This is an example of a scandinavian front yard patio in Paris with brick pavers and no cover.

Marion Brenner Photography
This is an example of a large modern front yard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

AlfrescSLO Living

Landwell Design + Build Co.

photography by Joslyn Amato
Photo of a large modern front yard patio in San Luis Obispo with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

The view from inside which leads directly out onto the garden

Georgia Lindsay Garden Design

The bifold doors open directly onto this seating area creating a seamless flow from interior to exterior. Photographed by Nathalie Priem
Inspiration for a small contemporary front yard patio in London.

Front Porch Farmhouse

Noble Classic Homes

Design ideas for a large country front yard patio in Dallas with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

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

Méditerranéen Terrasse Et Patio

Design ideas for a large mediterranean front yard patio in Paris with a water feature and a pergola.

Front Entrance

PaveStone Brick Paving Inc.

Mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

My Work

Arizona Flooring Direct

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Sherman Oaks Front Yard

So Cal Builders & Design

Front yard remodeling. Project is including: block wall with smooth stucco finish, wood fence from Ipe on top of the new block wall, slate tile, fire pit, build in BBQ, wood deck from Trex and drop in Jacuzzi.

L'élégance d'une maison contemporaine de caractère

MAS PROVENCE

Gabrielle Voinot
Photo of a contemporary front yard patio in Marseille with a pergola.

My Projects

CALSTONE

Sequoia Sandstone Pattern: QS4
Photo of a front yard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Front raised courtyard

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

Photo of a small traditional front yard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers.

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.

High Springs Custom Home

Golden Hammer Construction

Photo of a mid-sized transitional front yard patio in Miami with an outdoor shower, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Powell Ohio Front Entry

User

Finished front walkway with new plantings and LED landscape lighting
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Columbus with concrete pavers and no cover.

Front Entrance

User

This space was entirely transformed by this hardscape. The pavers add beautiful texture and the brick ribbon gives the space beautiful lines that draw in the eye.

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.

Rhododendron Tree

Plan-it Earth Design

A place to sit on a patio shared by 2 entries to this house. Old sidewalks were upcycled into retaining walls to set off the old rhododendron tree that provides privacy from the street. Design by Lora Price and Amy Whitworth Installed by J Walter Landscape & Irrigation Metal trellis and hanging sphere by Indio Metal Arts Photo by Amy Whitworth

Flowering Shade

FormLA Landscaping

The roof extension covering the front doorstep of the south-facing home needs help cooling the space. Western Redbud is a beautiful way to do just that.

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!