The genesis of design for this desert retreat was the informal dining area in which the clients, along with family and friends, would gather. Located in north Scottsdale’s prestigious Silverleaf, this ranch hacienda offers 6,500 square feet of gracious hospitality for family and friends. Focused around the informal dining area, the home’s living spaces, both indoor and outdoor, offer warmth of materials and proximity for expansion of the casual dining space that the owners envisioned for hosting gatherings to include their two grown children, parents, and many friends. The kitchen, adjacent to the informal dining, serves as the functioning heart of the home and is open to the great room, informal dining room, and office, and is mere steps away from the outdoor patio lounge and poolside guest casita. Additionally, the main house master suite enjoys spectacular vistas of the adjacent McDowell mountains and distant Phoenix city lights. The clients, who desired ample guest quarters for their visiting adult children, decided on a detached guest casita featuring two bedroom suites, a living area, and a small kitchen. The guest casita’s spectacular bedroom mountain views are surpassed only by the living area views of distant mountains seen beyond the spectacular pool and outdoor living spaces. Project Details | Desert Retreat, Silverleaf – Scottsdale, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB; Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn Featured in Phoenix Home and Garden, May 2015, “Sporting Style: Golf Enthusiast Christie Austin Earns Top Scores on the Home Front” See more of this project here: http://drewettworks.com/desert-retreat-at-silverleaf/

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard patio with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

TK Images Photography
Inspiration for an expansive country backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”

This award-winning installation by Red Valley Landscape & Construction features large natural stone accents ing the fire pit, expansive seat wall. and stone table in the center under the cedar pergola.

Atelier Wong
This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Austin with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

The patio continues the design to incorporate massive stone arches.
Photo of an expansive mediterranean side yard patio in Cedar Rapids with stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Expansive country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete slab and a pergola.

The Maya Collection is a modular seating system comprising a number of pieces that can be configured in multiple variations, allowing for endless possibilities of composition and dimension. Highly versatile and scalable, it is ideal for large public spaces such as the open areas by the poolside, loggia, or smaller configurations to fit a terrace or veranda. The pieces can be easily and quickly rearranged to fit the space, function or event, making it as intimate or as large scaled as necessary. The pieces can be made into configurations as simple as a love seat or large daybed, to large seating configurations that can be made to accommodate “parties” large or small. The low profile of its modular design with wide (6") wrap around armrest provides functionality with ample space for drinks yet sturdy enough to be sat or leaned on, a feature that many will find readily appealing for casual parties and events. The Maya 6 pc Deep Seating Teak Set features: 1 left sectional, 1 Corner Sectional, 2 slipper chairs, 1 ottoman/coffee table (cushion not included for the ottoman), and 1 side table. Cushions made with Quick Dry Foam® core and 100% solution dyed Sunbrella fabrics. Crafted with SVLK certified Grade A Teak, harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use. Optional Teak Finishes available.

Foster Associates Architects, Stimson Associates Landscape Architects, Warren Jagger Photography
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Boston with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

For the last twelve years Luxapatio has been adding luxury to over 3000 backyard. We build our islands in first class quality, in solid construction that resists the outdoor elements. Every island has had its own unique style do to the fact that we build custom design and to fit your budget. Luxapatio has over eight different brands of grills and accessories to choose from and the best project coordinators with knowledge in construction and design in the south Florida industry. Let us transform your backyard into your own little peace of paradise. For more information regarding this or any other of our outdoor projects please visit our website at www.luxapatio.com where you may also shop online. You can also visit our showroom located in the Doral Design District ( 3305 NW 79 Ave Miami FL. 33122) or contact us at 305-477-5141.

