Are you dreaming of a gorgeous backyard that feels both elegant and effortlessly natural? Whether you’re revamping your back porch, planning a new garden path, or just love a good outdoor living glow-up, pavers with grass in between might be exactly what your space needs.
This timeless design trend is all about combining structure with softness—stone or concrete pavers paired with lush green grass. It’s a balance that brings a designer touch without sacrificing the warm, lived-in vibe we all love.
Below, we’ve rounded up 17 inspiring ideas to help you find your perfect match. From minimalist modern back porch ideas to cozy garden paths and dreamy patio layouts, each option offers a fresh take on outdoor decor.
Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Grid Pattern for a Clean, Modern Look
If you’re a fan of clean lines and that fresh-from-a-magazine look, the classic grid pattern is calling your name.
This design features evenly spaced square or rectangular pavers set in a symmetrical grid, with tidy strips of grass in between. It works beautifully with materials like poured concrete, limestone, or smooth porcelain tiles—especially in light gray or beige tones.
The geometric structure creates a sleek, modern effect, perfect for back porch decor or a polished garden walkway. It’s a popular choice for homes with contemporary architecture or minimalist outdoor furniture, where every detail counts.
One of the best parts of this design is how versatile it is. You can scale the pattern to fit small patios, large backyard seating areas, or even around a fire pit. The grid also allows for easy maintenance since each paver is isolated and easy to replace if needed.
Pair this layout with modern patio furniture—think black frames, neutral cushions, and a few bold accents like planters or lanterns—to complete the look.
And yes, it’s Instagram-worthy.
2. Rustic Flagstone with Mossy Gaps
Craving something more natural and storybook-chic? Flagstone with moss or grass-filled gaps brings an old-world charm that feels like a stroll through an English garden.
Unlike grid layouts, flagstone paths use irregular shapes with a more organic spacing. No two stones are exactly the same, which adds visual interest and a relaxed, cozy feel. The gaps between the stones are typically filled with soft grasses like fescue or creeping thyme—or even moss if you’re in a cooler, shady climate.
This look works especially well for garden paths, cottage-inspired homes, or shaded patios. It’s a soft contrast to hardscapes, adding a sense of warmth and history to your outdoor living space.
One of the best bonuses? Flagstone surfaces tend to stay cooler underfoot than concrete, which is a big win for barefoot afternoons or pet-friendly backyards.
If you want to elevate the romance factor, add some twinkling string lights, vintage-style garden furniture, and flowering borders around the walkway. It’s like your backyard stepped out of a Jane Austen novel.
3. Herringbone Pattern with Creeping Thyme
Ready to spice things up? The herringbone pattern is an eye-catching layout that uses rectangular pavers set at angles to form a zigzag design.
It’s bold, elegant, and ideal for areas where you want to make a statement—think entryways, modern back porch ideas, or dining patios. What takes it to the next level is filling the narrow gaps with creeping thyme or another fragrant, low-growing herb.
Creeping thyme is more than pretty—it’s tough, drought-resistant, and releases a lovely scent when stepped on. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas while adding a sensory experience to your backyard.
The herringbone layout plays especially well with brick, giving off classic East Coast charm with a twist. Or, if you prefer a modern edge, use dark-toned concrete or sleek stone with crisp white gravel edging.
This style elevates your outdoor design from simple to stunning, while still feeling relaxed and livable. It’s also a great backdrop for outdoor dining sets, pergolas, or even an herb garden on wheels.
4. Oversized Pavers with Lush Green Strips
Sometimes, bigger really is better—especially when it comes to oversized pavers.
These large-scale stones (often 24×24 inches or more) create a bold, modern foundation for any yard or patio. Placed with wide, even spaces and filled with bright green grass, they create a dramatic contrast that looks clean yet inviting.
This design works wonders in contemporary outdoor spaces, especially when paired with sleek patio furniture, minimal landscaping, and soft lighting. It’s a favorite for people who love architecture-driven aesthetics but still want that refreshing touch of green.
The grass strips between the stones help break up the hard surface, improving drainage and adding texture. Plus, the scale of the pavers helps smaller yards feel more expansive and curated.
Want to make it even more luxe? Try pairing with a fire bowl, vertical garden, or large planters filled with sculptural succulents. This combo makes your back porch decor feel like a boutique resort escape.
5. Checkerboard Lawn and Stone Combo
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If you’re craving something playful and bold, the checkerboard paver and lawn combo is a showstopper.
Alternating squares of grass and stone create a classic grid that’s both nostalgic and modern. Think of it as a twist on your grandma’s favorite pattern—reimagined for chic outdoor living.
You can use square pavers made of concrete, marble, or travertine depending on your desired vibe. Pair them with well-maintained turf (real or artificial) to get crisp edges and a lush green backdrop.
This style is perfect for family homes, party patios, or back porch designs where you want both personality and polish. It’s surprisingly easy to maintain if you install a solid base and use quality materials.
Add some string lights overhead, cozy seating, and maybe even a chess table to complete the look. Bonus points if you use black and white stone for a literal checkerboard effect.
