Collection
Beach House Designs
Classic and modern coastal homes, dune gardens, decks and ocean-front living. 57 large format widescreen concepts — open any one for the full size visual and design notes.
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding and Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun
Coastal Beach House Design with Shiplap Boarding, Sandy Stone Paving and Woven Cane Detailing, Sea Grasses, Pigface and Low Sculptural Shrubs, featuring a Sheltered Alfresco Dining Terrace and Sun Lounge Zone, complemented by Durable Weatherproof Finishes and Low-Maintenance Detailing
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens and Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle
Hamptons-Style Beach House Design with Silvered Hardwood Screens, Off-White Render and Bronze Fittings, Coastal Banksias, Spinifex Grasses and Windswept Dune Planting, featuring a Beach Access Path, Firepit Circle and Evening Deck Lighting, finished with Sculptural Feature Planting and Inviting
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding and Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench
Relaxed Seaside Holiday Home Design with White Weatherboard Cladding, Soft Grey Trims and Wide Timber Decking, Pandanus, Beach Hibiscus and Salt-Tolerant Groundcovers, featuring a Verandah Lounge, BBQ Bench and Long Family Dining Table, framed by Generous Paved Terraces
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber and Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk
Modern Ocean-Front Home Design with Limewashed Timber, Charcoal Roofing and Glass Balustrades, Frangipani, Agapanthus and Soft Silver Coastal Foliage, featuring a Plunge Pool, Shaded Cabana and Boardwalk Approach, with Considered Outdoor Zoning and Soft Layered Textures Throughout
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens and Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower
Dune-Side Beach House Design with Bleached Timber Battens, Pale Render and Black Framed Glazing, Clipped Hedging, Feature Palms and Pale Pebble Borders, featuring a Wide Ocean-View Deck, Outdoor Shower and Relaxed Lounge Setting, balanced by Clean Sightlines, Shaded Retreats
Full feature article · Landscape Design
Lawn Alternatives and Ground Cover Design Ideas and Photos
What to use instead of thirsty turf — groundcovers, native grasses, gravel, stepping stone paths and where a small lawn is still worth keeping.
Lawn is the most demanding surface in most gardens: it wants water, feeding, mowing, edging and full sun, and it repays that effort only where people actually walk on it. The intelligent approach is not to abolish lawn but to shrink it to the shape and size that gets used, then replace the leftovers — the shaded strip, the awkward corner, the nature strip, the slope — with something better suited.
Groundcovers do the job where light foot traffic is occasional. Native violet in shade, dichondra for a soft green carpet, myoporum and grevillea prostrate forms on banks, thyme and chamomile in sunny pockets where crushing releases scent, and pigface or succulent mats in coastal heat. Planted at proper density with mulch between while they establish, they knit into a continuous surface within a season or two and need only an occasional trim.
Grasses and gravel handle the rest. Lomandra, dianella, poa and carex in blocks give movement and structure and never need mowing. Decomposed granite or crushed stone with steel edging makes a beautiful, permeable surface for courtyards and paths and drains after a storm in minutes. Stepping stones set into gravel or groundcover give a walkable route without paving the whole area, and they look considered in a way a concrete path rarely does.
Keep lawn where it earns its keep — a clean shape for children and dogs, in full sun, with a defined edge and a route around it. Choose a warm season variety suited to the climate, water deeply and rarely, and mow high so roots go deep. A small, healthy, well shaped lawn surrounded by tough planting looks far better in February than a large struggling one, and it costs a fraction of the water and time.