Johan Roetz
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Tampa with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with a pergola and concrete pavers.

tuscany architecture by Friehauf associates, with all exterior landscape planning and installation by Rob Hill, Hill's landscapes - Cameron Flagstone, italian cypress, pizza oven, vanishing edge pool, olive trees

The Bentintoshape 48" x 20" Rectangular Fire Pit is constructed with 11 Gauge Cor-Ten Steel for maximum durability and rustic antique appearance. Cor-Ten, also known as Weathering Steel, is a steel alloy which was developed to eliminate the need for painting and form a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to the weather. The overall outside dimensions of the Fire Pit are 48” long x 20” deep x 20” tall. The fire bowl opening dimensions are 42” long x 18” deep x 4” tall. The gas burning option comes standard with a 75,000 BTU Burner and accommodates 90 lbs. of fire glass. Fire Glass sold separately. Options Available: - Wood Burning - the media grate is positioned 5” from the bottom of the fire bowl. (14" deep) - Natural Gas or Liquid Propane Gas burner kit - the media grate is positioned 5” from the bottom of the fire bowl and the fire ring is positioned below the grate. You would purchase this configuration if you are using ceramic logs or if you wanted to start a natural wood fire with gas. (14" deep) - Glass or Lava Rock burning with a gas kit - the media grate is positioned 4” from the top of the fire bowl and the fire ring is positioned above the grate. In this configuration, you would fill the bowl with fire glass or lava rock to just above the fire ring. The gas defuses thru the media grate and is ignited at the surface. (4" deep) Fire glass and/or lava rocks sold separately. - The Hidden Tank option comes complete with a glass/lava media grate and a propane gas kit for a 20 lb propane tank. On one tank, the fire pit will burner for approximately 8-14 hours. The overall dimensions of this Fire Pit are 48” long x 20” deep x 26” tall. Fire glass and/or lava rocks sold separately. Fire Bowl Cover constructed out of Cor-Ten Steel to convert your fire pit to a functional cocktail table when not in use.

The client requested a large (31 feet wide by 29-1/2 feet projection) three-span retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide rain, heat, sun, glare and UV protection. This would allow them to sit outside and enjoy their garden throughout the year, extending their outdoor entertainment space. For functionality they requested that water drain from the rear of the system into the front beam and down inside the two end posts, exiting at the bottom from a small hole and draining into the flower beds. The entire system used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The uprights and purlins meet together at a smooth L-shaped angle, flush at the top and without an overhang for a nearly perfectly smooth profile. The system frame and guides are made entirely of aluminum which is powder coated using the Qualicoat® powder coating process. The stainless steel components used were Inox (470LI and 316) which have an extremely high corrosion resistance. The cover has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 9 (up to 54 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A hood with end caps was also used to prevent rain water and snow from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile from end to end in the rear of the unit was used to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. The client chose to control the system with an interior wall switch and a remote control. Concrete footers were installed in the grassy area in front of the unit for mounting the four posts. To allow for a flat vertical mounting surface ledger board using pressure-treated wood was mounted the full 31-foot width, as the client’s house was older and made of uneven stone. The client is very satisfied with the results. The retractable patio cover now makes it possible for the client to use a very large area in the rear of her house throughout the year.

This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Our clients wanted the ultimate modern farmhouse custom dream home. They found property in the Santa Rosa Valley with an existing house on 3 ½ acres. They could envision a new home with a pool, a barn, and a place to raise horses. JRP and the clients went all in, sparing no expense. Thus, the old house was demolished and the couple’s dream home began to come to fruition. The result is a simple, contemporary layout with ample light thanks to the open floor plan. When it comes to a modern farmhouse aesthetic, it’s all about neutral hues, wood accents, and furniture with clean lines. Every room is thoughtfully crafted with its own personality. Yet still reflects a bit of that farmhouse charm. Their considerable-sized kitchen is a union of rustic warmth and industrial simplicity. The all-white shaker cabinetry and subway backsplash light up the room. All white everything complimented by warm wood flooring and matte black fixtures. The stunning custom Raw Urth reclaimed steel hood is also a star focal point in this gorgeous space. Not to mention the wet bar area with its unique open shelves above not one, but two integrated wine chillers. It’s also thoughtfully positioned next to the large pantry with a farmhouse style staple: a sliding barn door. The master bathroom is relaxation at its finest. Monochromatic colors and a pop of pattern on the floor lend a fashionable look to this private retreat. Matte black finishes stand out against a stark white backsplash, complement charcoal veins in the marble looking countertop, and is cohesive with the entire look. The matte black shower units really add a dramatic finish to this luxurious large walk-in shower. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC