Jean-Baptiste BIEUVILLE
Design ideas for a mediterranean front yard patio in Marseille with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Mukwonago Project

Lake City Landscape, LLC

Photo of a small contemporary front yard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers.

Traditional Patio

Mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and no cover.

French Provence Farmhouse

Avalon Architectural, Inc.

Architect Fleetwood joiner actually hand-distressed the stone around this entryway, to ensure regional accuracy in attention to detail.
Inspiration for a country front yard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers.

Quarry Stone

CALSTONE

Sequoia Sandstone
Inspiration for a front yard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Calabasas Entry Courtyard

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Remodel of an existing entry courtyard. We cleaned up the lines on the steps, created cantilevered steps with recessed LED tape lighting, added a water feature, built-in seating and a fire pit. There is porcelain pavers throughout with low succulents breaking up the pavers. Studio H Landscape Architecture

Residential Work

SOLscape, LLC

Photo of a small traditional front yard patio in Bridgeport with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Sunnyvale Family Home

Apartment 46 for the Home

The custom made door and side windows were stained a rich espresso to highlight the Arizona stone porch and entry steps.
Mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Raised Terrace Bluestone Patio in Edina

English Stone

Raised, full color bluestone patio on Fondulac stone walls. With front entry stone steps. By English Stone
Photo of a large traditional front yard patio in Minneapolis with natural stone pavers.

Woodinville Pivot Site Design

Board & Vellum

Photography by Meghan Montgomery
Photo of a small midcentury front yard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Combie rd Patio and Pergola

Stone Ridge Decking

Inspiration for a mid-sized country front yard patio in Sacramento with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Giardino in collina

Silvia Longhi

ph. Silvia Longhi
Design ideas for a large country front yard patio in Venice with natural stone pavers.

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.

Lakewood NY residential hardscape & planting

Marlinski Landscape & Stone Work

Patrick Marlinski
Large traditional front yard patio in New York with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

MIr3

GDW/a pllc

M.I.R. Phase 3 denotes the third phase of the transformation of a 1950’s daylight rambler on Mercer Island, Washington into a contemporary family dwelling in tune with the Northwest environment. Phase one modified the front half of the structure which included expanding the Entry and converting a Carport into a Garage and Shop. Phase two involved the renovation of the Basement level. Phase three involves the renovation and expansion of the Upper Level of the structure which was designed to take advantage of views to the "Green-Belt" to the rear of the property. Existing interior walls were removed in the Main Living Area spaces were enlarged slightly to allow for a more open floor plan for the Dining, Kitchen and Living Rooms. The Living Room now reorients itself to a new deck at the rear of the property. At the other end of the Residence the existing Master Bedroom was converted into the Master Bathroom and a Walk-in-closet. A new Master Bedroom wing projects from here out into a grouping of cedar trees and a stand of bamboo to the rear of the lot giving the impression of a tree-house. A new semi-detached multi-purpose space is located below the projection of the Master Bedroom and serves as a Recreation Room for the family's children. As the children mature the Room is than envisioned as an In-home Office with the distant possibility of having it evolve into a Mother-in-law Suite. Hydronic floor heat featuring a tankless water heater, rain-screen façade technology, “cool roof” with standing seam sheet metal panels, Energy Star appliances and generous amounts of natural light provided by insulated glass windows, transoms and skylights are some of the sustainable features incorporated into the design. “Green” materials such as recycled glass countertops, salvaging and refinishing the existing hardwood flooring, cementitous wall panels and "rusty metal" wall panels have been used throughout the Project. However, the most compelling element that exemplifies the project's sustainability is that it was not torn down and replaced wholesale as so many of the homes in the neighborhood have.

Iowa Backyard Oasis

Ross Land Studio

In the front yard, a large multi-season garden creates a buffer from the neighboring property. Spring bulbs start the garden off in March, followed by salvia and echinacea in summer. Asters burst with blue and purple in fall, and evergreen trees and red-twig dogwoods bring the garden through the winter in a glory of green and red.

Cottage Patio/Landscaping - Essex, MA

Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC

Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Cottage Patio/Landscaping - Essex, MA

Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Elberton Way: Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home

Bret Franks Construction, Inc.

Images courtesy of Providence Design
Photo of a large traditional front yard patio in Little Rock with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Outdoor Entertaining Spaces

Arroyo Seco Construction

Design ideas for a small front yard patio in Santa Barbara with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Front Yard Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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!