Rather than offer you ideas, I'm going to suggest you answer some questions.

  • How do you want to use your yard?
  • Do you want to be able to drive your car(s) into the garage? Or do you want to convert your garage into another use? If so, what use?
  • Do you want to be able to cook outside? Eat outside?
  • Do you want to garden?
  • Do you want a lawn?
  • Do you want an area for your kids to play? If so, do you want a play structure?

Start answering these questions and you can then move on to figuring out how to use your space. You could end up with a very different layout.

So that's the functional component.

The next set of questions are more aesthetic. You may need to browse the web to begin defining your likes and dislikes. Houzz is a good site. Or walk around your neighborhood!

  • Do you like stone? If so, what kind(s)? Do you want a stone patio? A stone wall?
  • Do you like plants? What kinds? Trees, bushes, grasses, flowers?
  • What looks good with your house? That gray-ish stone doesn't look so great with your gray walls atmo...