Renovation of Courtyard, Pool and Summer Kitchen for South Florida Residence

The pecky cypress pergola adds durability, shade and charm to this adorable summer kitchen. The designers of Creative Construction re-purposed existing granite counters from the clients' interior and repeated the travertine up the sides of the kitchen, allowing for a seamless transition from the other areas of the courtyard to the BBQ nook.

New Canaan

Keith E. Simpson Associates, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in New York with a water feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Prospect-Refuge

Solana Outdoor Living

Design ideas for a mid-sized courtyard patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Orchid Wall

Beth H. :

there are two sky lights just up and off to the right. During the afternoon all this filtered light shines through. All the cattleya orchids that you see came from one plant. I took the keikeis and planted them in other containers. see the difference in just one year (c next photo)

Beneath Starry Skies

Casa Smith Designs, LLC

The best of outdoor living gracefully blends landscaping and the entertaining spaces organically. The lines are soft, the lights don't feel out of place, rather they enhance the experience. The spaces are large enough to fit a lot of people, yet intimate enough for an evening for two. Photo Credit: Mark Pinkerton, vi360

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.

The Rainier

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Mid-sized arts and crafts courtyard patio in Seattle with with fireplace, stamped concrete and a gazebo/cabana.

Modern Patio

Inspiration for a large modern courtyard patio in Seattle.

Cunius

Macht Architecture

This is an example of a large country courtyard patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Ojai Spanish Mission & Indian Courtyard

Timothy J. Droney General Contractor

Old California Mission Style home remodeled from funky 1970's cottage with no style. Now this looks like a real old world home that fits right into the Ojai, California landscape. Handmade custom sized terra cotta tiles throughout, with dark stain and wax makes for a worn, used and real live texture from long ago. Wrought iron Spanish lighting, new glass doors and wood windows to capture the light and bright valley sun. The owners are from India, so we incorporated Indian designs and antiques where possible. An outdoor shower, and an outdoor hallway are new additions, along with the olive tree, craned in over the new roof. A courtyard with Spanish style outdoor fireplace with Indian overtones border the exterior of the courtyard. Distressed, stained and glazed ceiling beams, handmade doors and cabinetry help give an old world feel.

Melrose Chandelier - Mid Century

Laura Lee Designs

Pendant-style Chandelier lighting, Laura Lee Designs
Photo of a large midcentury courtyard patio in Albuquerque with a water feature, natural stone pavers and an awning.

Casa Patio

Otto Medem Arquitectura

Inspiration for a small modern courtyard patio in Madrid.

Santa Barbara Living in Marin County California

User

Santa Barbara lifestyle with this gated 5,200 square foot estate affords serenity and privacy while incorporating the finest materials and craftsmanship. Visually striking interiors are enhanced by a sparkling bay view and spectacular landscaping with heritage oaks, rose and dahlia gardens and a picturesque splash pool. Just two minutes to Marin’s finest schools.

A beautiful raised garden design

Brilliant Design Concepts

A beautiful garden design and construction completes the apartment renovation. We transformed the untidy bits and pieces garden area by demolishing the existing garden, installing new decking to lift the courtyard height to match the exterior sliding door height and building a raised garden bed planted out with a hardy and beautiful collection of Rhaphis Palms, Teddy Bear Magnolias and a selection of philodendrons and flax. Plant selection and design flickmacqueen garden design

Brand New Bachelor

Lori Dennis, Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with concrete pavers and a fire feature.

Kenwood Residence

Petersen Design Associates, LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Los Altos

The Design Build Company

This is an example of a large contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

The Rainier

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts courtyard patio in Seattle with with fireplace, stamped concrete and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor Areas and Pools

Italics Tile & Stone

Italics Stonetrack Silver porcelain tile
This is an example of a large tropical courtyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, tile and a roof extension.

Southampton

Koch Architects

Classic mid-century-modern courtyard with teak deck tiles, exterior wall-mounted sconces, flat roof, gray/brown exterior walls, outdoor orange lounge chair and wood side table set, potted plants in Berkeley hills, California.

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!