10 things gardeners and interior designers would never have in their outdoor spaces

Alyssa Towns SwantkoskiMay 8, 2024, 09:13 IST

Certain kinds of furniture and plants can really detract from a backyard.Hannamariah/Shutterstock

Business Insider asked gardeners and interior designers how they decorate outdoor spaces.
The experts said they wouldn't have plastic flamingos, wind chimes, or indoor fabrics.

Outdoor space is a luxury. For those lucky enough to have a private yard, patio, or balcony, it can significantly increase your home's curb appeal and resale value — if you style it properly.

Business Insider asked interior designers and gardeners what features, items, and trends they'd never have in their own outdoor spaces.

Here's what they said.

Synthetic turf isn’t worth it.

You still have to clean turf to maintain it, especially if you have outdoor pets. doublelee/Shutterstock

Having more concrete than grass can be harmful to the local ecosystem. Artazum/Shutterstock

There are better kitschy garden decorations than plastic flamingos. Reeva/Shutterstock

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant. Tomas Vynikal/Shutterstock

Wind chimes aren't great if you get a lot of storms where you live. HannaTor/Shutterstock

Fluffy blankets, upholstered furniture, and woven rugs don't belong outside. Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Terracotta planters are usually heavy and hard to move. Paul Maguire/Shutterstock

It's never easy to get in and out of a hammock. stock_studio/Shutterstock

You don't need a bunch of decorative pillows outside.Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Big, basic lawns don't encourage biodiversity. romakoma/Shutterstock