9 things landscapers, gardeners, and interior designers would never have in their outdoor spaces

Donna Letier, gardening expert and founder and CEO of Gardenuity, said she never uses terracotta pots in her outdoor spaces.

“This might be surprising, but I would never buy anything including terracotta pots,” she told BI. “The pots are heavy to move around and not the best containers for plants.”

In some cases, plants that love moisture may struggle to thrive in these porous clay pots — and others may need to be watered more often.

Instead, it’s worth consulting with pros at your local garden center to find pot styles that suit your aesthetic and are made from materials that work well for whatever you’re hoping to plant in them.

Hammocks might look aesthetically appealing and comfortable, but according to Letier, they aren’t worth the hassle.

“I don’t find them that comfortable. The minute you get situated in the hammock, you think of something you forgot, and getting in and out can be challenging,” she said.

If you still want to lie out in your yard, consider investing in comfortable loungers with high-quality, weatherproof cushions.

Artificial turf may seem appealing for a year-round green lawn. However, it’s not a magic solution for a picture-perfect yard.

“Synthetic turf grass might look like real grass, but will ultimately end up in the landfill,” Lara Hermanson, a licensed landscape contractor and the principal and cofounder of Farmscape, told BI.

It can trap more heat in your yard than regular grass, and it still requires regular maintenance to keep it clean, especially if you have pets, Hermanson added.

Before committing to turf, homeowners may want to consider lawn alternatives, such as white clover or native grasses, depending on their needs and the level of maintenance they’re comfortable with.

When reaching for outdoor accessories, Jessica Holmes Holiday, founder and principal designer of HSH Collective Home and Design, said she always keeps local weather patterns in mind.

“We avoid noisy wind chimes or anything similar that is easy to break or get knocked over by the weather,” she told BI. In areas that get regular storms or hurricanes, they can especially feel like a disturbance.

Hermanson said she avoids continuous paving in outdoor spaces because it prevents soil from obtaining moisture. Plus, pavement can retain a lot of heat, making a yard extra uncomfortable during hot weather.

“When we receive precious rain, it’s important that the water makes it into our soil for long-term storage,” she told BI. “Lots of hard, reflective surfaces heat the local environment, making it virtually uninhabitable during the daytime in summer months.”

An excess of paving in a yard can also cause rainwater to pool in certain areas, which isn’t ideal.

According to Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, plastic flamingos can diminish the natural beauty of your outdoor space.

“Plastic flamingos may have a kitschy charm, but they often lack the elegance and natural appeal desired in outdoor spaces,” she told BI.

If you’re looking to add some whimsy to your yard in a more tasteful way, consider shopping for unique sculptures or pieces from local artists that are designed to be displayed outdoors.

Moszczynski wouldn’t introduce invasive plant species — like buckthorn, garlic mustard, or Japanese knotweed — into her outdoor space.

“As a responsible gardener, it’s crucial to avoid planting species that can harm the environment and native wildlife,” she told BI.

Moszczynski recommends contacting local garden centers to learn more about what plants work best in your area.

Laura Redd, interior designer at Laura Redd Interiors, doesn’t keep cushioned furniture — chairs, couches, or otherwise — in uncovered outdoor areas.

“I would never put cushioned pieces of furniture out in the open air,” the interior designer told BI. “They always seem to mold and mildew and stay wet when needed for seating.”

She also recommended having a chest to store any removable outdoor cushions when not in use to protect them from the elements.

If you’re committed to having cushioned furniture in your outdoor space, be careful what you choose.

Marisa Bettencourt, founder of North + Fair Interior Design, told BI she avoids “fabrics primarily meant for indoor use, such as cotton, leather, or velvet.”

They’re especially likely to fade and wear quickly when facing the elements. On the other hand, fabrics like acrylic and polyester are typically designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions.

The designer recommended using weather-resistant cushions and decorative pillows that are easier to clean and keep mold-free.

This story was originally published on May 7, 2024, and most recently updated on May 12, 2026.