This deck was built over an existing at-grade patio. The existing pergola was renovated to incorporate new, lattice, privacy screens with integrated planter boxes below. Rainwater is deposited into a pond which overflows into an adjacent rain garden.

West Norwood Family Garden

Tracey Parker Landscape Design Ltd

This family garden was redesigned to gives a sense of space for both adults and children at the same time the clients were extending their home. The view of the garden was enhanced by an oversized picture window from the kitchen onto the garden. This informed the design of the iroko pergola which has a BBQ area to catch the evening sun. The wood was stained to match the picture window allowing continuity between the house and garden. Existing roses were relocated to climb the uprights and a Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Charles Lamont’ was planted immediately outside the window to give floral impact during the winter months which it did beautifully in its first year. The Kiwi clients desired a lot of evergreen structure which helped to define areas. Designboard ‘Greenwich’ was specified to lighten the shaded terrace and provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface. The front garden was also reorganised to give it some clarity of design with a Kiwi sense of welcome. The kitchen was featured in Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine, March 2019, if you would like to see more.

Fiery Screen Porch

place architecture:design

Place architecture:design enlarged the existing home with an inviting over-sized screened-in porch, an adjacent outdoor terrace, and a small covered porch over the door to the mudroom. These three additions accommodated the needs of the clients’ large family and their friends, and allowed for maximum usage three-quarters of the year. A design aesthetic with traditional trim was incorporated, while keeping the sight lines minimal to achieve maximum views of the outdoors. ©Tom Holdsworth

Backyard Spa Privacy Wall

HideAway Screens

The homeowner wanted to create an enclosure around their built-in hot tub to add some privacy. The contractor, Husker Decks, designed a privacy wall with alternating materials. The aluminum privacy screen in 'River Rock' mixed with a horizontal wood wall in a rich stain blend to create a privacy wall that blends perfectly into the homeowner's backyard space and style.

Tropical Pool Landscape with Travertine Deck, Custom Pergola in Mesa

Desert Horizon Nursery

Tropical Pool Landscape in Mesa by Desert Horizon Nursery- featuring extensive travertine deck, sidewalks, patios, custom pergola, mastic trees, palm trees, bismark palm trees citrus trees, red push pistache trees, and landscape lighting

Pool House

Nuance[s]

Une grande pergola sur mesure : alliance de l'aluminium thermolaqué et des lames de bois red cedar. Eclairage intégré. Une véritable pièce à vivre supplémentaire...parfaite pour les belles journées d'été ! Crédits : Kina Photo

Small Backyard Transformation

Exscape Designs

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Garden Room Airbnb Annexe, Dorset

Coral Interiors

Harbour View Photography
Design ideas for a small traditional backyard patio in Dorset with gravel and no cover.

Ma Residence- Aluminum Patio Cover

So Cal Builders & Design

Remove grass in the backyard, pour cement and build aluminum patio cover.
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Pergola

KD Landscape

Sleek, black and just right for the space, this contemporary pergola provides just the right amount of shade in this Chicago back yard. The 2"x2" purlins on top of the pergola are repeated as a screen for the back to 'take the edge off' the neighbors garage. Bluestone paving, a large fire pit and traditional zinc planters help complete the design thought.

Firepit Ambiance

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

a more disciplined look to this wood-burning fire pit and matching stone wall, mixed stone and brick pavers
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Fire pits

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Standing Seam @ Marsh Landing (private residence)

First Coast Shade

Custom designed and fabricated "standing seam" metal awning gives this home a modern look.
Small traditional backyard patio in Jacksonville with an awning.

Craftsman Bluestone Patio - Cedarburg

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The new patio is surrounded by a garden, while the existing fence is nearly obscured by new plants. Westhauser Photography
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers.

Small Space Chicago Landscape

KD Landscape

Harvest Brown natural sandstone pavers with a clay brick soldier course.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Our Work

Madison Furniture & Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Orlando with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Joe and family

Renz Landscapes

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Raleigh with concrete pavers and no cover.

Small Ashlar Slate

NAV Construction Inc

Light Gray with a Medium Gray accent and a Med. Gray border to tie it all together!
Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard patio in DC Metro with stamped concrete.

Ourdoor Living: Carlsbad Modern Spanish Remodel Full Design and Renovation

Spaces Renewed

This 1950’s original beach home needed a complete renovation. The home was taken down to the foundation and totally rebuilt, complete with additions out the front and back, as well as a total interior floor plan overhaul. The style combines elements of Spanish, rustic, and transitional. This warm and inviting space is perfect for entertaining with the large gourmet kitchen, open dining and family room, and outdoor living space that is connected to the main house by bi-folding glass doors. The mix of soft cream colors and rustic black lighting give interest and personality to the space. The worn Spanish tile throughout on the floor ties the space together.

Hardscape Highlights

Ringers Landscape Services, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, no cover and stamped concrete.

Backyard 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!