Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Design ideas for a small asian backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Hilltop

Roberta Wilson

Outdoor Kitchen and Entertaining Patio Mark Pinkerton - Vi360 Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Dry Stone Walled Garden

Llama Architects

A once over grown area, boggy part of the curtilage of this replacement dwelling development. Implementing extensive drainage, tree planting and dry stone walling, the walled garden is now maturing into a beautiful private garden area of this soon to be stunning home development. With sunken dry stone walled private seating area, Box hedging, pleached Hornbeam, oak cleft gates, dry stone walling and wild life loving planting and views over rolling hills and countryside, this garden is a beautiful addition to this developments Landscape Architecture design.

Palo Alto Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Photos by Crystal Waye
Photo of a large backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

The House

1st Option

Country courtyard patio in London with no cover.

Gale-Rew Custom-Pheysey

Gale Rew Construction, Inc.

Becky Pospical Special awning window requested by homeowner to easily provide snacks to her family while they are enjoying their pool.
This is an example of an expansive arts and crafts backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Covered Patio and Exterior Painting

Hardy's Painting

Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

For JTW Design

Alexis Courtney Photography

Design ideas for a transitional backyard patio in Richmond with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Backyard Inspiration

Bullfrog Spas

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with concrete slab and a pergola.

Patio Arbors, Pergolas, Outdoor Fireplace, and Fire Pits

Vision Scapes & Associates

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Kitchens

Jaymark Cabinets

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Boise with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Modern Day Log Cabin - The Bowling Green Residence - Outdoor Living Structure

M.T.N Design

This log outdoor structure, a grand backyard pavilion features an outdoor kitchen, bar and bathrooms for changing. Produced By: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes Photo Credit: Mountain Photographics, Inc.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoorliving By Kenneth Reilly

Large traditional backyard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, an awning and concrete pavers.

Arun Landscapes - Project Value £20,000 - £35,000 - Winner

The Association of Professional Landscapers

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Berkshire with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

Fulham 1, London

Richmond Bell Architects Ltd

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Wiltshire with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

守破離の家

SQOOL一級建築士事務所

８件の建物に囲まれていることを忘れるような中庭。屋根付きのBBQセットも設計し、雨の日も心配せずに外ご飯を楽しめる空間となりました。 This house is surrounded by 8 buildings. We designed a space where you can enjoy BBQ by cutting the eyes from the surroundings. In addition, because there is a roof, you can enjoy with confidence even if it rains.

Patio Cover and Kitchen on the Lake: Fulshear, TX

Tradition Outdoor Living

This addition redesigned the feel of this backyard! The Covered Patio boasts beautiful stackstone column bases and cedar structure with tongue and groove ceiling. Enhancing this outdoor living and dining space, stamped concrete with curve appeal adds variation from the traditional concrete slab. The Outdoor Kitchen is nestled nicely underneath the patio cover leaving plenty of space for outdoor entertainment. The grill and granite countertops make preparing a meal easy to do while enjoying the gorgeous lake view! The gable roof with high ceiling creates lovely appeal for this outdoor structure.

Patio Photos

Irwin Outdoors

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Tampa with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Upper East Side Townhouse

VGC NYC Inc.

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden, no cover and natural stone pavers.

Backyard and Courtyard Patio Design Ideas

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!