House Design - Chris Halliday Void Building Design Construction - SX Constructions Photos - Brock Beasley
Photo of a contemporary patio in Sunshine Coast.

Custom Coastal Luxe Home Build

BCD Building Pty Ltd

Inspiration for a beach style patio in Sydney.

Pear Tree House

Glasshouse Projects

Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Other.

Creekbridge

Daniela Fulford Photography

Photo of a contemporary patio in Melbourne.

Dartmouth House

Shane Marsh Architects

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with a fire feature, gravel and an awning.

Gathering House

Sandbox Studio®

Positioning the home as a conduit for family and togetherness, Gathering House is expanded to facilitate an open and engaging residential experience, melding both old and new within the one generous site. Taking references from the existing formal silhouette and materiality already in place, the focus became on extruding the original form while imbedding new principles of increased scale and openness throughout. Binding the interior to the larger landscape was also key, driving clear visual connections between inside and out and allowing the functions of the home to spill out into dedicated outdoor entertaining areas. The home celebrates coming together, dotted with moments of compression and release to align with varying levels of passive or active animation, retaining the familiar intimacy of home.

Bella Vista

Opening Roof Specialists

This Bella Vista pergola area adds a new dimension to the home. Sitting conveniently next to the in-ground pool, it is furnished with comfortable outdoor lounge seating, 10-seat dining table, and a woodfire pizza oven. Opening Roof Specialists gave special attention to all the finishing touches. The natural pergola colour scheme is matched to its surroundings, making it a calming and harmonious space to be in. Complete with LED lights, ceiling fan, and motorised opening louvres, entertaining guests by the poolside has never been more luxurious!

Keon House

Demardi.

Mid-sized contemporary patio in Melbourne.

Hidden Lake

Arcanum Architecture

Design ideas for a large country backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lancaster area paver patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and no cover.

garden in the sun

CATO creative

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in London with concrete pavers and no cover.

The Front Door / Dwayne Carruth

photo - Mitchel Naquin
Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in New Orleans with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lincoln Park Historic Row House

Crystal Blackshaw Interiors

Traditional patio in Chicago.

Inside Out Pool Cabana

THE UP STUDIO

Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
This is an example of a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Solid Alumawood Patio Cover

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PATIOS

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Orange County with stamped concrete and a pergola.

MIRO PLACE

DDLA Design Landscape Architecture

Located in the Uptown area of Dallas, this modern townhome features a new outdoor living area providing a private retreat for an owner retreat and entertaining. The space includes an outdoor cooking area, dining, fountain, built-in seating area and linear fire pit.

a Loggia with an Outdoor Kitchen and Living Room

B. Gordon Builders, Inc.

This elevated pavilion also allows you to overlook the rest of your property, admiring your great outdoor living space.
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

BBQ Pai Pai

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

The Pai Pai is the automatic hangout spot for the whole family. Designed in a fun tropical style with a reed thatch ceiling, dark stained rafters, and Ohia log columns. The live edge bar faces the TV for watching the game while barbecuing and the orange built-in sofa makes relaxing a sinch. The pool features a swim-up bar and a hammock swings in the shade beneath the coconut trees.

Project of the Month: July 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

It's Christmas in July! This homeowner was interested in adding an outdoor space that would be continuous with their indoor living area. The large windows that separate the 2 spaces allows for their home to have a very open feel. They went with a contemporary craftsman style with clean straight lines in the columns and beams on the ceiling. The stone veneer fireplace, framed with full masonry block, with reclaimed Hemlock mantle as the centerpiece attraction and the stained pine tongue and groove vaulted ceiling gives the space a dramatic look. The columns have a stacked stone base that complements the stone on the fireplace and kitchen fascia. The light travertine flooring is a perfect balance for the dark stone on the column bases and knee walls beside the fireplace as well as the darker stained cedar beams and stones in the fireplace. The outdoor kitchen with stainless steel tile backsplash is equipped with a gas grill and a Big Green Egg as well as a fridge and storage space. This space is 525 square feet and is the perfect spot for any gathering. The patio is surrounded by stained concrete stepping stones with black star gravel. The original second story windows were replaced with smaller windows in order to allow for a proper roof pitch. TK IMAGES

Stamped concrete brick border

Integrity Concrete, LLC

This is a stamped brick border with plain broom finished concrete in between. It looks very classy with a touch of up-scale look to it. It's done in about four different sections and took about a week to finish because of the complexity to it!

Blue 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!