Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Dallas

TEN55 DESIGN

This is an example of a contemporary patio in Dallas with a fire feature.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Wallace Landscape Associates

Large traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a pergola, a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

North Bay Residence

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

Photographer: Jay Goodrich This 2800 sf single-family home was completed in 2009. The clients desired an intimate, yet dynamic family residence that reflected the beauty of the site and the lifestyle of the San Juan Islands. The house was built to be both a place to gather for large dinners with friends and family as well as a cozy home for the couple when they are there alone. The project is located on a stunning, but cripplingly-restricted site overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. The most practical area to build was exactly where three beautiful old growth trees had already chosen to live. A prior architect, in a prior design, had proposed chopping them down and building right in the middle of the site. From our perspective, the trees were an important essence of the site and respectfully had to be preserved. As a result we squeezed the programmatic requirements, kept the clients on a square foot restriction and pressed tight against property setbacks. The delineate concept is a stone wall that sweeps from the parking to the entry, through the house and out the other side, terminating in a hook that nestles the master shower. This is the symbolic and functional shield between the public road and the private living spaces of the home owners. All the primary living spaces and the master suite are on the water side, the remaining rooms are tucked into the hill on the road side of the wall. Off-setting the solid massing of the stone walls is a pavilion which grabs the views and the light to the south, east and west. Built in a position to be hammered by the winter storms the pavilion, while light and airy in appearance and feeling, is constructed of glass, steel, stout wood timbers and doors with a stone roof and a slate floor. The glass pavilion is anchored by two concrete panel chimneys; the windows are steel framed and the exterior skin is of powder coated steel sheathing.

Fiberglass pergola covering hot tub

Fine Decks Inc.

Landscaping done by Annapolis Landscaping ( www.annapolislandscaping.com) Patio done by Beautylandscaping (www.beautylandscaping.com)
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Tuscan California Villa

Bernardo Grijalva Photography

photos by Bernardo Grijalva
Design ideas for a mediterranean courtyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature and no cover.

Mark Singer Architect

Jeri Koegel Photography

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Orange County with a fire feature.

Boulder indoor/outdoor living remodel

Melton Design Build

The kitchen is a great place for entertaining guest and family. With the large open window and bar, this space is a great way for anyone in the kitchen to interact with those who are relaxing at the window bar. Tim Murphy/FotoImagery.com

Almendral Project

Pacific Peninsula Group

Designed and built by Pacific Peninsula Group. Fireplace with views of pool. Photography by Bernard Andre.
Contemporary patio in San Francisco with a fire feature.

Country House 1

Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer

Photography: Peter A. Sellar / www.photoklik.com
Photo of a traditional patio in Toronto with a roof extension.

Hill residence

User

Doug Wagner
Large contemporary backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Outdoor Living

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

This small space between the garage and main house has been turned into a functional and attractive outdoor kitchen. Just steps from the kitchen, the built-in grill and counter provides a great space for those summer cook outs and entertaining. Harold Leidner Landscape Architects.

Danville

Envision Landscape Studio

photography by Joe Dodd
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

Rose Garden

Design Focus International

© Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Private Courtyard

Highland Homes, Inc.

Highland Homes is creating great outdoor living spaces!
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in New Orleans with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Pool House

Wagner Hodgson

Pool & Pool House Stowe, Vermont This mountain top residential site offers spectacular 180 degree views towards adjacent hillsides. The client desired to replace an existing pond with a pool and pool house to be used for both entertaining and family use. The open site is adjacent to the driveway to the north but offered spectacular mountain views to the south. The challenge was to provide privacy at the pool without obstructing the beautiful vista from the entry drive. Working closely with the architect we designed the pool and pool house as one modern element closely linked by proximity, detailing & geometry. In so doing, we used precise placement, careful choice of building & site materials, and minimalist planting. Existing trees were edited to open up selected views to the south. Rows of ornamental grasses provide architectural delineation of outdoor space. Understated stone steps in the lawn loosely connect the pool to the main house. Architect: Michael Minadeo + Partners Image Credit: Westphalen Photography

Craftsman Patio

This is an example of an arts and crafts patio in Boston.

Admiral's House

Meyer & Meyer, Inc. Architecture and Interiors

This stately Georgian home in West Newton Hill, Massachusetts was originally built in 1917 for John W. Weeks, a Boston financier who went on to become a U.S. Senator and U.S. Secretary of War. The home’s original architectural details include an elaborate 15-inch deep dentil soffit at the eaves, decorative leaded glass windows, custom marble windowsills, and a beautiful Monson slate roof. Although the owners loved the character of the original home, its formal layout did not suit the family’s lifestyle. The owners charged Meyer & Meyer with complete renovation of the home’s interior, including the design of two sympathetic additions. The first includes an office on the first floor with master bath above. The second and larger addition houses a family room, playroom, mudroom, and a three-car garage off of a new side entry. Front exterior by Sam Gray. All others by Richard Mandelkorn.

Albion Residence

Vega Architecture

Rob Forslund - Project Architect with Semple Brown Design Photography - Ron Pollard
Design ideas for a modern patio in Denver with a fire feature.

Larry E. Boerder Architects - Southern Accent

Institute of Classical Architecture & Art - Texas

Brown, Turquoise 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!