10 things to get rid of in your outdoor space, according to designers and gardeners

Gardeners and interior designers want people to declutter to make the most of their private outdoors spaces for free.

Mar 17, 2025 - 19:08

10 things to get rid of in your outdoor space, according to designers and gardeners

white and cream lawn furniture and decor in someone's backyard — Outdoor space can be even more enjoyable when it isn't cluttered.
Antonioxs56/Shutterstock

We asked gardeners and designers what to clear out of outdoor spaces to make them look better.
Old, weathered patio furniture and harsh lighting are common design problems that need to go.
Experts also said to replace synthetic garden decor with more natural elements.

With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the great time to upgrade your outdoor living space so you can actually enjoy it — and potentially increase the resale value of your house.

Business Insider asked two gardeners and two interior designers which items you need to get rid of from your outdoor space.

Here’s what the experts said.

Mismatched decor can make a space feel cluttered.

mismatched furniture on an outdoor deck — You don't need to overcrowd a patio or deck with lots of different furniture.
Gr8/Shutterstock

Excessive, mismatched furniture and accessories quickly make an area feel cluttered rather than cohesive, according to Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors.

“Select just a few on-theme items like a curated plant display or outdoor sculpture, and forgo extras that distract from the focal pieces,” she told BI.

Giant decorative planters can slowly degrade over time.

outdoor patio area in someone's backyard — The planters tend to be used for elaborate floral arrangements.
RFondren Photography/Shutterstock

The age of the giant planter on your back patio has come to an end, according to Anna Ohler, gardener and owner of Bright Lane Gardens.

"These large, round planters tend to look great for the first season but slowly fade and degrade over time," she told BI.

They're also difficult to move and can cause water staining under wherever they sit.

Ohler recommended built-in flower boxes that match your deck or siding. They can usually fit more plants, and they can be insulated to accommodate plants that come back annually.

Synthetic garden decor can distract from the natural beauty of the space.

small gnome pushing a wheel barrel with an apple in it in a garden — If you're a big fan of trinkets, try to buy ones made from natural materials instead of plastic.
anela.k/Shutterstock

Lawn ornaments, wind chimes, spinners, and other synthetic garden decor can distract from the natural environment, according to Barbi Gardiner, gardener, bioregional herbalist, and founder of The Outdoor Apothecary.

Consider replacing these with items made from natural materials such as stone, wood, or even recycled metals that can blend more seamlessly into your garden.

Replace worn-out patio furniture with weather-resistant pieces.

simple back porch with flowers and two chairs and a small table — Weather-resistant furniture is going to last longer outside.
Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock

Worn-out furniture should be removed to make way for more durable, high-quality pieces suited to outdoor use.

"Harsh weather and sun can quickly deteriorate low-quality materials, leaving furniture with a tired, uneven appearance that dates the space," Smith told BI.

The designer said more weather-resistant options, like wood-slatted seating and wicker accessories, stay fresh season after season.

Swap out harsh outdoor lighting with softer alternatives to create a relaxed mood.

big backyard pool in the back of a big Miami house — Bright outdoor lights can be jarring.
Cassanas Photography/Shutterstock

Bright and harsh outdoor lighting can cause discomfort and create an unwelcoming vibe, according to Snisar.

"Embrace the warmth of soft outdoor lighting strategically placed around your space," she told BI. "Lanterns or fairy lights can provide a welcoming glow, setting the perfect mood for relaxation and enjoyment."

Unused wood piles can attract unwanted pests.

stack of unused wood in someone's backyard — If you have a fireplace or a pit, you can end up with a lot of excess wood.
erdalislakphotography/Shutterstock

Having a stack of unused wood can clutter your space and attract unwanted pests, according to Mariya Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell.

"Repurpose or remove the wood, and turn it into a stylish fire pit," she told BI. "Alternatively, you could simply keep a more organized and purposeful wood-storage area."

Invasive plants should be replaced by native species.

big ed barberry bush in a rocky garden — Ornamental, non-native barberry bushes are invasive species.
Olga Vasilek/Shutterstock

As awareness around the importance of native plants continues to grow, many homeowners are ready to swap out some of their invasive ornamental species.

"Plants like burning bush and barberry, though popular for their aesthetics, can overrun native ecosystems," Gardiner told BI.

As an alternative, consider native shrubs and plants that support local wildlife while still offering vibrant colors. You can look up what's native in your area online.

Citronella candles can lack finesse.

lit citronella candle ina. colorful blown glass dish — There are other ways to deal with mosquitos.
Ilona Lablaika/Shutterstock

Snisar told BI that citronella candles can sometimes look unsightly in otherwise beautiful outdoor spaces.

The designer recommended going for a more modern solution such as insect-repelling plants or stylish, citronella-infused diffusers for a bug-free and aesthetically pleasing outdoor experience.

Tiki bars are a thing of the past.

decorative tiki bar area in someone's backyard — Tiki bars can come off looking a little tacky.
Steve Skjold/Shutterstock

Tropical kitsch might have been a hit in previous decades, but it's time to ditch the tiki bar, said Snisar.

"Upgrade to a more sophisticated outdoor lounge setup with sleek furniture, cozy lighting, and a well-designed outdoor bar for a more timeless and stylish feel," she told BI.

Single-type flower beds can appear dull and uninspired.

garden in front of a house with mostly pink and white flowers and some shrubs — You can end up with more pests and problems if you only plant one type of flower.
Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock

Single-type flower beds, also known as monocultures, need to go for several reasons.

"A monotonous bed of identical flowers can appear dull and uninspired, missing the vibrant and dynamic energy that mixed varieties provide," Snisar said. "Mix it up with various flowers of different heights, textures, and colors."

Gardiner also told BI that single-species gardens can be more susceptible to pests and diseases because they often require more pesticides and maintenance.

"Diverse plantings encourage a balanced ecosystem and reduce the need for interventions," she told BI.

This story was originally published on April 20, 2024, and most recently updated on March 17, 2025

Read the original article on Business Insider