6. Natural Stone Path Through the Garden
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For those who love a more organic, nature-inspired aesthetic, a natural stone path with grass in between is like a secret garden come to life.
These irregularly shaped stones wind their way through flower beds, vegetable gardens, or shaded tree groves. The grass softens the look and helps blend the path into the surrounding landscape.
This layout is less about structure and more about flow—it invites you to wander, explore, and pause to enjoy the little things. It’s a fantastic way to add accessibility to different garden zones while keeping the aesthetic grounded and green.
Pair this look with wooden benches, bird baths, or vintage planters to enhance the cozy, whimsical vibe. It’s an ideal choice for DIY gardeners who love function, charm, and low-maintenance back porch ideas that still feel special.
7. Stepping Stones Through a Minimalist Zen Yard
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Sometimes, less truly is more. Stepping stones set in gravel or lawn create a calming, meditative vibe that’s perfect for a Zen-inspired yard.
This design uses simplicity as a form of elegance. Clean, evenly spaced pavers—usually rectangular or round—are placed with wide grass-filled gaps in between. It’s a great way to add flow to your yard while staying grounded in nature.
Use ornamental grasses, white gravel borders, and smooth stones to complete the minimalist vibe. This layout pairs beautifully with bamboo accents, water features, or low-profile modern patio furniture in neutral tones.
If you’re all about peaceful outdoor living, this design transforms your yard into a retreat. Ideal for early morning coffee rituals or end-of-day wind-downs under the stars.
8. Pavers with Artificial Turf Between
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Love the look of grass but not the maintenance? Pavers with artificial turf in between give you all the green without the hassle.
This layout is perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a picture-perfect lawn year-round. Whether you choose square, rectangular, or custom-cut pavers, the key is consistent spacing and high-quality turf that mimics the real thing.
It’s especially popular in urban outdoor living spaces or patios where water restrictions or heavy foot traffic make natural grass tricky. Plus, it looks incredibly sharp with modern or industrial-style homes.
Want to dial up the style? Combine with built-in seating, sleek planters, or bold pops of color through decor. This combo feels fresh, modern, and stress-free.
9. Round or Circular Pavers for a Playful Path
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Looking for something a little more fun and whimsical? Circular or round pavers set in a lawn create a playful, almost magical path through your backyard.
These stepping stone-style pavers work well in both informal and formal gardens. The round shapes break up sharp edges and add movement to your layout, drawing the eye forward and making even a small yard feel more dynamic.
Use natural stone for a rustic touch or polished concrete for a sleek, modern finish. Space the stones evenly and let the grass peek through the edges for a charming, softened border.
This design is especially great for guiding guests through garden beds, connecting patios, or adding charm to side yards. Pair with curved furniture or soft landscaping for a cohesive look that feels relaxed and welcoming.
10. Gravel + Grass + Pavers Mix
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If you love texture and want a more layered look, mixing gravel, grass, and pavers can take your outdoor design to the next level.
This approach blends three contrasting materials—smooth pavers, soft greenery, and rough gravel—to create a rich, dimensional effect. It’s a great way to balance form and function while keeping things visually interesting.
Start with large stone or concrete pavers as your foundation. Surround them with strips of artificial or natural grass, and use gravel or pea stones to fill in the rest of the space. This combo enhances drainage and works beautifully in dry or rainy climates alike.
The result? A modern-meets-natural vibe that’s perfect for outdoor living areas, especially those with lounge furniture, a pergola, or an outdoor kitchen.
It’s also a clever solution for spaces where water pooling is an issue, as the gravel allows water to move freely. Want to make it even more dynamic? Use contrasting stone colors or edging borders to define zones for sitting, dining, and playing.
11. Mixed Materials: Brick & Grass Combo
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There’s something undeniably charming about a brick and grass combination—especially if you’re drawn to a cozy, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Brick pavers offer warmth and timeless appeal, making them perfect for walkways, patios, or back porches with character. When paired with grass or moss between each brick, the result is a soft, inviting look that brings old-world charm to your backyard.
This setup works beautifully in traditional gardens or historical homes, but it can also be given a modern spin by using geometric layouts or combining with whitewashed walls and modern patio furniture.
It’s also worth noting that brick is incredibly durable and slip-resistant, making it a smart option for families or areas with variable weather.
Add in some black wrought-iron chairs, café lights, or terra cotta planters to really nail the look. It’s a balance of elegance and ease—exactly what a great back porch decor moment should be.
12. Diagonal Layout for Visual Interest
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Want your yard to feel bigger and more dynamic? A diagonal paver layout is a smart design trick that adds motion and visual depth.
Instead of placing pavers in a standard vertical or horizontal grid, tilt the layout by 45 degrees. This instantly creates a sense of movement and can help smaller spaces feel more expansive.
Use rectangular or square pavers spaced evenly with grass or groundcover in between. This layout works particularly well with modern materials—smooth concrete, porcelain tile, or even cut stone.
The diagonal lines naturally draw the eye across the yard, making it a great option for long, narrow spaces or patios that need a little design punch.
