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112 Stunning Garden Steps Ideas for your Outdoor Space

Transform your outdoor space with inspiring garden steps ideas that blend functionality with stunning design. Whether you're working with natural stone, wood, or contemporary materials, the right garden steps can create a beautiful journey through your landscape. From illuminated pathways to curved designs for sloped terrain, discover how to elevate your garden's aesthetic while ensuring safe and practical access to different levels.

Transform Your Garden with These Enchanting Step DesignsNatural Stone: A Timeless ChoiceWooden Garden Steps IdeasRailroad Ties with a Modern TwistIlluminated Steps for Evening MagicLiving Steps: A Green InnovationMixed Materials for Contemporary AppealCurved Garden Steps IdeasSloped Garden Steps IdeasBudget-Friendly Gravel Steps

Transform Your Garden with These Enchanting Step Designs

Garden steps are more than just functional elements; they're opportunities to create stunning focal points in your outdoor space. From classic stone arrangements to modern architectural statements, the right steps can define your garden's character while connecting different levels seamlessly. In this guide, we'll explore various designs that combine beauty with practicality.

Cascading Stone Garden Steps - Photorealistic wide-angle view of natural stone steps cascading down a gentle slope, bordered by blooming lavender and creeping thyme, with soft morning light casting gentle shadows
Cascading Stone Garden Steps
Woodland Railway Tie Steps - Natural perspective of rustic railway tie steps winding through a shaded woodland garden, surrounded by ferns, hostas, and moss-covered stones
Woodland Railway Tie Steps
Mediterranean Terracotta Steps - Aerial view of warm terracotta tiled steps leading to a Mediterranean-style patio, bordered by potted citrus trees and trailing bougainvillea
Mediterranean Terracotta Steps
Contemporary Split-Level Steps - Aerial view of geometric concrete and wood composite steps creating a modern split-level garden design, accented with architectural plants and subtle lighting
Contemporary Split-Level Steps
Cottage Garden Brick Steps - Wide angle shot of weathered brick steps with cottage garden plants spilling over the edges, including roses, foxgloves, and catmint in full bloom
Cottage Garden Brick Steps
Coastal Garden Steps - Wide angle view of weathered wooden steps leading through coastal plantings of ornamental grasses and flowering perennials, with ocean views
Coastal Garden Steps
Forest Garden Log Steps - Natural perspective of embedded log steps cutting through a woodland garden, surrounded by native wildflowers and spring bulbs
Forest Garden Log Steps
Modern Floating Garden Steps - Close-up shot of minimalist floating concrete steps with LED strip lighting underneath, flanked by ornamental grasses and Japanese forest grass, creating a contemporary nighttime atmosphere
Modern Floating Garden Steps
Natural Stream-Side Steps - Natural perspective of stepping stones crossing a small garden stream, surrounded by moisture-loving plants and natural boulders
Natural Stream-Side Steps
Illuminated Garden Steps - Close-up twilight shot of modern garden steps with integrated LED lighting, creating a magical atmosphere with shadows from ornamental grasses
Illuminated Garden Steps
Zen Garden Stone Steps - Close-up detail of individually placed natural stone steps floating over a bed of raked gravel, accented with small clumps of mondo grass and moss
Zen Garden Stone Steps

Natural Stone: A Timeless Choice

Natural stone steps offer an enduring appeal that perfectly complements any garden style. Whether you choose slate, granite, or limestone, these materials provide durability while creating a seamless connection with nature. Their varied textures and colors can be arranged in patterns that range from rustic to sophisticated, making them a versatile choice for any landscape design.

