A definition of Landscape Design:

"Making the best use of the available space in the most practical and pleasing way."

Notice that the word "practical" comes first.  If a landscape design appears pretty on the surface, but is not practical for everyday use or maintenance, it really doesn't have much real life appeal.  Example:  tight and awkward shapes of lawn that a lawn mower can't fit in ... so weed wacker or hand trimmers?  Gardening and yard work should include puttering, fun and enjoyable plant maintenance, planting and planning (and the occasional required  weeding can be very satisfying!) ....  not a bunch of frustrating labor.

I recently came across a very good example of practical landscaping.  When we went on holidays this summer we found a dog sitter who runs a doggie day care and boarding for small dogs ... in her home.  Her yard consisted of a raised and prettily fenced shrub and perennial border with the main portion of the yard done in gravel with some larger attractive stones.  The gravel areas were set out like pathways with grading and stone size variations which give it a pleasant and calm atmosphere.  Also, a paver surfaced patio included comfortable seating, a small water feature and another built in planting container.  The whole effect was very attractive, and oh so practical for someone who can have a dozen little dogs playing in the space!

This is a picture of our 2 small female dogs, in very early spring before lawn cleanup.  The dead patches from the winter are raked out, extra soil put down and re-seeded using a lawn seed high in quick germinating rye grasses.  During the summer months, it helps reduce lawn spotting by watering the areas right away where the dogs have gone.