Photo of an eclectic patio in London.

The owners of this long, narrow garden wanted to transform it into a sociable space for outdoor entertaining and relaxation with a boho chic style with lots of textural contrast. An existing run of steep steps and brick retaining walls was to be completely removed in favour of safer, statement steps and textured retaining walls. A new patio in large format porcelain tiles was designed to deliver an inside-out feel complementing the house's interior flooring. An old shed to the rear was removed and replaced with a large, modern garden room that does double duty as both a yoga studio and party/play room. To take advantage of the afternoon sun, a second small patio was created halfway down the garden. An eclectic mix of memorabilia and decorative accessories add a personal touch and provide pops of colour and visual interest throughout the garden. The new main patio was designed to provide plenty of room for al fresco dining as well as a lounge space with a modern outdoor sofa dressed with comfy cushions and storm candle accessories. The relaxing sound of water is provided in the shape of a spherical rainbow sandstone water feature while a large egg chair, surrounded by an eclectic mix of planters, provides views across the whole garden. New terraced retaining walls are finished in a splitface slate cladding for textural interest while an L-shaped run of wide steps lead you down to the lawn area where a stepping stone path leads on to the next area of the garden. A contemplation area, complete with lanterns and planters, is created at the halfway point with space for a pre-loved bench of sentimental value on which to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun. The whole area is zoned with the addition of a bespoke western red cedar pergola giving a sense of enclosure and linking this area back to the cedar batten boundary treatment at the upper patio level. To the rear of the garden sits a new, modern garden room, complete with its own disco balls and a patio just large enough for a bistro table and chair set. The area is completed with timber sleeper raised beds and a set of steps leading up to the main lawn level. A combination of low-maintenance planting and retained mature shrubs, complete the garden scheme while garden lighting extends the garden's use well into the evening.

Pinemoor Home

Larsen

Inspiration for an eclectic patio in Denver.

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Dallas TX Multi-Faceted Outdoor Living Oasis

Archadeck of Northeast Dallas

The multi-use area under the spacious cedar pergola. Here, you will see a custom outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen. We topped the pergola with a polygala polycarbonate cover to keep the area dry and add heightened shade. This multi-faceted outdoor living combination space in Dallas by Archadeck of Northeast Dallas encompasses a covered patio space, expansive patio with overhead pergola, custom outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen and much more!

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Cool Kirkland Courtyard

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

A family in Kirkland needed a useable and much more private space in front of their home. SCJ envisioned low steel walls with a back-drop of magnolias and other evergreen plants for privacy, with perennials providing contrast and texture. A new composite bamboo deck provides a gathering space for sitting and outdoor dining. Now enclosed with lush planting, carefully placed lighting, plenty of seating and container planting, the space is truly a secluded and serene extension of the home. Photos by Mark Garff

Mission Meeting Hall

Kristin Riccio Interior Design

Clinton Perry Photography
Mid-sized eclectic patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Traditional Brick Poolside Patio and Driveway

GARY DUFF DESIGNS,LTD

Complementing the traditional red brick house, Gary Duff Designs incorporated the brick into the swimming pool patio with bluestone border details. Keeping with the classic style for the front entrance, entry gates are set behind a Belgian block apron at the driveway. For added adventure, Gary Duff Designs returned in 2016 for a shuffleboard court installation. Seen here: a round natural stone custom build fire pit on a round red brick patio.

Paradise Cove, Malibu Residence

Megan Heacock White

Spencer Lowell
Design ideas for an eclectic side yard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor shower.

Colmar Court

Anthemion Architecture LLC

Interior Design: Fowler Interiors Photography: Inspiro 8 Studios
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Other with a water feature and gravel.

A Coordination of Inlays

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a large eclectic backyard patio in Richmond with a vegetable garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Bellevue Hill

Marylou Sobel Interior Design

Photography by Maree Homer
Inspiration for a large eclectic backyard patio in Sydney with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Santa Fe Chic Pueblo

Samuel Design Group

Daniel Nadelbach
This is an example of an eclectic patio in Albuquerque.

Eco Artist's House

Sarah Natsumi Moore

Photo: Sarah Moore © 2013 Houzz
Eclectic patio in Austin with gravel.

Ruppert Backyard

The Cousins

Classic lines on this outdoor furniture are offset by the bright throw pillows, mosaic table, and hanging beanock. Draped fabric adds elegance and protection from the elements.

Mountain Cabin

Confluence Architecture

Exterior sun shade and patio
Inspiration for an eclectic front yard patio in Denver with a pergola and natural stone pavers.

Madeline's House

Designing Solutions

Photo of an eclectic patio in DC Metro with tile.

Patio

Shannon Malone

Wicked Shade Projects

Wicked Shade, Inc.

Inspiration for an eclectic patio in Salt Lake City.

Eclectic 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, eclectic 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 eclectic 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 eclectic 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!

Courtyard makeover

ZMK Construction Inc

Bringing south of the boarder to the north of the boarder our Mexican Baja theme courtyard/living room makeover in Coronado Island is where our client have their entertainment now and enjoy the great San Diego weather daily. We've designed the courtyard to be a true outdoor living space with a full kitchen, dinning area, and a lounging area next to an outdoor fireplace. And best of all a fully engaged 15 feet pocket door system that opens the living room right out to the courtyard. A dream comes true for our client!