Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with brick pavers and an awning.

Garden

Diego Correa Interior Design

view of the garden, the gazebo at the back.
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in London with brick pavers.

2015 Midwest Home Luxury Home #1 - Denali Custom Homes

Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography

Builder: Denali Custom Homes - Architectural Designer: Alexander Design Group - Interior Designer: Studio M Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Entertain in Style

Hartman Landscape

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Harrison West Courtyard

FOREGROUNDstudio

Foreground Studio
This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Columbus with brick pavers.

Brooklyn Brownstone

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Photo of a contemporary patio in Portland with brick pavers.

Lower Shaughnessy Condo Renovation

Westwood Heritage

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Vancouver with brick pavers and no cover.

Sinker Cypress Dream Home

Excel Door Corporation

2-1/4" Sinker Cypress Entry door with natural finish.
Mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in Miami with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Lincoln Park Residence

Goldberg General Contracting

Photo © Eric Hausmann Architect: Vinci Hamp Architecture Interiors: Stephanie Wohlner Design
Inspiration for a large contemporary courtyard patio in Chicago with brick pavers and no cover.

Patio Project

Earth, Turf, & Wood, Inc.

Earth, Turf & Wood
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Other with a water feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Brick Paver Patios and Landscaping Ideas

JJW Brick.com

Brick Paving Stone Patio with Unilock Brick Pavers. This home is located in Macomb, MI. Unilock Brussels Block Pavers and Wall with Ledgestone Coping.

Fire

Yard Art, Inc

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and brick pavers.

Stylish Tri Level Terrace in Forest Lodge

Pilcher Residential

Pilcher Residential
This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Sydney with brick pavers and no cover.

Exteriors

JKF Construction, Inc.

JKF Construction
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with brick pavers and no cover.

Canyon Pass at Dove Mountain

Milestone Homes

This patio was designed for the ultimate entertainment experience with an outdoor kitchen and a negative edge pool with a swim-up bar. Photo by Robinette Architects, Inc.

Gulf-Front Grandeur

E. F. San Juan

Gulf-Front Grandeur Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: Hufham Farris Construction --- This one-of-a-kind Gulf-front residence in the New Urbanism community of Alys Beach, Florida, is truly a stunning piece of architecture matched only by its views. E. F. San Juan worked with the Alys Beach Town Planners at Khoury & Vogt Architects and the building team at Hufham Farris Construction on this challenging and fulfilling project. We supplied character white oak interior boxed beams and stair parts. We also furnished all of the interior trim and paneling. The exterior products we created include ipe shutters, gates, fascia and soffit, handrails, and newels (balcony), ceilings, and wall paneling, as well as custom columns and arched cased openings on the balconies. In addition, we worked with our trusted partners at Loewen to provide windows and Loewen LiftSlide doors. Challenges: This was the homeowners’ third residence in the area for which we supplied products, and it was indeed a unique challenge. The client wanted as much of the exterior as possible to be weathered wood. This included the shutters, gates, fascia, soffit, handrails, balcony newels, massive columns, and arched openings mentioned above. The home’s Gulf-front location makes rot and weather damage genuine threats. Knowing that this home was to be built to last through the ages, we needed to select a wood species that was up for the task. It needed to not only look beautiful but also stand up to those elements over time. Solution: The E. F. San Juan team and the talented architects at KVA settled upon ipe (pronounced “eepay”) for this project. It is one of the only woods that will sink when placed in water (you would not want to make a boat out of ipe!). This species is also commonly known as ironwood because it is so dense, making it virtually rot-resistant, and therefore an excellent choice for the substantial pieces of millwork needed for this project. However, ipe comes with its own challenges; its weight and density make it difficult to put through machines and glue. These factors also come into play for hinging when using ipe for a gate or door, which we did here. We used innovative joining methods to ensure that the gates and shutters had secondary and tertiary means of support with regard to the joinery. We believe the results speak for themselves! --- Photography by Layne Lillie, courtesy of Khoury & Vogt Architects

Naperville Brick Patio

KD Landscape

A small pathway is ramped to a door where the family golf cart is kept. A two-tiered patio features an upper level for dining and a lower level as a social space for relaxing. Patio design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Portnell Residence

Design Associates - Lynette Zambon, Carol Merica

Fire pit with mountain modern home in the background.
This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Calibogue Cay in Sea Pines

StoneWorks, Inc.

Outdoor patio with prep alcove and stainless steels grill help make this a great entertainment feature for this home. There is plenty of room for a large, family style dining table for all the food from the grill. This perfect nook for food prep or a bar area is part of the outdoor patio. The countertop is made from shell stone in a Turkish Limestone called Shellstone; patio walls are made from traditional low country oyster shell stucco and the great looking backsplash is made with handcrafted, hand painted Walker-Zanger ceramic tiles called Caterina Acqua.

Woodland Retreat

The Whole Blooming Landscape, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Charlotte with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Contemporary Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers

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!