you want to design a functional and beautiful landscape.
3. Design Your 4-Season Garden Course (Most Popular)
   Best for: You’re ready to choose plants and design garden beds that look great all year long.

You can explore these and more in my Garden Design shop to get the support and tools you need to design with confidence.

3: Use Focal Points to Create Flow and Interest

Focal points are a powerful way to create flow and draw the eye through your landscape. By highlighting certain plants, sculptures, or water features, you can add visual interest and guide movement naturally through your space.

A well-designed garden uses focal points to break up the space, add personality and make different areas feel intentional and connected. These focal points can be anything that stands out from the rest of the landscape—like a striking tree, a colorful planting combination, a garden sculpture, or even a cozy seating area.

In addition to creating interest, focal points help establish flow, which is all about how people move through and experience your garden. Thoughtfully placing focal points can encourage visitors to explore, linger in key areas, or follow a certain path.

For example, placing a beautiful urn at the end of a path draws the eye forward, giving the space direction and making it feel more dynamic.

In this article, I’ll show you specific ways to incorporate focal points into your landscape so you can create a space that feels cohesive, inviting and full of charm.

4: Design Walkways for Comfort and Function

Walkways play a key role in how people experience your landscape, so making sure they are the right width is essential for comfort and accessibility.

In high-traffic areas, such as your main entry path, aim for a width of around 4 feet. This allows two people to walk side by side comfortably, making the space feel welcoming and easy to navigate.

For more private or meandering garden paths, you can create narrower walkways that invite slower exploration and create a more intimate feel. These design choices let you control how visitors move through and experience your landscape—whether it’s a grand entrance or a quiet garden stroll.

By sizing your walkways to match their function and traffic flow, your outdoor space will feel more inviting, safe and thoughtfully designed.

5: Place Trees with Purpose

Trees are one of the most impactful elements you can add to your landscape—but placing them with intention is key to getting both beauty and function. When thoughtfully positioned, trees can enhance your design and serve important roles in your outdoor space.

You can use trees to:

• Block or redirect wind.
• Muffle or reduce noise from roads or neighbors.
• Create privacy from nearby homes or public spaces.
• Shade and cool your home, reducing energy costs.
• Provide comfort and shade for outdoor seating areas.
• Frame a beautiful view or act as a striking focal point.

When choosing where to place a tree, always consider its mature size, shape and growth habits, ensuring it complements your design and doesn’t overpower or block important views or pathways.

For extra help, my Plant Perfect Activity Book includes a section dedicated to tree placement, helping you learn how to use trees as natural windbreaks, privacy screens and shade providers in different scenarios.

With the right placement, trees will not only add beauty—they’ll also boost the comfort, functionality and enjoyment of your outdoor space for years to come.

6: Plan for Storage and Utility Spaces Early

One often-overlooked key to a well-functioning landscape is planning for storage and utility areas right from the start. Taking the time to think through these needs ensures your outdoor space stays organized, clutter-free and efficient.

I always recommend making a list of everything you’ll need to store—like tools, supplies and equipment—before you start designing. Will you need a shed or garage? How big should it be? Planning these structures early allows you to integrate them seamlessly into your design, rather than having to squeeze them in later, which can be both disruptive and messy.

Beyond large structures, consider adding hidden or cleverly integrated utility spaces for things like compost bins, soil and mulch. These areas can be tucked behind plantings, fences, or screens, keeping them out of sight while still being easily accessible.

By thoughtfully including storage and utility zones in your design, you’ll create an outdoor space that looks beautiful and works hard behind the scenes.

Additional Landscape Design Tips to Consider

Use Layers For Depth And Dimension
Incorporate layers of plants—tall in the back, medium in the middle and short in the front—to add depth and a natural flow to your design. Mixing textures and colors within these layers creates a dynamic, balanced look.

Prioritize Sustainability
Choose native or drought-tolerant plants, incorporate rain gardens, or use permeable materials for walkways to support an eco-friendly design. Sustainable choices benefit both your garden and the environment.

Add Functional Outdoor Living Spaces
Maximize your outdoor enjoyment by creating functional areas, like patios, seating nooks, or fire pits. These spaces encourage connection and extend the usability of your landscape.

Ensure Proper Lighting
Highlight your design with well-placed lighting. Illuminate pathways for safety, accentuate key features and extend the usability of your garden into the evening hours.

Maintain Proportion and Scale
Keep your design balanced by considering the proportion of plants, hardscaping and open space. Avoid overcrowding or oversized features to maintain a harmonious look.

Liked what you read? Dive deeper with: 70+ Shockingly Common Landscape Design Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)

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