After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Olympus Cove

DFS Construction Inc.

Inspiration for an expansive midcentury backyard patio in Salt Lake City with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

midcentury in marin #2

building Lab, inc.

Common areas open directly onto patio: outdoor firepit, outdoor kitchen and dining, pergola, pool and spa
Photo of an expansive midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, a pergola and concrete slab.

Side entry to the mid terrace

Village Landscape Architecture

Steel planters work as cheek walls to the concrete stairs. Citrus pots frame the entry to the mid terrace.
Photo of an expansive midcentury courtyard patio with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Sullivan Canyon Residence

Paul Davis Architects

This covered patio area between the family room and guest house features a glazed overhead skylight, inspired by the work of Cliff May. Recessed flat-screen TV and surround-sound speakers make this the perfect place for an afternoon football-watching party! Note the nearby outdoor kitchen. Photo Credit: Undine Prohl

Gentleman's Quarters - Oakland Hills Modern

LMB Interiors

Outdoor patio: Rug by Dash and Albert Photo by Eric Rorer While we adore all of our clients and the beautiful structures which we help fill and adorn, like a parent adores all of their children, this recent mid-century modern interior design project was a particular delight. This client, a smart, energetic, creative, happy person, a man who, in-person, presents as refined and understated — he wanted color. Lots of color. When we introduced some color, he wanted even more color: Bright pops; lively art. In fact, it started with the art. This new homeowner was shopping at SLATE ( https://slateart.net) for art one day… many people choose art as the finishing touches to an interior design project, however this man had not yet hired a designer. He mentioned his predicament to SLATE principal partner (and our dear partner in art sourcing) Danielle Fox, and she promptly referred him to us. At the time that we began our work, the client and his architect, Jack Backus, had finished up a massive remodel, a thoughtful and thorough update of the elegant, iconic mid-century structure (originally designed by Ratcliff & Ratcliff) for modern 21st-century living. And when we say, “the client and his architect” — we mean it. In his professional life, our client owns a metal fabrication company; given his skills and knowledge of engineering, build, and production, he elected to act as contractor on the project. His eye for metal and form made its way into some of our furniture selections, in particular the coffee table in the living room, fabricated and sold locally by Turtle and Hare. Color for miles: One of our favorite aspects of the project was the long hallway. By choosing to put nothing on the walls, and adorning the length of floor with an amazing, vibrant, patterned rug, we created a perfect venue. The rug stands out, drawing attention to the art on the floor. In fact, the rugs in each room were as thoughtfully selected for color and design as the art on the walls. In total, on this project, we designed and decorated the living room, family room, master bedroom, and back patio. (Visit www.lmbinteriors.com to view the complete portfolio of images.) While my design firm is known for our work with traditional and transitional architecture, and we love those projects, I think it is clear from this project that Modern is also our cup of tea. If you have a Modern house and are thinking about how to make it more vibrantly YOU, contact us for a consultation.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used WORD MISSING to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Bell Canyon Residence

Hsu McCullough

With a backdrop of the Great Room -Dining, Kitchen and Living Room -using celebrated dark bronze Fleetwood Aluminum multi-slide glass doors, the backyard garden is an expansive lush mixture of flowers and mature trees with patio, outdoor dining pergola and swimming pool beyond: perfect for entertaining. The outdoor garden imparts an unmistakeable romantic theme - immediately welcoming as well as comfortable for relaxing and playing at home while offering a relief from creative work at the detached music studio. The home reflects the Owners and Hsu McCullough's shared belief in the integration of architecture and nature - the building responds to it’s environment rather than imposing itself on it’s setting.

Mid-Century Ranch Reinvented

Knaak Design Group

Design and Built and additional patio complete with automatic insect screen, modern pool, spa, landscaping and outdoor kitchen.
This is an example of an expansive midcentury backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Arland House

Morgan Group

Design ideas for an expansive midcentury patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

ROSE

User

Pool and Spa Lance Gerber, Nuvue Interactive, LLC
This is an example of an expansive midcentury patio in Other.

Rancho Mirage Mid-Century Modern

Lane Design + Build

Expansive midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles.

Mequon Mid Century Modern

JFK Design-Build, LLC

Expansive midcentury patio in Milwaukee.

Awesome Fire Pits

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Photo of an expansive midcentury backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Home 616

Sierra Pacific Windows

Michelle Drewes Media
Expansive midcentury backyard patio in Sacramento.

Reinterpreted Mid-Century

Marc-Michaels Interior Design

©Edward Butera / ibi designs / Boca Raton, Florida
This is an example of an expansive midcentury courtyard patio in Miami with a roof extension.

New Project*

Mark W. Canada Architects, AIA

Inspiration for an expansive midcentury backyard patio in Austin with decking and a roof extension.

Arbors & Pavilions - Walled-in Pavilion

Red Valley Landscape & Construction Inc

Expansive freeform swimming pool with three waterfalls, two bubbling urns and one overflowing spa. The pavilion was built by Red Valley Landscape & Construction and contains and outdoor kitchen and wood-burning fire pit.

St-John's Rehab Hospital

Arbordale Landscaping

Very romantic Cedar arbour with seating bench terminate the views where the paths cross from East to West. A trellis on the back of the arbour is now full with Climbing Hydrangea vines. Stone curbing adds a raised bed appeal the the planting beds seen on the left here.

El Cerrito Mid Century Modern Outdoor Kitchen Patio

Leigh Designs

Each outdoor room of this El Cerrito Mid Century Modern backyard deck, from the outdoor kitchen, to the dining area, to lounge area, maximize the views of the bay. This couple were very excited about and involved in designing the look and feel of their outdoor living space. For instance, instead of the typical deck redwood flooring, we were able to accommodate their desire to have a flagstone floor built on a redwood frame, which was more in keeping with their Mid Century Modern style. The husband was a gourmet chef and particularly enjoyed the design of his specialty outdoor kitchen.

Expansive Midcentury 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, midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!