A challenging project due to the triangular shape of the existing space. From a white canvas to this result, takes time and passion. It's a whole creative process, and with the help of inspiration and tridimensional skills, we combined form and function so that the owners will enjoy their outdoor space, the garden, at its full potential.

Olympus Cove

DFS Construction Inc.

Expansive contemporary backyard patio in Salt Lake City with decomposed granite.

Modern New Home Build

Scudder Construction LLC.

Implemented Ariel Solutions
Contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a water feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

Brian P. Small Patio Addition

MTR Contractors | My Thatch Roof

I'm in love with this view
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with decomposed granite and a pergola.

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

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Safe and Entertainment Space

FormLA Landscaping

Hedges of Catalina Cherry, a shrub that thrives in Pasadena's hot, dry summers lines the left side of this patio. Its (edible!) cherries draw birds in autumn, while its blooms do the same in spring. It makes a great exchange for an all too ubiquitous ficus hedge.

Renson

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decomposed granite and a pergola.

Backyard landscape with Asian influence

Interactive Landscapes

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
Contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with no cover and decomposed granite.

Renson

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decomposed granite and a pergola.

L'élégance d'une maison contemporaine de caractère

MAS PROVENCE

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

Jacksonville Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

With a fully loaded outdoor kitchen, sleek spa with a cozy patio and linear gas fire pit, raised garden, and an industrial corten steel fire pit big enough for hog roasts, this yard has it all! The homeowners wanted a space where they can entertain all of their friends, so we gave them a large outdoor kitchen made entirely of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) including the "wood" posts. There is space to sit and share a meal, a Perlick kegerator, an oversized Lynx grill adjacent to a Big Green Egg, a trash chute, and a sink. Peacock Pavers stepping stones lead to a patio with a custom GFRC spa surround framed by a minimalist wood pergola. The homeowners can relax on the double lounge chair while enjoying the warm glow of the wood-look GFRC fire pit. A gravel patio makes the perfect space for a large custom fabricated corten fire pit, complete with a removable grilling surface to easily switch from enjoying a bonfire to roasting dinner. The space is finished off by low maintenance landscaping. Photo by Craig O'Neal

Renson

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decomposed granite and a pergola.

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.

New Build, Calgary AB

Siena Signature Builders Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Calgary with decomposed granite and no cover.

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.

Carbrook Contempary

Campbell Wake Interior Design & Styling

This was a very large modern architectural interior design project that we were involved in from drawing design stage to furnishing the entire home Photography by Todd Hunter Photography

Renson

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decomposed granite and a pergola.

Renson

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decomposed granite and a pergola.

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!