How to Figure Out Your Yard Style (Even If You Have No Clue)

Ever scroll through Pinterest, save ten wildly different yards, and somehow feel more confused than when you started? Yeah. You’re not alone.

If you like a little of everything, Mediterranean courtyards, coastal gardens, lush cottage blooms, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where this post comes in. Let’s break it down so you can finally figure out your yard style and get one step closer to a yard that actually feels like you.

Your House Already Has an Opinion

Mid-century modern house with teal door, gray walls, and wood paneling. Desert landscaping with small cacti and sparse plants in the yard.

Before we even talk plants or patios, take a good look at your house. Is it modern? Spanish-style? A beach bungalow? Your architecture already leans toward a vibe—don’t fight it.

You don’t have to match it perfectly, but choosing a landscape style that complements your home always feels more pulled together. Example: Modern Desertscape with a mid-century home? Yes. Cottage garden with a clean-lined contemporary? Probably not the move.

Start with the Feeling

Small wooden cabin with glass doors, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Sunlight filters through, creating a tranquil, natural atmosphere.

Ask yourself this: How do I want to feel in this yard?

Calm and chill?
Energized and inspired?
Clean and modern?
Wild and lush?

That vibe will guide your style.

Want calm? Try a Wellness Garden with soft textures, fragrant herbs, and crunchy gravel paths.
Want drama? Try a Desertscape with sculptural plants and clean lines.
Want cozy charm? You’re probably a Cottage Garden type.

Be Honest About Upkeep

Desert garden with various cacti and rocks on sandy ground. Wooden fence surrounds the area with trees visible in the background.

Here’s the deal: Every yard we design is built to be low maintenance. But some styles need a little more love than others.

If you want to set it and forget it? Go Desertscape—those cactus gardens are as close to zero effort as it gets.

Modern house with stone facade, large windows, and a neat garden featuring rocks and shrubs. Palm trees and cloudy sky in background.

If you're cool with the occasional trim or seasonal refresh, styles like Modern Mediterranean, Coastal Garden, and Wellness Garden give you a polished look without the weekly grind.

Gravel path with wooden steps leads to a dark porch; lavender plants line the right. Wicker swing chair on the left. Calm, cozy vibe.

Cottage Gardens? Still manageable, but they do ask for a bit more. Think deadheading flowers, keeping that lush look in check.

Bottom line: Pick the look you love, but know what kind of relationship it wants from you.

Take the Yard Style Quiz (Seriously, It Helps)

Modern house with white walls, wooden gate, and geometric patterns. Cacti and shrubs in the garden, palm trees in the background.

Still stuck? I made a quick Yard Style Quiz to help you narrow it down. It’s visual, fast, and surprisingly accurate. You might find out you’re a Desertscape guy or gal and didn’t even know it.

Make a Mood Board and Let It Marinate

Collage of modern garden designs featuring palm trees, green lawns, stone paths, and wooden decks in various settings with natural tones.

Once you have a general style, pull together 10–15 pics that all feel right. If they look like they belong in the same yard, you’re on the right track.

The Style is Just the Starting Line

Modern white house entrance with a wooden path, dark door, and potted plant. Peaceful setting with a tree's leaves in the foreground.

You don’t need every detail figured out yet. But knowing your yard style helps everything else fall into place—materials, layout, plants, budget.

And when you’re ready to turn that vision into a real plan? We’ve got you.

Need help? We’re currently booking summer landscape plans. Fill out a contact form to get started with a custom plan that fits your style and your space.