Design ideas for an expansive transitional side yard patio in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Hawaiian Plantation Retreat Outdoor Firepit Patio

Chelsea Court Designs

Design ideas for an expansive tropical side yard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Pine Lake - Private Lakeside Wisconsin Resort Home

Vetter Architects

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

Holland Green Place designed by Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture

Bamboo Landscaping Ltd

Dan Clarke
This is an example of an expansive contemporary side yard patio in London with concrete pavers, a container garden and a roof extension.

Elegant Modern at Estancia | Patio + View

Drewett Works

The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert. The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch." Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ Publications: "On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015. Awards: 2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft. 2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft. The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec 2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award Photography: Dino Tonn

A Modern Castle

Ahmann Design, Inc.

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.

Outdoor Entertainment

SRCI Design Build

-Fans: Quorum; Old World w/ black blades; 52" -Hand Chipped Oklahoma Stone Ceiling: Behr Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain; Light Lead Metal Trusses: Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel Bronzetone; Custom Colors; Medium Brown

Los Tilos Hollywood Hills luxury home backyard outdoor kitchen & dining with vie

Whipple Russell Architects

Los Tilos Hollywood Hills luxury home backyard outdoor kitchen & dining with views of the Hollywood sign. Photo by William MacCollum.
Expansive modern side yard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis

Villagio Paver

Techo-Bloc

Founded in 1642, Montreal is one of North America’s oldest cities. The centuries-old streets of its bustling historic quarter, with their timeless charm, provided the inspiration for our Villagio pavers, equally charming and durable.

The Grizzly's Den

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

Expansive side yard patio in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Panoramic Sanctuary

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Treve Johnson Photography
Design ideas for an expansive transitional side yard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Garden Retreat by Burdge Architects

Burdge & Associates Architects

Patio, Modern french farmhouse. Light and airy. Garden Retreat by Burdge Architects in Malibu, California.
Design ideas for an expansive country side yard patio in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

ECO 39

ECOFIREPLACES FIREPLACES

Ecofireplace lantern in weathering Corten steel with laser cutouts, round burner casing with exclusive design and fitting for Stainless Steel ECO 35 burner. Thermal insulation made of rock wool bases and refractory tape applied to the burner.

Contemporary Oceanscape

Nicholson Companies

Incredible living wall and two story waterfall feature
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary side yard patio in Orange County with a vertical garden and natural stone pavers.

Pergole di Design

Valori Outdoor Design

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary side yard patio in Venice with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Severn River Residence

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Comfortable pool side living
This is an example of an expansive arts and crafts side yard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Bayview Project, Kona, Hawai'i

Greg Putman Construction

indoor-outdoor living, with the great room open to the lanai and pool area
Design ideas for an expansive tropical side yard patio in Hawaii with a water feature, tile and a roof extension.

Quail Ridge

CRC Builders Inc.

Photo of an expansive country side yard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Structures

Elise Landscapes & Nursery, LLC

Design ideas for an expansive traditional side yard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Expansive Side Yard 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!