You can take it up a notch by using a contrasting border or incorporating gravel accents for texture. And don’t forget to tie the look together with outdoor elements like modern back porch ideas, such as streamlined seating, geometric planters, or sculptural decor.
13. Terrace Steps with Green Accents
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If your yard has multiple levels, or you’re designing a sloped back porch area, terraced paver steps with grass in between are both functional and beautiful.
Terracing with pavers allows you to create levels that feel clean and intentional. By adding narrow strips of grass between each riser or tread, you introduce softness and color into what could otherwise be a harsh, hardscape-heavy area.
This design is ideal for creating a modern patio transition from your back porch to a garden or pool area. It can also help reduce erosion and make your landscape feel more cohesive.
Choose materials like limestone or concrete for a polished look, or go for rustic slate or sandstone for a more natural effect. Plant low-maintenance grass varieties or groundcovers like Dymondia between the steps for year-round green.
Top it off with lighting along the steps and minimalist railings to create a show-stopping focal point that’s as practical as it is pretty.
14. Front Walkway with Welcoming Green Lines
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Your front walkway is the first impression your home makes—so why not make it memorable with pavers and grass lines?
This approach uses rectangular or square pavers placed in straight or gently curved lines, with uniform grassy borders in between. It creates a clean, classic look that feels both curated and natural.
It’s an ideal choice for traditional, farmhouse, or transitional-style homes, and can be customized with materials like brick, stone, or concrete depending on your home’s exterior.
The green inlays add charm and help the walkway feel less rigid, which is great for softening curb appeal. You can flank the path with flower beds, lanterns, or even low hedges for extra personality.
This design is also family- and pet-friendly, providing solid footing with a little extra cushioning thanks to the grass. Plus, it sets a calm, welcoming tone before guests even reach your porch.
15. Coastal Vibe: White Pavers with Zoysia Grass
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Bring breezy, beachy energy to your backyard with white or light-colored pavers paired with Zoysia grass—a perfect match for coastal or tropical-inspired spaces.
Zoysia is a dense, slow-growing turf that thrives in warm climates. It’s soft underfoot and maintains a gorgeous green tone, even in the summer heat. When paired with pale stone pavers, the contrast creates a crisp, airy look that’s ideal for modern outdoor living.
This style works beautifully with coastal-inspired backyards featuring driftwood furniture, blue and white textiles, and natural materials like rattan or teak. It’s also a great choice for poolside areas since Zoysia grass handles foot traffic well and pavers stay cool.
To take the theme further, add palm plants, flowing curtains on your pergola, and lanterns to channel that vacation vibe right in your backyard.
16. Urban Courtyard with Tight Grass Insets
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For city dwellers or anyone working with a compact yard, tight grass insets between small-format pavers can make even the tiniest space feel lush and luxurious.
Use small rectangular or square pavers arranged in a compact pattern—like a running bond or stacked layout. Then add thin lines of grass or artificial turf to soften the hardscape and bring in that touch of green.
This is a fantastic choice for urban back porch ideas, rooftop gardens, or compact courtyards where you want both texture and order. You’ll get the visual warmth of a garden with the clean lines of a well-planned space.
Keep the look cohesive by using a monochromatic palette—gray pavers with green grass, black planters with soft foliage, and sleek furniture in matte finishes.
It’s low-maintenance, high-style, and exactly what city dwellers need to turn a concrete corner into an outdoor oasis.
17. DIY-Friendly Paver Project for Weekend Warriors
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Love the idea of upgrading your backyard yourself? A DIY paver and grass project is totally doable with the right tools, prep, and layout.
Start simple: choose evenly sized square or rectangular pavers. Plan your layout using chalk or string lines, and prep the ground by leveling and compacting it. Place the pavers with 2–3 inches between them, then add grass seed or rolls of sod in the gaps.
If you’re looking for low-maintenance grass, try Dymondia, Blue Star Creeper, or even synthetic turf. These options stay green and are tough enough for foot traffic.
This is a great weekend project that doesn’t require heavy machinery and allows for creativity. You can go with a grid layout, a winding path, or a mix of shapes depending on your vibe.
Pair the final product with modern patio furniture, some solar-powered lighting, and a cozy seating nook—and just like that, you’ve created a beautiful, functional outdoor upgrade you can proudly say you did yourself.
Conclusion
Whether your style leans modern and structured or soft and romantic, pavers with grass in between offer a versatile, beautiful solution to elevate your outdoor living space.
They’re functional, stylish, and customizable—perfect for everything from elegant garden paths to sleek modern back porch ideas. With so many design options, there’s truly something for every home and every homeowner.
From the rich texture of brick and grass combos to the breezy elegance of coastal-style pavers with Zoysia, each idea brings charm and sophistication to your backyard.
Ready to refresh your patio or walkway? Bookmark your favorites from this list and let the inspiration guide your next outdoor project. You don’t need a massive budget—just a bit of vision, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty.
Don’t forget to save this post, share it with a friend, or drop your favorite design in the comments. Your dream outdoor space is just a few pavers away!
