Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Providence.

Smart Pergola System

Majestic Outdoor

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Maple St.

Nikole Starr Interiors

Contemporary backyard patio in Houston with a roof extension.

Now and Zen - Outdoor Patio

Drewett Works

Broad expanses of zinc fascia and glass define this contemporary estate, creating a rhythm of solid and void. Inset in the limestone paving is a stone-filled fire pit. The outdoor furniture is from Restoration Hardware. Project Details // Now and Zen Renovation, Paradise Valley, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Brimley Development Interior Designer: Ownby Design Photographer: Dino Tonn Exterior limestone: Solstice Stone Windows (Arcadia): Elevation Window & Door https://www.drewettworks.com/now-and-zen/

Barman Residence

Andmore Partners

Photo of a contemporary patio in Los Angeles.

Anna Maria in Naples, FL

Marc-Michaels Interior Design

Giovanni Photography
Expansive contemporary backyard patio in Tampa with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Caterpillar House

Joni L. Janecki & Associates, Inc.

Embodying the owner’s love for modern ranch house architecture, this innovative home, designed with Feldman Architecture, sits lightly on its site and connects outwards to the Preserve’s landscape. We located the structure at the lowest point between surrounding hills so that it would be as visually inconspicuous as possible. Rammed earth walls, built using earth excavated from the site, define outdoor living spaces and serve to retain the soil along the edges of the drive and at patio spaces. Within the outdoor living spaces surrounding the buildings, native plants are combined with succulents and ornamental plants to contrast with the open grassland and provide a rich setting for entertaining, while garden areas to the south are stepped and allowed to erode on the edges, blending into the hillside. Sitting prominently adjacent to the home, three tanks capture rainwater for irrigation and are a clear indication of water available for the landscape throughout the year. LEED Platinum certification. Photo by Joe Fletcher.

ShadeLab Motorized Awnings

Texas Windows

With its rounded shape, this awning perfectly suits any architectural context. Fitted to shade big surfaces, it can be equipped with LED lighting systems: all of this makes Feng the latest design object in the sun awning world. Something never seen before.

MAISON CONTEMPORAINE BIOCLIMATIQUE

JOSE MARCOS MAÎTRE D'OEUVRE

FACADE SUD
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Montpellier with decking.

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

Russian Hill Roof Deck - Roof Deck Lounge

Gast Architects

Photographer: Paul Dyer
This is an example of a contemporary patio in San Francisco.

Barton Creek Family Room & Outdoor Living

CG&S Design-Build

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and no cover.

BEGUR

Toolstudio by Gianni Ruggiero

Terraza y Jardín
Contemporary patio in Barcelona with tile and a pergola.

Fullarton

Michael Fogarty Building Design

Contemporary backyard patio in Adelaide with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Ladera Ranch - Covered Patio California Room - Front View

M & J Star Construction, Inc.

Covered Patio California Room - Front View
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Wignall Garden

Dru Allan Design Ltd

Jonathan Wignall
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Hertfordshire.

Domaine privé - Maison

Shoootin

Shoootin
Large contemporary backyard patio in Paris with no cover and natural stone pavers.

Casa Polignano

chiara cadeddu photographer

Contemporary patio in Milan.

Lakewood

Concrete Concepts LLC

Flagstone stamped concrete patio, with gas fire pit that has fire glass in it, with belgard Weston wall seat wall with under mount fx low voltage lighting.

300 SPRING STREET

Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes

Contemporary patio in New York with no cover.

Contemporary 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, contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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!