Quartzite Forest Steps - Dramatic quartzite stone steps illuminated by sunset, ferns and moss growing alongside, wide angle view through forest
Quartzite Forest Steps
Modern Sandstone Floating Steps - Minimalist floating sandstone steps with clean lines and precise cuts, flanked by ornamental grasses, side view at golden hour, architectural
Modern Sandstone Floating Steps
Boulder Garden Steps - Natural boulder steps integrated into a hillside, surrounded by Japanese maples and dwarf conifers, close-up detail of stone texture
Boulder Garden Steps
River Rock Step Detail - Intricate close-up of river rock and pebble mosaic steps, with tiny sedums growing in crevices, morning light highlighting texture
River Rock Step Detail
Cobblestone Heritage Steps - Ancient weathered cobblestone steps with established ivy and climbing roses, aerial view showing winding path through formal garden
Cobblestone Heritage Steps
Bluestone Cottage Steps - Charming irregular bluestone steps leading to a cottage garden, lavender borders, morning dew, wide angle view with cottage in background
Bluestone Cottage Steps
Basalt Column Steps - Modern arrangement of vertical basalt columns forming natural steps, surrounded by bamboo, dramatic evening lighting, architectural perspective
Basalt Column Steps
Travertine Forest Steps - Dramatic travertine stone steps winding through tall trees, covered in fallen leaves, aerial drone view showing path through forest
Travertine Forest Steps
Mediterranean Flagstone Steps - Sun-bleached flagstone steps with Mediterranean herbs growing between joints, rosemary cascading over edges, wide view with sea in distance
Mediterranean Flagstone Steps
Rustic Limestone Steps - Gently curving garden steps made from weathered limestone blocks, bordered by creeping thyme and small ferns, casting soft shadows in morning light, photorealistic
Rustic Limestone Steps
Ancient Slate Steps - Close-up of hand-carved slate garden steps with rich textural detail, rain-kissed surface, surrounded by small alpine plants, dramatic lighting
Ancient Slate Steps
Granite Slab Woodland Steps - Wide granite slab steps ascending through a woodland garden, moss-covered edges, dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopy, aerial view, ultra-realistic
Granite Slab Woodland Steps

Wooden Garden Steps Ideas

Wooden steps bring warmth and natural charm to your garden landscape. From rich cedar to treated pine, wood offers versatility in design while providing a cost-effective solution. These steps can be crafted into various styles, from floating designs to integrated platforms, creating inviting pathways that blend harmoniously with your garden's natural elements.

Woodland Path Steps - Natural cedar wood steps winding through a shaded woodland garden, covered in moss, with ferns and hostas lining the edges, aerial view
Woodland Path Steps
Industrial Style Garden Steps - Modern wooden steps with black metal frames and cable railings, surrounded by architectural plants and gravel garden
Industrial Style Garden Steps
Mediterranean Terrace Steps - Wide-angle view of terraced wooden steps with built-in planters containing lavender and rosemary, leading to a sunny patio
Mediterranean Terrace Steps
Rustic Timber Garden Steps - Wide rustic wooden garden steps made from natural railway sleepers, flanked by ornamental grasses and lavender, leading up a gentle slope in dappled sunlight
Rustic Timber Garden Steps
Secret Garden Steps - Moss-covered wooden steps leading through an archway of climbing hydrangea and wisteria, creating a magical garden entrance
Secret Garden Steps
Modern Floating Wood Steps - Minimalist floating wooden steps with LED lighting underneath, surrounded by black bamboo and modern landscaping, shot at twilight
Modern Floating Wood Steps
Cottage Garden Wood Steps - Close-up of charming wooden steps with climbing roses and clematis growing alongside, creating a romantic cottage garden feel
Cottage Garden Wood Steps
Forest Boardwalk Steps - Elevated wooden boardwalk steps through dense garden foliage, with native ferns and shade-loving perennials below
Forest Boardwalk Steps
Coastal Deck Steps - Wide weathered wooden steps leading to beach garden, decorated with coastal grasses and white flowering plants, shot at sunset
Coastal Deck Steps
Zen Garden Timber Path - Wide angle view of geometric wooden step platforms floating over a peaceful koi pond, surrounded by Japanese maples and bamboo
Zen Garden Timber Path
Japanese Garden Timber Steps - Close-up of meticulously crafted wooden steps in Japanese garden style, with bamboo handrail and cloud-pruned boxwood alongside
Japanese Garden Timber Steps

Railroad Ties with a Modern Twist

Repurposed railroad ties offer a unique approach to garden steps, combining industrial heritage with contemporary design. These robust materials can be arranged in creative patterns, filled with gravel or surrounded by plants, to create distinctive steps that add character while providing excellent durability and stability.

