The custom designed and built bench protects the aesthetic calm of the front garden patio. It provides an excellent view of the neighborhood as well as the hummingbirds drawn by pink Alumroot bells, the sweet fragrance and magic wand-like blooms of Hummingbird Sage blooms, as well as the water feature.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

The Richards Residence

Kalu Interiors

Small contemporary backyard patio in Vancouver with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

David Riley Associates - Linda Isle

Jeri Koegel Photography

Jeri Koegel
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Orange County with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Odette Winery

R&S Glazing Specialties, Inc

Odette Winery
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Cara Cara Hollywood

OVERARCH

shared outdoor seating area for bungalow complex. photo credit: Brandon Shigeta
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Terrassenbeschattung SPANNMAXXL im modernen Umfeld

SKIA GmbH (SPANNMAXXL)

Fotograf: Andi Schmid
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Cologne with decomposed granite and an awning.

Granite Millstone Water Feature and Seating Area on Decomposed Granite

River City Landscaping,Inc

River City Landscaping,Inc Rick Abalos
This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Sacramento with a water feature and decomposed granite.

L'élégance d'une maison contemporaine de caractère

MAS PROVENCE

Gabrielle Voinot
Photo of a contemporary front yard patio in Marseille with a container garden, decomposed granite and a pergola.

Goose Meadows

Juxtaposed Interiors

This outdoor patio space has it all. Built in BBQ and Pizza Oven. Gorgeous waterfalls flow into black Mexican pebbles and are surrounded by lush low maintenance landscaping.

Sunset Residence

Hoke Ley

Blake Worthington, Rebecca Duke
Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Menlo Park garden

Sycamore Design

This intimate garden utilizes a no-mow lawn, a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and ipe-deck. Photo Credit: Megan Keely
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Alfresco Living

Scot Eckley, Inc.

Photography by: Alex Hayden
This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with no cover and decomposed granite.

Flat Irons Contemporary

Watermark Landscapes

David Winger, Greg Bobich, Marpa Design Studio
Photo of a contemporary backyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, decomposed granite and a pergola.

Applecross display home - Master Builders Australia WA best display home 2017

Atrium Homes

At The Resort, seeing is believing. This is a home in a class of its own; a home of grand proportions and timeless classic features, with a contemporary theme designed to appeal to today’s modern family. From the grand foyer with its soaring ceilings, stainless steel lift and stunning granite staircase right through to the state-of-the-art kitchen, this is a home designed to impress, and offers the perfect combination of luxury, style and comfort for every member of the family. No detail has been overlooked in providing peaceful spaces for private retreat, including spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a sitting room, balcony and home theatre. For pure and total indulgence, the master suite, reminiscent of a five-star resort hotel, has a large well-appointed ensuite that is a destination in itself. If you can imagine living in your own luxury holiday resort, imagine life at The Resort...here you can live the life you want, without compromise – there’ll certainly be no need to leave home, with your own dream outdoor entertaining pavilion right on your doorstep! A spacious alfresco terrace connects your living areas with the ultimate outdoor lifestyle – living, dining, relaxing and entertaining, all in absolute style. Be the envy of your friends with a fully integrated outdoor kitchen that includes a teppanyaki barbecue, pizza oven, fridges, sink and stone benchtops. In its own adjoining pavilion is a deep sunken spa, while a guest bathroom with an outdoor shower is discreetly tucked around the corner. It’s all part of the perfect resort lifestyle available to you and your family every day, all year round, at The Resort. The Resort is the latest luxury home designed and constructed by Atrium Homes, a West Australian building company owned and run by the Marcolina family. For over 25 years, three generations of the Marcolina family have been designing and building award-winning homes of quality and distinction, and The Resort is a stunning showcase for Atrium’s attention to detail and superb craftsmanship. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, The Resort boasts features like designer lighting, stone benchtops throughout, porcelain floor tiles, extra-height ceilings, premium window coverings, a glass-enclosed wine cellar, a study and home theatre, and a kitchen with a separate scullery and prestige European appliances. As with every Atrium home, The Resort represents the company’s family values of innovation, excellence and value for money.

Outdoor fireplace

Reyes Landscape Construction

This Outdoor living space includes DG patio, Flagstone pool decking and walkways, Gas Fireplace, planting in the back and front areas, the wide stair case is finished with flagstone, the side yard area and the parking spaces are Trinity Gravel. Low voltage lighting was installed with pathway lighting and up lights high lighting the olive trees and the prunus carolina.

Backyard landscape with Asian influence

Interactive Landscapes

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Dotter Solfjeld Architecture | Design, Los Altos House

Michele Lee Willson Photography

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in San Francisco with decomposed granite and a pergola.

Proctor Terrace Backyard

Geared for Growing Landscape Services

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with decomposed granite.

Escondido

Envy Landscape Design Inc.

Contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, decomposed granite and an awning.

Contemporary Patio Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite

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!