Let’s be honest—most of us don’t plan our side yard. It just sort of… exists. Like a lost sock behind the washing machine, or that weird corner in the fridge that permanently smells like onion. You know the bit I mean—narrow, awkward, usually with a hosepipe doing its best spaghetti impression. But here’s the thing: that little stretch between the front and the back? It’s got so much potential, I promise.
I learned this the hard way after tripping over a garden rake for the third time, narrowly avoiding sending the wheelie bin flying. At some point, you look at the mess and think, “Surely I can do better than this.” And the answer is yes, yes you can—without needing to remortgage the house or phone a landscape architect called Hugo.
These walkway ideas aren’t just pretty—they’re practical, family-friendly, and affordable. You don’t need a fancy entrance or a massive garden to make it work. Just a bit of space down the side of the house, some clever materials, and a willingness to get creative (and maybe slightly muddy).
1. Gravel and Stepping Stones with a Border of Lavender
This one’s a classic for a reason. You’ve got a tidy side path—gravel crunching satisfyingly underfoot—with large square or irregular stepping stones to give it shape. The real magic, though, is in the edging: a narrow bed of lavender running down one or both sides. It looks modern, smells incredible, and keeps things feeling soft and inviting. Even better? Bees love it. And we like bees. Bees are good.
Gravel’s cheap, drains well, and doesn’t mind a bit of foot traffic. It also lets you get away with a slightly uneven surface (shhh, no one tell the perfectionists). If your side yard tends to feel like a wind tunnel or a forgotten zone, adding that green border of lavender softens the whole look.
You can do this with budget materials from a garden centre or even online—just don’t forget to lay down a weed membrane before dumping the gravel, or your “modern walkway” will look like a jungle by midsummer. Add some solar lights along the edge for a bit of nighttime glow, and suddenly your wheelie bin route just got upgraded to a side-garden moment.
2. Narrow Concrete Pavers with Modern Fence Panels
If your home leans a bit more modern—or if you’re just pretending it does, like I am—then slim concrete pavers are your best friend. Picture this: long, clean strips of pale grey pavers in a straight line, spaced ever so slightly apart, with a border of smooth pebbles or mulch in between. It’s minimal, tidy, and—dare I say—quite chic.
Now pair that with dark horizontal slat fence panels running the length of your side yard. Instantly you’ve created a space that feels intentional, not accidental. Like the path belongs there. You could even add a slim raised bed along one wall or a trellis for climbing greenery to soften the lines.
These pavers are often sold by the piece, so you can control your budget and only buy as many as you need. And because the surface area is narrow, you don’t need to level a massive zone—just a tidy walkway from front yard to back. It’s one of those garden upgrades that whispers, “I’ve got my life together,” even if you’re secretly wearing yesterday’s hoodie and hiding a half-built trampoline behind the shed.
3. Brick Path with Soft Mossy Gaps and a Rustic Feel
Here’s one for the romantics—or those of us who hoard bricks like they’re made of gold (guilty). A brick walkway doesn’t need to be perfect to look brilliant. In fact, the slightly messy, weathered ones often look the best. Especially when you leave a bit of space between each brick and let moss, creeping thyme, or even plain grass grow between them.
This works beautifully alongside older-style family homes, red brick houses, or any side yard that feels a bit forgotten and could use a soft, timeless touch. The best part? You can collect bricks gradually from marketplace listings or building sites (always ask first!) to save money.
Lay them flat in a basket-weave or herringbone pattern for a traditional look, or space them out irregularly if you’re going for that wild English-cottage-meets-modern-family-garden vibe. The bricks will settle and shift a little over time, but that’s half the charm. Add a couple of potted hydrangeas or ferns nearby, and you’ve got yourself a front-to-back walkway that feels lived-in and loved.
4. Reclaimed Wood Planks with Gravel and Climbing Greenery
If you like the idea of something that feels warm, grounded, and a little bit unexpected, try using reclaimed wood planks or sleepers as a walkway base. Just make sure they’re properly sealed or designed for outdoor use—no one wants a soggy walkway two months in.
You can lay the wood directly over a gravel base for drainage, and surround the planks with smooth pebbles or mulch to keep the whole thing low-maintenance. The trick here is balance: a clean linear path softened by natural textures and greenery climbing up one side.
This setup works especially well next to a wooden fence or garden wall. Try adding a trellis with jasmine, honeysuckle, or even tomatoes if you’re the practical sort. If your kids tend to race up and down the side of the house, these wood planks are grippy and wide enough for little feet. And if they drop their ice cream? The gravel’s very forgiving. (I speak from sticky experience.)
5. Side Walkway with Large Format Pavers and Ornamental Grass
Sometimes all you want is calm. Clean lines. No fussy details. That’s where oversized pavers come in—those big square or rectangular slabs that look like something from a glossy garden mag but actually cost less than you think if you shop around.
Laid in a simple straight line or staggered like steps, these pavers are the main event. Around them, plant low ornamental grasses—fountain grass, mondo grass, even soft sedges—depending on your climate. They wave in the breeze, fill in the gaps, and never look overgrown. Win-win.
You could do this all in a side garden as narrow as a metre wide. And because the materials are so low-fuss, you won’t spend every weekend pruning or sweeping. If your home’s exterior is white, grey, or even red brick, this kind of neutral, modern path balances things out. Think of it like the garden version of a capsule wardrobe: it just works.