Contemporary Railroad Tie Steps - Modern garden steps made from weathered railroad ties, alternating with light concrete inserts, surrounded by ornamental grasses and LED strip lighting, photographed at dusk
Contemporary Railroad Tie Steps
Floating Railroad Tie Staircase - Aerial view of minimalist floating garden steps made from polished railroad ties, with steel cable railings and embedded solar lights, surrounded by white pebbles
Floating Railroad Tie Staircase
Desert Modern Steps - Railroad tie steps in a contemporary desert landscape, surrounded by architectural succulents and crushed coral stone, photographed in bright sunlight
Desert Modern Steps
Coastal Contemporary Steps - Close-up of weathered railroad tie steps with beach grass and coastal plants, featuring rope railings and maritime-inspired lighting
Coastal Contemporary Steps
Geometric Garden Stairway - Aerial view of zigzagging railroad tie steps creating a geometric pattern, accented with white gravel and copper lighting fixtures
Geometric Garden Stairway
Woodland Modern Staircase - Natural-looking railroad tie steps cutting through a modern woodland garden, with native ferns and ground cover, captured in dappled sunlight
Woodland Modern Staircase
Living Wall Railroad Steps - Wide shot of railroad tie steps with vertical garden panels integrated into retaining walls, featuring a mix of trailing plants and ferns
Living Wall Railroad Steps
Industrial Chic Garden Steps - Wide-angle view of railroad tie steps with brushed metal accents and glass panel sides, featuring built-in planters with bamboo shoots
Industrial Chic Garden Steps
Illuminated Railway Steps - Dramatic evening shot of railroad tie steps with modern recessed lighting, flanked by tall ornamental grasses and steel planters
Illuminated Railway Steps
Zen Railroad Step Garden - Railroad tie steps arranged in a Japanese garden style with moss-covered edges and miniature maple trees, shot from a low angle
Zen Railroad Step Garden
Terraced Railroad Garden Path - Close-up of meticulously arranged railroad tie steps creating a terraced effect, with succulent gardens integrated into each level, shot during golden hour
Terraced Railroad Garden Path
Cascading Water Feature Steps - Close-up of railroad tie steps integrated with a modern water feature, creating small waterfalls between each step, surrounded by river rocks
Cascading Water Feature Steps

Illuminated Steps for Evening Magic

Transform your garden steps into enchanting nighttime features with strategic lighting. From subtle LED strips to solar-powered fixtures, illuminated steps not only enhance safety but also create magical evening ambiance. These lighting solutions can highlight the steps' architectural details while ensuring safe navigation after dark.

Modern Floating Lights - Aerial view of floating concrete steps with integrated LED strips creating sharp lines of light, minimal planting with architectural grasses catching the glow
Modern Floating Lights
Japanese Lantern Steps - Traditional stone steps illuminated by modern interpretations of Japanese lanterns, creating warm pools of light. Bamboo and moss gardens visible in evening light, zen atmosphere
Japanese Lantern Steps
Desert Oasis Steps - Close-up of sandstone steps with recessed lighting, surrounded by illuminated desert plants creating dramatic shadows, warm evening atmosphere
Desert Oasis Steps
Starlight Garden Path - Wide-angle view of gently curving garden steps with fiber optic lighting creating a starry night effect. White flowering plants glowing in the moonlight, creating ethereal atmosphere
Starlight Garden Path
Secret Garden Evening - Rustic brick steps with vintage-style copper lanterns, climbing roses and ivy illuminated by warm lighting, creating romantic evening atmosphere
Secret Garden Evening
Tropical Paradise Path - Wide view of wooden steps with rope lighting, surrounded by illuminated tropical plants and tiki torches, creating resort-style evening ambiance
Tropical Paradise Path
Mediterranean Twilight Steps - Wide view of whitewashed steps with terracotta pot lighting and embedded wall lights, Mediterranean plants creating dramatic shadows in evening light
Mediterranean Twilight Steps
Floating Illuminated Stairway - Aerial view of floating wooden steps with warm underdeck lighting creating a hovering effect at dusk. Bordered by lavender plants releasing evening fragrance, hyperrealistic render
Floating Illuminated Stairway
Color-Changing Symphony - Close-up of modern concrete steps with smart LED lighting system displaying subtle color changes, surrounded by silver-leaved plants reflecting the changing lights
Color-Changing Symphony
Moonlit Garden Steps - Modern garden steps with integrated LED strip lighting along the edges, casting a soft blue glow in twilight. Natural stone steps surrounded by ornamental grasses swaying in the evening breeze, photorealistic
Moonlit Garden Steps
Cascading Light Steps - Close-up of curved stone steps with cascading waterfall-style lighting effects, small blue LED lights embedded in risers creating a magical evening atmosphere, moss growing between stones
Cascading Light Steps
Woodland Glow Path - Natural stone steps with subtle ground-level lighting, surrounded by illuminated ferns and hostas creating magical evening woodland scene, view from ground level
Woodland Glow Path

