Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Attadale Project

Western Cabinets

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Perth with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Lake Minnetonka New Construction

Vivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven

Hendel Homes Landmark Photography Summer Classics
Design ideas for an expansive traditional patio in Minneapolis.

Masterfully Designed Outdoor Living Space in Arcadia

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

This masterfully designed outdoor living space feels open, airy, and filled with light thanks to the lighter finishes and the fabric pergola shade. Clean, modern lines and a muted color palette add to the spa-like feel of this outdoor living space.

Grande Entrance & Retaining Wall - Bluestone, Retaining Wall, Steps, Walkway

Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC

The first goal for this client in Chatham was to give them a front walk and entrance that was beautiful and grande. We decided to use natural blue bluestone tiles of random sizes. We integrated a custom cut 6" x 9" bluestone border and ran it continuous throughout. Our second goal was to give them walking access from their driveway to their front door. Because their driveway was considerably lower than the front of their home, we needed to cut in a set of steps through their driveway retaining wall, include a number of turns and bridge the walkways with multiple landings. While doing this, we wanted to keep continuity within the building products of choice. We used real stone veneer to side all walls and stair risers to match what was already on the house. We used 2" thick bluestone caps for all stair treads and retaining wall caps. We installed the matching real stone veneer to the face and sides of the retaining wall. All of the bluestone caps were custom cut to seamlessly round all turns. We are very proud of this finished product. We are also very proud to have had the opportunity to work for this family. What amazing people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople As a side note regarding this phase - throughout the construction, numerous local builders stopped at our job to take pictures of our work. #UltimateCompliment #PrimeIsInTheLead

Hot Tub with City View

Wolf Design Studio

Large modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a vertical garden, decking and no cover.

Prairie Village Home Renovation

Faust Construction

Inspiration for a large modern backyard patio in Kansas City with decking and a roof extension.

Sublime Sanctuary - Outdoor Dining + Kitchen

Drewett Works

This DW project's outdoor dining and kitchen offer resort-like atmosphere, both warm and inviting. Project Details // Sublime Sanctuary Upper Canyon, Silverleaf Golf Club Scottsdale, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: American First Builders Interior Designer: Michele Lundstedt Photography: Werner Segarra https://www.drewettworks.com/sublime-sanctuary/

The New American Remodel 2019

By Design

This beautiful outdoor living space flows out from both the kitchen and the interior living space. Spacious dining adjacent to a full outdoor kitchen with gas grill, beer tap, under mount sink, refrigeration and storage cabinetry.

Green Hills House

Don Tankersley & Co.

Photo of a midcentury backyard patio in Portland with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and no cover.

Pool Cabana

Nyhus Design Group

Designed to compliment the existing single story home in a densely wooded setting, this Pool Cabana serves as outdoor kitchen, dining, bar, bathroom/changing room, and storage. Photos by Ross Pushinaitus.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Outdoor Dining and Steel Pergola

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Metal Arbor: Porter Barn Wood Photography: Scott Sandler

Broadway Textured & Two Pack

Let's Talk Kitchens & Interiors

This contemporary alfresco kitchen is small in footprint but it is big on features including a woodfired oven, built in Electrolux barbecue, a hidden undermount rangehood, sink, Fisher & Paykel dishdrawer dishwasher and a 30 Litre pull-out bin. Featuring cabinetry 2-pack painted in Colorbond 'Wallaby' and natural granite tops in leather finished 'Zimbabwe Black', paired with the raw finished concrete this alfresco oozes relaxed style. The homeowners love entertaining their friends and family in this space. Photography By: Tim Turner

Compton Manor Addition

Penberthy Custom Builders

This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, stamped concrete and a pergola.

Luxury Outdoor Sports Bar

Bill D'Agata

Pembrooke Fine Landscapes designed and built this outdoor sports bar in East Hampton, NY. The custom designed space include a full kitchen, fireplace, USTA standard tennis court and heated unite pool and spa. The kitchen features several high-end elements including a kegerator, wine refrigerator, ice maker, grill, dishwasher and full stove. The pavilon is fully integrated with a Lutron entertainment system for all of the TVs. The audio and video can stream movies, music and TV. The space also features an changing area, bathroom and outdoor shower.

Chicago Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Modern Patio

This is an example of a mid-sized modern courtyard patio in San Diego with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Custom Design - Outdoor Living - New American Home 2013

Blue Heron

Photography by Trent Bell
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Las Vegas with a roof extension.

Coronado Charmer

Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc

Martin Mann photographer
Design ideas for a small beach style backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Project of the Month: October 2014

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

TK Images Photography
Inspiration for an expansive country backyard patio in Houston with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Brown 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!