6. Side Garden Pathway with Pebble Infill and Planter Boxes
If your side yard is a bit of a blank slate—or let’s be honest, a narrow strip of mud and regrets—then planter boxes are a game-changer. Build or buy a few raised wooden or metal planters and place them neatly along one side of the walkway. Then fill in the walking space with small white or grey pebbles, plus a few square stepping stones for balance.
This walkway idea works brilliantly for people who want something tidy but still green and family-proof. You can grow herbs, flowers, or even a few cheeky veg in the boxes (we had cherry tomatoes last year—until the dog discovered them). The beauty of this setup is how clean and easy it is to maintain. No weeding between bricks. No edging drama.
Just be sure to keep the stepping stones flat and wide enough so you’re not wobbling around with your shopping bags or bins. It also looks quite fancy when you add solar stake lights between the boxes. Budget-friendly, easy on the eyes, and smells like rosemary and soil in the summer. What’s not to love?
7. Lush Walkway with Poured Concrete and Side Drainage
Now, if your house tends to have drainage issues—you know, puddles that turn into lakes after every rain—this one’s worth considering. A smooth poured concrete path might sound boring, but it’s actually one of the most modern, low-maintenance options out there. The key is how you frame it.
On either side of the path, leave a drainage strip filled with decorative gravel or river stones. Not only does it soak up the water, but it makes the walkway feel way more polished. Add some grasses or tall planter pots along one edge for a splash of green.
This design is especially good if your side yard is heavily trafficked (kids, pets, bin dragging, emergency garden escapes). It’s strong, stable, and handles all weather like a champ. If you want to get very fancy, you can stain the concrete a soft warm tone—or just keep it plain and add interest with lighting and plants.
Either way, it’s the kind of modern walkway that makes your house feel a bit more… finished. Like it knows what it’s doing.
8. Modern Slate Tiles with Ferns and Vertical Greenery
For a side path that makes a bit of a statement, try using long narrow slate tiles. They’re dark, moody, and look absolutely stunning next to greenery. I once saw this done at a small city home where the side yard was barely wider than a garden hose—but it felt like a rainforest path.
Lay the tiles close together, almost seamless, and surround the area with lush low ferns or leafy shade plants (especially good if your side yard doesn’t get much sun). If you’ve got a plain wall or fence running along the side, this is also the perfect opportunity to add a vertical garden or wall planter setup.
These slate tiles are surprisingly affordable if you buy in bulk or go for seconds, and they wear beautifully over time. Add a simple wooden gate or arch at one end to frame the path, and suddenly you’ve turned a forgotten space into a little sanctuary. I call this one the “secret garden side path”—and yes, I do pretend I’m entering Narnia every time I walk through it.
9. Light-Coloured Stone Path with Grass Strip Center
Let’s talk curb appeal—because sometimes your walkway isn’t just a side route, it’s also the first thing people see. This idea works whether your path runs from the front yard around to the back, or connects a small patio area to your main entrance.
Picture this: light-toned square or rectangular stone slabs arranged in a row, with a narrow strip of lawn or ground cover running down the centre—like a green racing stripe. It looks like something out of a design magazine, but it’s honestly quite simple.
You just need to prep the base properly, edge it neatly, and keep the centre strip trimmed. You can use grass, creeping thyme, or even artificial turf if you’re going ultra low-maintenance. This look is especially beautiful in coastal-style or Mediterranean-style family homes where white walls and warm stone create that soft, summery feel.
My neighbour has this and I still slow down to stare at it every time I walk by. It’s a small upgrade that makes the whole house look that bit more intentional. Also, it’s great for kids who want to run barefoot back and forth—just saying.
10. Paver Walkway with Decorative Fence Cut-Outs and Lighting
Right—this one’s a bit of a showstopper. If you’ve got a longer side yard or walkway that leads to a garden, seating area, or even just the back gate, consider making it a full experience. Use large modern pavers in a neutral tone (grey or tan always works), and line one or both sides with a low decorative fence or screen.
The fun bit? Cut-outs in the fence—geometric shapes, latticework, or even laser-cut metal panels if you’re going modern. These throw shadows onto the walkway during the day and glow with string lights or low garden LEDs at night. It’s one of those “didn’t think I could do that” things that totally elevates the space.
Even a short version of this design near your house entrance can work wonders for curb appeal and make the front of the house feel done. The lighting especially makes it feel cosy and welcoming for family and guests coming home after dark. Plus, it makes it easier to spot the cat hiding under the hydrangea again.
Final thoughts
Side walkways don’t have to be an afterthought—or a dumping ground for broken pots and garden clutter (guilty again). With just a bit of effort and imagination, you can turn that narrow strip of land into something that actually adds to your home. These modern garden walkway ideas are proof that you don’t need a massive budget or professional crew to make a real difference.
And honestly, once it’s done, it changes how you use the space. You start walking the long way round just because it feels nice. Your kids start racing toy cars down the path. Your neighbour starts peeking over the fence, slightly jealous. All from a bit of gravel, a few plants, and a Saturday or two of DIY.
So go on—give your side yard the attention it deserves. You’ll be amazed how much it gives back. And yes, you can still hide your compost bin behind a shrub. I won’t tell.