Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

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

Urban Cabin

BBA Architects

Nathan Kirkman
Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature.

Garden fountain

C & A Custom Builders, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in New York with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Pergola- East Memphis

Robbins Construction

Design Works
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Other with a pergola, a water feature and brick pavers.

Irregular Stone Patio

Hughes Landscaping

Informal, oversized stone sitting patio with flagstone path. Photo Credit: Joe Schaeffer
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Upper East Side Townhouse

J. F. Roesemann Builders, Inc.

A small rear garden and sitting area allows for a comfortable retreat in the heart of Manhattan.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with a water feature, no cover and brick pavers.

Elephant Butte New Mexico

GO Designs Inc.

Asian Costa Rican backyard retreat at Elephant Butte, New Mexico. Native landscape in the front blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. However the backyard retreat is an oasis of evergreen & native plants, perennial colors, tranquil sound from fountains and a cedar shade structure which makes a nice getaway to just enjoy life and relax

Mediterranean Estate

Robert Raymond Homes, Ltd

Large contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Dining Pavilion

Braitman Design Studio

Custom Water Fountain Photo Credit: Roger Foley
Large contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Tuscan Outdoor Dining

Alida Landscape Design

Photo of an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature and no cover.

Sandy Pond

Liliblue Interior Design

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Orange County with a water feature and no cover.

7 Bridges Woodridge, IL

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Potager

Adam Vetere Landscape and Garden Design

Nicola Stocken
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Berkshire with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Traditional Charm

Carolina Landscape, Inc.

Inspiration for a small traditional courtyard patio in Charleston with a water feature and brick pavers.

Kings Road, North Vancouver

CREATIVE BRICKS N BLOCKS

The plantings make a water feature a "water garden" and here they are artfully placed to soften and balance the "hardscape" materials of tile and rock. Notice the colours and shapes of the porcelain tiles echo the trim details of the home, creating balance and symmetry in the overall landscape.

South Baton Rouge

EcoRegions

What a striking home! This home in South Baton Rouge was designed by Cockfield-Jackson and the clients wanted a complete landscape design that would accompany the architecture of this A. Hays Town inspired home. Featured in this design are a substantial entertainment area in the rear, complete with an outdoor kitchen (built by Joffrion Construction) expansive pool with water feature wall, and a bluestone courtyard. Additionally, this home features a quaint side yard complete with brick steps leading to a bluestone courtyard with an antique sugar kettle fountain. The clients also needed options for guests to park. A circular driveway in the front provided a grand entrance, as well as ample parking for plenty of guests.

Dining Pavilion

Braitman Design Studio

Raised architectural pond as seen from above. Photo Credit: Roger Foley
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Residential Gardens

Blu Design Group

This is an example of a midcentury patio in Denver with a water feature.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd.

It takes a certain finesse to assess the landscape and its needs effectively to produce a garden oasis of this scope. Traffic flow, visual aesthetic, and local flora and fauna must be considered. For this build, local fauna such as raccoon and mink threatened the Coi swimming in the pond. Juergen and his design team created designs that incorporated simple forms of shelter for the fish that kept them out of harm’s way. Another challenge the team faced involved redefining the deck space, which was little more than a transition space in and out of the house. Partridge put a new patio in place that blurred the lines between inside and outside and transformed the space into a favourite sitting spot. No matter what challenges Juergen and his team face, they overcome it with unparalleled skill.

Saratoga Springs, NY Residence

Mandy's Spring Nursery and Landscaping

Pergola on stone pillars with flagstone patio. Field stone retaining wall with plant beds, and waterfall.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in New York with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Green Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature

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!