Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
The garden pathway is a must-have not only because it enriches the landscape and make the décor more beautiful but also for practical reasons. At its origin, the pathway was merely a means of traversing the garden without getting dirt on the shoes and without damaging the grass but it later became an important part of the landscape and designers have come up with all sorts of interesting ideas for how to make it stand out.
The pathway alone isn’t the only attraction here. The archway is also very attractive
There are numerous interesting designs for the garden pathway. They range from simple and modern to sophisticated and elegant. The pathway can be an extension of the design of the house or it can be a means to add texture and color to the garden. You can opt for all sorts of beautiful designs and ideas, for pathways that feature clean, geometric lines to pathways with delicate curves and combinations of materials.
The fluidity of the lines creates a very charming look in this caseModern pathway designs don’t need to follow symmetrical linesUse brick tiles to give your garden pathway a rustic and warm lookOr use an accent color such as this light orange shade to make the décor cohesiveFor a minimalist look, focus on clean, simple lines and shapes
A more unusual but equally interesting charming idea is to use bricks to create a garden pathway. They can be arranged in a herringbone pattern or in a variety of other ways, creating textured and patterned designs. Two or more colors can be combined to create a trim or to emphasize the shape of the pathway.
Try a checkerboard pattern with grass patches for a fairy-tale-inspired lookThe white gravel and minimalist walkway give the garden a zen lookSometimes the pathway is there just for functional reasonsSmooth, organic shapes and curves are always alluringDon’t want the pathway to stand out? Don’t give it a defined shapeDon’t forget about the pathway lighting. Sometimes this can turn into a focal pointAdapt the design of the pathway to its size and locationUse a combination of materials and colors if you prefer an eclectic lookThe simplicity of this pathway is matched by its beautyArrange the pavers, stone or tiles in patterns for a distinct lookBuild a raised pathway if it runs through a pond of if the garden tends to get muddyThe width of the pathway is dictated by a variety of details and is always customizableOpt for a paver pathway with a simple design to draw attention to the vegetationOr make it look mysterious by hiding the stones under fallen leavesIf you have a sloped garden, arrange the stones into stepsThe undulating lines of this pathway perfectly capture the landscape beyondAdd moss to the pathway stones to make them look less artificial
Some designs feature a combination of stores/ tiles/ pavers and grass. This is a great opportunity to get creative and to come up with unique and distinct looks for the garden. For example, try a checkerboard pattern where you alternate square tiles and patches of green grass.
Create a small fence around the pathway using recycled bottles or jarsThis little stone bench is a quirky feature for the garden pathwayHere’s an idea: use wood slices instead of stones or paversOr use bricks to give the pathway a rustic look if you like this styleCreate a green archway above the pathway with vines and polesAnother idea is to make a wood pathway using reclaimed boardsOr perhaps a concrete pathway would suit a modern home betterThe flowery archway definitely steals all the attention in this caseSimilarly, the bright colors and landscape complement these steps beautifullyHighlight the length of a pathway by arranging the pavers like thisOr play with different patterns and mix and match things for a unique lookAll the pieces fit perfectly together like in a puzzleThe cute flowers are something you can add to your own gardenThere are also numerous other designs and geometric shapes to exploreFor contemporary gardens, cleaner and simpler designs are more suitableHave fun recycling tires and using them in the gardenOr repurpose wooden pallets for a similar purpose
Choose the style of the pathway, its design and the materials and colors you use depending on the ambiance you wish to create in the garden or yard. For example, if you want the space to look zen and relaxing, use small pebbles, clean lines and add a bit of Asian flair to the composition as well. But if you want something rustic and authentic, focus on organic shapes, natural materials and irregular details.
Be symmetrical. This strategy usually suits traditional designs and architectureThink on a small scale and include several features in one areaThese round platforms look really cute, like mushrooms in a gardenConnect multiple pathways to cover a large gardenThis is a design you can create with recycles bottle capsThe way the pathway runs through the trees is indeed whimsicalDelineate the pathway using flower beds or fences, like a labyrinthThere’s no need or a flashy pathway when you have a beautiful gardenDirect the pathway strategically to the areas you use frequentlyHere’s another stone pathway that runs through a pondAdd a small bridge to make the landscape more interestingThe colors, materials and shapes you use should reflect the style used throughoutThere are always simpler ways to get the look you wantPlace lanterns strategically where the pathway makes a turn
The pathways that have irregular stones in their structure with organic shapes are very charming. They emphasize the natural charm of the garden and go beautifully with the whole landscape. Of course, stone isn’t the only material you can use for a pathway. Wood can also be a nice option and, of course, ingenious choices that could include glass, sand and all sorts of other materials.