why do you not want a lawn? is that all that surrounds house? are there any trees or shrubs? flower bed? garden? and where is this, north, south, east, west? I'm guessing this is in a suburban neighborhood where people have yards that are manicured. if your thinking that a lawn mower that uses gas is a environmental problem, your right, but there are lots of great rechargeable electric mowers now that dont use fossil fuels. it would maybe help to understand your motivation.
if your in a suburban neighborhood I would maybe think about planting some trees and mulching around the trees. a well manicured yard in suburbs adds much to value. its called curb appeal.
if your in the desert where there is no water there is tasteful landscaping called xeriscape.