Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Fairfield Courtyard House

Taylor Knights

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

SAOIR

REFRESH*DESIGN

private plunge pool
Modern courtyard patio in Brisbane.

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

Joanna Archer Case Study: Family Courtyard With RHS Prestige Trellis And Fencing

The Garden Trellis Company

We asked Joanna Archer why she choose our RHS Prestige Solid Fence Panels and RHS Prestige Square Trellis (38mm gap) for this project of hers. She replied, “Our garden designs are built to last, so we always choose materials with exceptional quality and longevity. The solid fence panels really deliver on this, and the finish of the paintwork is beautiful. We like using the 38mm square trellis for additional privacy. It’s a stylish option for a classic traditional style garden such as this.”

Birds of Prey Courtyard Garden by Living Green

Design ideas for a contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with a vertical garden.

Engine Co. No. 23

Jeff King & Company

Paul Dyer Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Well-Traveled Alys Beach Home

Brad Ramsey Interiors

Well-Traveled Alys Beach Home Photo: Jack Gardner
Design ideas for a large beach style courtyard patio with a water feature and no cover.

Spanish Remodel

Interior Archaeology

Courtyard Dining Room
Large mediterranean courtyard patio in Los Angeles with with fireplace, tile and a pergola.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Courtyard

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Photography: Scott Sandler

Chicago Residence 4

Handman Berry Interior Design

Inspiration for a contemporary courtyard patio in Chicago with a water feature and no cover.

Outdoor Dining Pergola

BPL Design Group

Pasadena Showcase Design House...Selected Interior Designer and GC
Photo of an expansive transitional courtyard patio in DC Metro with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

Monarch Bay

Payton Addison

Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Orange County with concrete pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Fireplace

Bonick Landscaping

Builder: Faulkner Perrin Architect: SHM Interior Designer: Studio Thomas James Landscape Architect: Bonick Landscaping Photographer: Costa Christ Media

BOLD + BEAUTIFUL

Niche Design Co | Chelsey Mathieson

Mid-sized modern courtyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Modernist Courtyard

terraneo landscape design

Modernist style courtyard; This is a rather small space at only 12m2 (3x4m) but we got a lot in. To fit all the clients requirements almost all the features, minus the pots, were custom built for the space such as the in-situ concrete bench seat, white planter box to follow the curved brickwork, custom outdoor coffee table and BBQ bench and and laser cut gate.

Kinstead Apartments

User

This is an example of a modern courtyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Barn conversion-courtyard

Material Girl

Remains of barn create beautiful backdrop for native Pennsylvania plants. Flagstone paatio, old brick border
Inspiration for a mid-sized country courtyard patio with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Un patio de ville

User

Un projet de patio urbain en pein centre de Nantes. Un petit havre de paix désormais, élégant et dans le soucis du détail. Du bois et de la pierre comme matériaux principaux. Un éclairage différencié mettant en valeur les végétaux est mis en place.

thevsigroup.com/ OUTDOOR SPACES

Virtual Studio Innovations

Inspiration for a traditional courtyard patio in Atlanta with no cover and concrete pavers.

Courtyard Patio Design Ideas

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, 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 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 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!