Living Steps: A Green Innovation

Living steps integrate vegetation directly into their design, creating a unique blend of functionality and natural beauty. These innovative steps can incorporate moss, creeping thyme, or other ground covers between treads, softening the hardscape while providing environmental benefits and creating a stunning visual effect.

Living Wall Steps - Contemporary floating concrete steps with vertical garden panels on the adjacent wall, creating a dramatic green backdrop. Wide shot showing the entire installation
Living Wall Steps
Wildflower Steps Meadow - Wide rustic wooden steps with sides that double as planters, overflowing with native wildflowers and grasses. Aerial view showing the flowing pattern of colors and textures
Wildflower Steps Meadow
Living Rain Garden Steps - Eco-friendly steps designed with rain garden features, incorporating water-loving plants and permeable materials. Wide angle showing the water management system
Living Rain Garden Steps
Tropical Living Stairway - Broad stone steps with integrated tropical plants, featuring bright bromeliads and trailing vines. Wide-angle shot showing the lush, jungle-like atmosphere
Tropical Living Stairway
Living Moss Garden Steps - Natural stone garden steps with lush moss growing between the cracks, creating a soft green carpet effect. The steps are nestled between ferns and small woodland plants, captured in a close-up perspective showing the intricate texture of the moss
Living Moss Garden Steps
Butterfly Haven Steps - Natural stone steps bordered by butterfly-attracting plants and flowers, with water features integrated between levels. Shot from multiple angles showing butterfly activity
Butterfly Haven Steps
Japanese Moss Steps - Traditional Japanese-style stone steps covered in velvet moss, surrounded by bamboo and small maples. Shot from a low angle to emphasize the zen atmosphere
Japanese Moss Steps
Succulent-Lined Terrace Steps - Modern concrete steps with built-in planters on each riser, filled with colorful succulents and sedums creating a living wall effect. Shot from a side angle to show the cascading pattern
Succulent-Lined Terrace Steps
Rainbow Flower Steps - Colorful garden steps with built-in planters featuring a gradient of flowering plants from red to purple. Wide angle showing the complete color spectrum
Rainbow Flower Steps
Herb Garden Steps - Tiered wooden steps with built-in herb gardens, featuring different varieties of culinary herbs on each level. Close-up view showing the texture and variety of the herbs
Herb Garden Steps
Desert Living Steps - Southwest-inspired steps with integrated cacti and desert plants, featuring weathered wood and natural stone. Aerial view showing the desert landscape integration
Desert Living Steps
Fairy Garden Steps - Whimsical small-scale steps with miniature plants and tiny garden features, creating a magical atmosphere. Close-up shot showing the intricate details
Fairy Garden Steps

Mixed Materials for Contemporary Appeal

Combining different materials creates visually striking garden steps that stand out as modern design elements. Mixing concrete with wood, metal with stone, or glass with natural materials offers endless possibilities for unique, contemporary designs that make a bold statement in your garden landscape.

