Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean front yard patio in San Diego with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Traditional Cottage Garden Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Santa Fe landscape cottage traditional ranch house..with used brick, sydney peak flagstone ledgerstone and professionally installed and designed by Rob Hill, landscape architect - Hill's Landscapes- the design build company.

Beaucatcher Barn Home

Altura Architects

We used the timber frame of a century old barn to build this rustic modern house. The barn was dismantled, and reassembled on site. Inside, we designed the home to showcase as much of the original timber frame as possible. Photography by Todd Crawford

Revelry

Andrew Heiser

Large modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and an awning.

Rose City Fence & Patio Construction

Rolling Hills Remodeling LLC

Side view of the completed patio cover
Inspiration for a small traditional front yard patio in Portland with an awning.

Arcadia/Scottsdale

Wiseman & Gale Interiors

Inspiration for a transitional front yard patio in Phoenix with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Front Yard Patio – Tranquil Outdoor Refuge

Southview Design

In the front yard, one of Southview's landscape architects designed a welcoming courtyard/front entry. Just large enough for a table, a couple of chairs, a small fountain, and flowers, the courtyard is separated from the street by a low mortared limestone wall. The space hints at privacy but invites the neighbors in for conversation and evening refreshments.

Front Entrance Detail

LandArt

The natural stone steps and entrance provide a pleasing contrast to the interlock driveway.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Toronto with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Tustin – Driveway, Front Steps, Entrance Walkway - AFTER 14

Go Pavers

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

Hollywood Hills

User

Inspiration for a large eclectic front yard patio in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Dash Landing Farmhouse

Whitten Architects

photography by Rob Karosis
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

A Variety of Front Entrances

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design

Front entrances with curb appeal in various styles, sizes and budgets A patio space in the front yard makes for an amazingly function piece of real estate. A welcoming landscape design for front yard gardens, pathways, stairs, retaining walls, landscape lighting and even water features sets the tone for your home and also brings a good ROI when time to sell. Landscape Design & Photography by Melanie Rekola

Scottsville Tuscan Cottage

Smith & Robertson, Inc.

One of many outdoor spaces in this enchanting French Country stucco cottage
This is an example of a mid-sized front yard patio in Richmond.

Timber Cove Fireplace

Shapiro Didway

Patrice Jerome
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Saratoga Contemporary

Design Focus International

@ Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Large contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with a water feature, concrete slab and a pergola.

Koi Pond/Water Garden-HGTV Amazing Water Homes

Pool Environments, Inc.

Bill Bibb, Designer Archiverde Landscape, built by Pool Environments The project includes a koi pond/water garden and waterwall. The koi/water garden acts as a "mote" to the entrance of the residence. Thick native Texas limestone leuders create a bridge visitors cross to reach the home. A large glass wall with built in planters on top is settled in the middle of the water garden and greets visitors upon arrival. It also services as a divider between the main house and guest quarters.

mid-century courtyard home / laguna niguel

Moss Yaw Design studio

a sitting area outside the front entry provides for gathering spaces alongside the private courtyard pool
Photo of a small midcentury front yard patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

The Backyard Oasis ADU

Modern ADU Plans

The ADU is tucked into the backyard with a private landscaped garden and hang out space.
Inspiration for a small contemporary front yard patio in Other with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Outdoor Room with a View

FormLA Landscaping

The custom designed and built bench protects the aesthetic calm of the front garden patio. It provides an excellent view of the neighborhood as well as the hummingbirds drawn by pink Alumroot bells, the sweet fragrance and magic wand-like blooms of Hummingbird Sage blooms, as well as the water feature.

Modern Small Orinda Garden

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

This is an example of a small modern front yard patio in San Francisco with concrete slab.

Front 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!