1. Get rid on the lawn. Not only is it costly to water and maintain, but the fertilizer to keep it green and chemicals to keep mosquitos at bay are detrimental to the environment. Use it as an excuse to get out and go to your local park to use their grass instead.
2. Use pavers with greens growing in the grid. Depending on your zone, certain plants will thrive creeping through the pavers. Check out this article to learn more. This will give you an organic feel but without all the water.
3. Use succulents, in lots of colors and shapes, succulents can feel lush and like a colorful painting, your eye will dance around your yard.
4. Use Gravel, done right this can be chic and require no upkeep.
If you'd like help designing an original space that you absolutely love, contact me about design services.