Slate and Copper Garden Steps - Wide view of cascading garden steps made from dark slate with copper edging, creating a dramatic contrast against lush greenery
Slate and Copper Garden Steps
Mixed Tile and Wood Steps - Close-up of garden steps combining geometric patterned tiles with sustainable bamboo treads, creating a unique contemporary look
Mixed Tile and Wood Steps
Contemporary Stone and Steel Steps - Modern garden steps featuring alternating layers of light gray stone and weathered steel risers, surrounded by ornamental grasses and LED strip lighting, photographed at dusk
Contemporary Stone and Steel Steps
Composite and Pebble Steps - Modern stepped pathway combining composite decking with river pebble inserts, flanked by contemporary container gardens
Composite and Pebble Steps
Terrazzo and Brass Steps - Elegant garden steps featuring terrazzo treads with brass inlays and risers, surrounded by Mediterranean-style planting, aerial view
Terrazzo and Brass Steps
Reclaimed Brick and Steel Steps - Wide shot of garden steps using reclaimed brick combined with black steel frames, creating an industrial-meets-traditional aesthetic
Reclaimed Brick and Steel Steps
Industrial Concrete and Corten Steps - Aerial view of industrial-style garden steps using rough concrete and corten steel, with embedded lighting and drought-resistant plants
Industrial Concrete and Corten Steps
Wood and Concrete Floating Steps - Wide-angle view of floating garden steps made with warm teak wood treads and raw concrete supports, creating a floating effect against a landscaped hillside
Wood and Concrete Floating Steps
Granite and Wood Composite Steps - Close-up detail of modern steps alternating between polished granite and wood-effect composite materials, with integrated lighting
Granite and Wood Composite Steps
Porcelain and Aluminum Steps - Contemporary garden steps featuring large-format porcelain tiles combined with brushed aluminum risers, creating a clean, minimal aesthetic
Porcelain and Aluminum Steps
Marble and Glass Block Steps - Luxurious garden steps combining white marble treads with frosted glass block risers, illuminated from within, photographed at twilight
Marble and Glass Block Steps
Glass and Stone Step Detail - Close-up detail of garden steps incorporating frosted glass panels with natural stone treads, illuminated from within, creating a stunning modern effect
Glass and Stone Step Detail

Curved Garden Steps Ideas

Curved steps add flowing elegance to your garden design, creating a more natural and inviting pathway. These graceful transitions between levels can follow the natural contours of your landscape, softening rigid lines and creating a more organic feel that guides visitors through your garden space.

Natural Curved Boulder Steps - Organic curved steps created from large, flat boulder slices, embedded into a hillside. Moss and small succulents grow between the rocks. Close-up shot showing the natural texture and plant integration.
Natural Curved Boulder Steps
Industrial Curved Concrete Steps - Bold curved concrete steps with weathered steel risers, surrounded by architectural plants in concrete planters. Close-up showing the material contrast and clean lines.
Industrial Curved Concrete Steps
Secret Garden Curved Steps - Mysterious curved stone steps covered in moss, leading through an archway draped with climbing roses and clematis. Shot from ground level creating an enchanting perspective.
Secret Garden Curved Steps
Woodland Curved Timber Steps - Natural timber steps following a gentle curve through a shaded woodland garden. Ferns and hostas line the edges. Shot from above showing the meandering path through the trees.
Woodland Curved Timber Steps
Illuminated Curved Garden Path Steps - Modern curved garden steps at twilight, with integrated LED lighting along each riser. The steps are made of smooth concrete with wood inserts, creating a contemporary flow through the garden. Aerial view capturing the flowing S-curve pattern.
Illuminated Curved Garden Path Steps
Curved Stone Steps with Lavender Border - Elegant curved garden steps made of natural stone, sweeping gently upward through a garden. Purple lavender plants line both sides, creating a soft, fragrant border. The steps are wide and gracefully curved, with a weathered, rustic appearance. Shot from ground level looking up.
Curved Stone Steps with Lavender Border
Mediterranean Terracotta Curved Steps - Warm terracotta curved steps winding through a Mediterranean garden, bordered by rosemary and santolina. White stucco walls provide contrast. Wide angle view showing the full sweep of the steps.
Mediterranean Terracotta Curved Steps
Modern Floating Curved Steps - Contemporary floating curved steps made of brushed steel and tempered glass, creating an illusion of floating. Ornamental grasses provide movement on either side. Close-up detail shot of the step construction.
Modern Floating Curved Steps
Zen Garden Curved Stone Steps - Minimalist curved steps made of smooth granite, set in a Japanese-inspired garden with cloud-pruned bushes and bamboo. Shot from side angle showing the clean lines.
Zen Garden Curved Stone Steps
Tropical Curved Paradise Steps - Lush curved steps made of natural stone, surrounded by tropical plants including bird of paradise and banana plants. Aerial view showing the winding path through exotic foliage.
Tropical Curved Paradise Steps
Coastal Curved Sandstone Steps - Weather-worn sandstone steps curving along a coastal garden, with native grasses and coastal plants. Wide shot capturing the ocean view beyond.
Coastal Curved Sandstone Steps

Sloped Garden Steps Ideas

Transform challenging slopes into attractive features with well-designed garden steps. Whether incorporating terraces, switchbacks, or direct routes, steps on slopes can create safe access while adding visual interest. These solutions can turn difficult terrain into an asset, maximizing usable space and enhancing your garden's overall design.

