Central to the success of this project is the seamless link between interior and exterior zones. The external zones free-flow off the interior to create a sophisticated yet secluded space to lounge, entertain and dine.

Greater Avenues Mid-Century Modern

Kyle Aiken

Utah Mid-Century Modern Patio Photo - https://www.kaikenphotography.com/

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This gourmet kitchen includes wood burning pizza oven, grill, side burner, egg smoker, sink, refrigerator, trash chute, serving station and more! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Bedford Park

ACRE landscape architecture + design studio

A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is contemporary, but it is met with hints of woodland to help maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

Redmond Estate

Reynolds Landscape LLC

This circular gas fire pit with seat edge is a key feature of this destination random flagstone patio. A large curved seat stacked stone seat wall and bolder border benches create a magical place for conversation. Redmond, WA.

Lakeside Overlook | Patios

Southview Design

Natural stone patio and firepit overlooking Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lakeside Patio with Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone paver and Rivercrest Wall gril

Unilock

Character of natural stone with affordability of concrete Stacked flagstone has been used for centuries for small garden walls and pillars. With Rivercrest Wall, you get the character and flexibility of natural stone combined with the durability and affordability of concrete

Palmerston Lake Cottage

Bell+Associates Architecture Inc.

Front Porch Photography
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Ottawa with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Fire Pit and Patio, Ridgewood, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with no cover, a fire feature and tile.

Project of the Month: April 2016

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Matching a Modern Home in Richmond

Outdoor Dreams

Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Richmond with with fireplace and natural stone pavers.

Geneva Transitional Home with Farmhouse Kitchen

Havlicek Builders Inc.

Backyard with custom pergola and built in grill in Geneva, Illinois.
Large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with brick pavers and no cover.

Modern Fence in Greenwich, CT

Riverside Fence

Design ideas for an expansive modern backyard patio in New York with a water feature and concrete slab.

Firepit

PaveStone Brick Paving Inc.

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Transitional Patio

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Trevor Street, London

Randle Siddeley

Photo of a small traditional backyard patio in London with no cover.

Outdoor Living

Eden-Valders Stone

Eden flagstone patio with cutom fire pit. Character chunks are used for seating.
Country backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Fire Pit

Eisler Landscapes

Not every fire pit project has to break the bank. Unit pavers are a great cost- effective material. They are long lasting, and look great.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Beacon Hill Bliss

Cording Landscape Design

Custom granite seat walls and firepit with Pennsylvania bluestone cap. Random pattern square cut PA bluestone patio surface. Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple enframes the view. Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

Green Backyard 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!