These days, homeowners collaborate with professionals to design and install stunning artificial grass as part of a modern garden. Artificial grass blades have evolved from a shiny green plastic spotted a mile away to such a life-like look that it’s impossible to tell the grass is fake until you touch it or notice there are absolutely no brown spots in sight.

The installations below use interesting combinations of materials, colors and live plants to compliment the once tabooed fake lawn. In fact, they are so magazine-worthy that neighbors will surely turn green with envy.

Remember that you don’t have to install a full lawn as artificial grass can easily be used between pavers, in side yards and other smaller applications.

1. Artificial Grass In the Driveway

This home in Leucadia incorporates artificial turf between concrete slabs to create a look that seamlessly blends the driveway into the front entry to create a feel of openness.

2. Liven up a Shady Patio

This Los Angeles home brightened up an otherwise shady patio with a small artificial lawn. Not only is the grass soft to the touch, but it certainly adds a warm feel to this bedroom. Slippers or not, it’s easy to venture out into this comfortable space.

3. A Kid’s Paradise

If the kids toss sand out of the sandbox, getting it back in is much easier with artificial turf surrounding the play area than real grass. Provided it didn’t just rain, sweep or blow the sand back in without it sticking to potentially wet soil. Let them play ball games like tetherball, pictured at the end of the lawn in this photo, soccer, catch and more.

4. Use Multiple Materials

There’s a lot to look at here, right? Aside from the adorable dogs on the concrete, the wood decking, yellow wall with sculpture, architectural plants and tree in the center of the artificial lawn provide a first-time guest with plenty of focal points.

5. Non-Linear Design

Who says that the lawn has to exist within a boundary? This playful design and modern seating injects youth into an older Beverly Hills estate.

6. Use Between Natural Stone

This Mediterranean design incorporates slate squares between strips of artificial turf to liven up a rustic look without much maintenance.

7. Functional and Pretty

Those needing a large strip of artificial turf may as well give it a practical purpose. We’ve seen everything from bocce ball to putting greens to large chess boards.

8. The Only Water Is in the Pool

Artificial turf also isn’t always short like it is on a putting green. The lush grass between the concrete pavers in this photo provide a soft cushion under post-pool bare feet. Add interest by using a railroad pattern and soften the entire look by choosing wood patio furniture versus metal.

9.  Play Checkers

Give depth to an otherwise small backyard by incorporating a contemporary checker design, as displayed in this European-style garden with muted hues of greens and lavender. The tall trees and fountain provide a sense of privacy, as well.

10.  Add More Green

It’s hard to distinguish the living green from the artificial green in this photo.  In this case, irrigating the grass on the steps here would have been difficult and, perhaps, wasteful so the owner opted for artificial turf even against a backdrop of a living wall and other lush greenery. The vases on the table provide a much-needed pop of color.

11. Integrate a Pop of Color

Liven up an area of turf by adding color contrast. These homeowners choose a pretty bright blue accented with orange. Lady palms in the background add a tropical vibe to the space.

12. Reach for the Sky

For those with city apartments, artificial grass in combination with modern container plantings is the perfect solution for adding an unexpected pop of greenery to an outdoor living area. There isn’t a need for any space to feel like a concrete jungle.

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost?

Of course, the answer is that it depends on your geographical region, design and installation requirements. We do have a great deal of information regarding the cost of artificial grass that homeowners can use as a reference point. Have a look. Remember that you will save on your water bill over time, if you’re adding artificial grass to an are of the home that would otherwise be irrigated. And, there’s no need for a gardener to spend time mowing it either.

A Solution for a Busy Lifestyle

In most of California, live lawns require maintenance. Artificial grass also works for homeowners who travel and also rental properties. Maybe you have a dog and want an alternative to a lawn where he or she can play. We can also help with durable synthetic pet turf.

At Artificial Turf Express, we specialize in providing top quality artificial turf for Contractors, Landscapers and the “Do-it-yourself” crowd. We focus on providing you with everything you would need to complete your artificial grass installations: from infill, sand and glue to same-day project support and special order items. If you are ready to tackle your own artificial turf installation, give us a call — we’re here to help. By Katie Dillon