Modern Floating Steps - Aerial view of minimalist floating concrete steps with LED strip lighting underneath, zigzagging up a steep garden slope. Surrounded by modern landscaping with geometric plantings of ornamental grasses.
Modern Floating Steps
Rustic Railway Sleeper Steps - Wide angle shot of weathered railway sleeper steps climbing a garden slope, with lavender borders and cottage garden plants spilling over the edges. Natural, rustic appearance with gravel path sections.
Rustic Railway Sleeper Steps
Natural Stone Curved Steps - Wide curved garden steps made from natural stone slabs, following the natural contour of a sloped garden. Native grasses and small flowering plants grow between the steps, creating a soft, organic look. Shot from a low angle showing the gentle curve.
Natural Stone Curved Steps
Woodland Garden Steps - Natural log steps embedded in a sloping woodland garden, surrounded by ferns and shade-loving plants. Wide shot showing integration with the natural environment.
Woodland Garden Steps
Industrial Steel Steps - Contemporary Corten steel steps with geometric cutout patterns, creating interesting shadow plays on the steps below. Shot from the side showing the architectural details.
Industrial Steel Steps
Japanese Garden Steps - Traditional Japanese-style stone steps with moss-covered edges, leading through a peaceful garden setting. Close-up detail showing the texture of natural stone and moss.
Japanese Garden Steps
Cascading Water Steps - Stone steps integrated with a water feature, creating small cascading waterfalls between each level. Close-up showing the interplay of water and stone.
Cascading Water Steps

Budget-Friendly Gravel Steps

Create affordable yet attractive garden steps using gravel and simple materials. This cost-effective approach combines practicality with natural appeal, using timber edges, recycled materials, or concrete borders to contain the gravel. These steps offer excellent drainage and can be easily maintained while complementing various garden styles.

Eco-Friendly Gravel Garden Steps - Aerial view of sustainable garden steps using recycled materials and local gravel, with native plants integrated into the design
Eco-Friendly Gravel Garden Steps
Japanese-Inspired Gravel Steps - Zen-like gravel steps with bamboo edging and small Japanese forest grass clusters, photographed in morning light
Japanese-Inspired Gravel Steps
Simple Gravel Path Steps with Stone Edging - Aerial view of gently sloping garden steps created with pea gravel and simple stone edging, featuring thyme growing between steps
Simple Gravel Path Steps with Stone Edging
Cottage Garden Gravel Steps - Wide view of informal gravel steps with cottage garden plants spilling over the edges, including foxgloves and campanula
Cottage Garden Gravel Steps
Natural Gravel Garden Steps with Railway Sleepers - Rustic garden steps made from reclaimed railway sleepers and light-colored gravel, bordered by wild lavender and ornamental grasses, photographed in natural daylight
Natural Gravel Garden Steps with Railway Sleepers
Recycled Brick and Gravel Steps - Close-up detail of garden steps made from recycled brick edges filled with golden gravel, showing texture and pattern
Recycled Brick and Gravel Steps
Woodland Gravel Step Path - Natural-looking gravel steps winding through a shaded garden area, bordered by ferns and moss-covered rocks
Woodland Gravel Step Path
Mediterranean Gravel Steps with Herbs - Wide-angle shot of terraced gravel steps with Mediterranean herbs and succulents growing alongside, captured in warm evening light
Mediterranean Gravel Steps with Herbs
Industrial-Style Gravel Steps - Close-up of modern gravel steps with corrugated metal risers, showing contemporary industrial design elements
Industrial-Style Gravel Steps
Country Garden Gravel Steps - Wide-angle view of rustic gravel steps with wildflowers growing naturally between levels, creating a meadow-like effect
Country Garden Gravel Steps
Modern Timber and Gravel Steps - Close-up view of contemporary garden steps using pressure-treated timber frames filled with light gray gravel, showing clean geometric lines
Modern Timber and Gravel Steps
Minimalist Gravel Step Design - Aerial shot of clean-lined gravel steps with metal edging, showing simple modern design principles
Minimalist Gravel Step Design