Mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Seattle with a fire feature and an awning.

photography by Nic Granleese
This is an example of a contemporary two-storey exterior in Melbourne with wood siding and a shed roof.

Collaboration with Marilyn Offutt at Offutt Design. Tom Kessler Photography
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in Omaha with a pergola.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with a pergola and a container garden.

Conceived as an empty-nesters paradise this house was designed as a series of pods to maximize the efficiency of the footprint and to celebrate the interrelationship of the interior and exterior spaces. Both indoor and outdoor living areas are promoted by the building’s harmonious relationship with the natural environment. The undulating form steps down the hillside to frame incredible views of the landscape and surrounding golf course from every point in the house and a combination of decks, bridges and patios encourage the residents to be outside. This line between in and out is further diffused by both the structure and the material palette’s movement across the exterior threshold, while the shading devices, trellises and large eves provide protection and privacy for year round use and enjoyment of the entire site. This residence is truly a deliberate response to both the owner’s lifestyle and their love of nature.

Photo of a contemporary backyard deck in San Francisco with a fire feature and an awning.

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Austin with wood siding.

Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. The home's program also hinged around using both passive and active green features. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. Photography by Andrew Pogue

This is an example of a contemporary entryway in Orange County.

The outdoor living area on this traditional split level has it all when it come to low maintenance and a space you can really enjoy. TimberTech Earthwood Teak decking, a custom bronze colored patio cover with solar bronze panels overhead, CRL aluminum picket rails, and custom wood framed spa enclosure with frosted glass panels around. Photo By Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers

Paul Bardagjy Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck in Austin with no cover.

This Chicago roof deck is an entertainers dream. Complete with outdoor bar, TV, concrete fire pit and wicker furniture the space is ready for an evening in the city.

ALTUS Architecture + Design
Photo of a contemporary grey exterior in Minneapolis.

Lower level garage. Photography by Ian Gleadle.
Inspiration for a large contemporary attached one-car garage in Seattle.

Roger Wade
Photo of a contemporary exterior in Other with stone veneer.

Inspiration for a contemporary two-storey white house exterior in Los Angeles with a flat roof.

Front porch overhang with custom timber framing.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard verandah in Other with decking.

Photo: Narayanan Narayanan, Andrew Petrich
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Santa Barbara with a pergola.

a stylish roof deck looks across the rooftops of Windsor towards the city with funky furniture and the warmth provided by the timber-clad deep-reveal canopy over. image by superk.photo