Tamara Alvarez
Design ideas for a tropical backyard patio in Miami with a water feature and a gazebo/cabana.

Niles Residence

Ivy Street Design

Ainslie O'Neil
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Denver with natural stone pavers.

Dimensional Stone Fireplace

San Diego Bath & Tile

Design ideas for a large modern backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Pool Cabana in Oxford, PA

Spring Creek Design

Betsy & Matt have a beautiful pool and patio, but an exposed location on a links golf course left nowhere to escape the afternoon sun and incessant wind. SCD was engaged to design and build an oasis of shade for lounging and entertaining as the focal point of this spectacular outdoor living space. Design Criteria: - Provide shelter from the sun and wind. - Create a light and open area – avoid creating an enveloping “building”. More like a large umbrella than a small building. - Design to harmonize with the client’s modern tastes, as expressed in the home’s interior. - Create space for soft seating, bar seating and cooking, all within the “shade footprint” during the afternoon. Special Features: - Transitional/Modern design. - Custom welded steel frame structure - Roof framed with oversized Douglas Fir timbers. - Custom fabricated sliding wind/sun screen panels. Laser-cut aluminum panels feature the work of local artist Chris Borai. - Bar and outdoor kitchen area features granite tile countertops and stainless steel appliances. - Technology features include Sunbrite outdoor televison, Apple TV & Sonos music systems. - Sunbrella fabric canopies extend the shade over the bar and grill area. Less

Urban Farm Backyard

Jake Moss Designs

Photo of a country backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen and no cover.

Boho treetop house

Shannon Ggem Design

photos: michael kelley http://www.houzz.com/pro/mpkelley/michael-kelley-photography, stylist: http://www.houzz.com/pro/hootnannyhome/hoot-n-anny-home, Jennifer Maxcy

Rocky Mountain Homes- Mountain Timberframe

Rocky Mountain Homes/Rocky Mountain Log Homes

Mid-sized country backyard patio in Other with concrete slab, a roof extension and a fire feature.

Concrete Gas Fire Pits

Wells Concrete Works

Arts and crafts patio in San Luis Obispo.

Glimmer Landscape Lighting pictures

Glimmer Landscape Lighting

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Indianapolis with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Chaisson Project

Cantoni Irvine

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

A Family Friendly Brownstone Garden

Little Miracles Designs

Small Brownstone Garden in Park Slope
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in New York with a fire feature.

Elegant Country Estate

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with gravel and no cover.

Mountain Retreat

Yellowstone Traditions

MillerRoodell Architects // Benjamin Benschneider Photography
Large country backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Raised patio with lighted pillars

Henry Rogacki

Raised paver patio with lighted pillars and stairs. Henry Rogacki Landscaping
Small traditional backyard patio in New York with concrete pavers and no cover.

Chicago Condo

Chicago Roof Deck & Garden

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

Outdoor Fireplace - Natural Stone Fireplace

Master Stone Design, LLC

This great outdoor living area is perfect for the quite getaway or for entertaining friends. The colors of this Tennessee fieldstone are spectacular and go great with the lighter travertine. One of my favorites. Great seating walls beside the fireplace Beautiful patterned travertine natural stone patio!! Tennessee Fieldstone with a grout joint

New Moon Rising

Synthesis Design Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Vancouver with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Small city garden

Boekel Tuinen

Cosy outside living room. Sitting underneath the pergola with a protecting cloth. Garden made up of 50-50 plants-hard materials. Transparent bridge over a small pond. Lighting provided for evening use. Arjan Boekel

Traditional Patio

Design ideas for a traditional patio in Other with a fire feature.

Coastal Contemporary

Studio 6 Architects

Jeri Koegal Photography
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Orange County with a fire feature.

Black 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!