Outdoor dining area
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Outdoor Room

Substance Within

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Melbourne with with fireplace and a roof extension.

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.

December highlights photography 2022

Real Property Photography | Sunshine Coast South

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Sunshine Coast with tile and a roof extension.

Brighton: Renovation & Extension

First Avenue Homes

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

New Home @ Carlton Woods Creekside

Le Classique Interiors

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with a roof extension.

Manhattan Beach Modern

SoCal Contractor

Large contemporary patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Driftwood Estate

TM GRADY BUILDERS

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Colorful MId century Modern

Jill Sorensen Lifestyle Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Tanglewood Modern House

Flavin Architects

This new modern house is located in a meadow in Lenox MA. The house is designed as a series of linked pavilions to connect the house to the nature and to provide the maximum daylight in each room. The center focus of the home is the largest pavilion containing the living/dining/kitchen, with the guest pavilion to the south and the master bedroom and screen porch pavilions to the west. While the roof line appears flat from the exterior, the roofs of each pavilion have a pronounced slope inward and to the north, a sort of funnel shape. This design allows rain water to channel via a scupper to cisterns located on the north side of the house. Steel beams, Douglas fir rafters and purlins are exposed in the living/dining/kitchen pavilion. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Sunnyland Residence

Rosewood Custom Builders

Jenn Baker
Large contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Coastal Contemporary

Joy R. Dabill Interior Design

Ron Rosenzweig
Large contemporary backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

The Colony House

The Design Laboratory

Leland Gebhardt
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Newton Contemporary

Sage Builders LLC

Ipe, exterior stairs, patio, covered patio, terrace, balcony, deck, landscaping
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Quiet Luxury, Earthen Inspired

Urbanology Designs

Rooted in a blend of tradition and modernity, this family home harmonizes rich design with personal narrative, offering solace and gathering for family and friends alike. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide. For more about Urbanology Designs see here: https://www.urbanologydesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.urbanologydesigns.com/luxury-earthen-inspired-home-dallas

Santa Fe

Design Directives, LLC

Our Scottsdale interior design studio created this luxurious Santa Fe new build for a retired couple with sophisticated tastes. We centered the furnishings and fabrics around their contemporary Southwestern art collection, choosing complementary colors. The house includes a large patio with a fireplace, a beautiful great room with a home bar, a lively family room, and a bright home office with plenty of cabinets. All of the spaces reflect elegance, comfort, and thoughtful planning. --- Project designed by Susie Hersker’s Scottsdale interior design firm Design Directives. Design Directives is active in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sedona, and beyond. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/

Villa Linda

Ryan Hughes Design

Palm trees tower above this tropical outdoor space that glows in the outdoor singing as the sun goes down. Included is an expansive pool, and experience- full outdoor area. Geometrical angles and elements create a complex but complete outdoor living space with a fire lounge, chaise lounge shelf, spa, outdoor living areas, outdoor kitchen, water wall, and stone tile surfaces all designed by RYAN HUGHES Design Build. Photography by Jimi Smith.

Contemporary BBQ Island w/ Covered Patio and Fireplace

Conscious Environments Inc.

A simple BBQ island w/ adjacent dining counter and deck is a great place to cook, dine, and entertain. BBQ island features a large format porcelain slab, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. A nearby covered patio with dining table w/ fireplace and TV are a great addition to this contemporary backyard.

Brookhaven Plunge Pool & Outdoor Living Oasis

Boyce Design + Build

This contemporary backyard oasis offers our clients indoor-outdoor living for year-round relaxation and entertaining. The custom rectilinear swimming pool and stacked stone raised spa were designed to maximize the tight lot coverage restrictions while the cascading waterfalls and natural stone water feature add tranquility to the space. Panoramic doors create a beautiful transition between the interior and exterior spaces allowing for more entertaining options and increased natural light. The covered porch features retractable screens, ceiling-mounted infrared heaters, T&G ceiling and a stacked stone fireplace

Red Ledges La Sal Peak Showcase

PureHaven Homes

This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature, gravel and a roof extension.

Contemporary Patio Design Ideas with a Roof Extension

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!