Photo of a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Midtown Mobile Classical Revival Restoration

Pete J. Vallas, A.I.A., Architect

The slightly raised Koi pond directs guests to the front entrance door beneath the overhanging balcony above.
This is an example of a large traditional courtyard patio in Miami with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Robbinsville Backyard Patio & Deck

New Outlooks Construction

There is enough to love about this space to keep you busy all year round! Indulge in differing outdoor activities with this backyard retreat! With this project, you can enjoy the covered patio all year round, as well as have a relaxing time in this spacious hot tub!

Outdoor Shower

RenovationPLUS

Traditional backyard patio in Indianapolis with a gazebo/cabana, a water feature and concrete slab.

San Francisco Artist Studio

Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group

This exterior courtyard serves as both a residential entertainment space and work place for the resident artist/sculptor. Applying Zen design principles, this space is minimalist in form, color and texture and seamlessly transitions from the home studio interior. A series of stepped walls provide vertical "planes" which visually extend the depth of the space. A subtle fountain provides audio interest that masks urban noise while providing visual movement. Photos by John Dunham

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Area

Braen Supply

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Area When Barrister Homes and Arapahoe Landscape Contractors came together to work on another house, they immediately thought of Braen Supply to supply the materials they needed to complete the job. From the patio to the outdoor fireplace, the homeowner was able to select materials that would help them achieve a backyard paradise with a modern feel. Working With the Experts Knowing that the fireplace was going to be the focal point of the backyard, the homeowners selected Mystic Gray with the help of the experts at Braen Supply for the patio; the cool grays in the stone would be complimented nicely by the warmth of the fire. Tennessee Gray was chosen for the wall caps and pool coping and Bluestone wall caps, steps and slabs were also incorporated into the design to really tie together the entire look of the outdoor living area. Together they were able to achieve the perfect blend of colors and materials to create a clean, modern outdoor living area the homeowner dreamed of.

Courtyard

Ace Associates

Photo of a contemporary courtyard patio in Ahmedabad with a water feature, tile and a roof extension.

Manor

David R. Lamb, Landscape Architect

This is an example of a large traditional courtyard patio in New York with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Showcase - Backyard Retreat

Sisson Landscapes

Sisson Landscapes
Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

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

Green Velvet

Gardenbau Group

photo By: Peter @ Gardenbau Group
This is an example of a traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

A tiny ecosystem in the heart of town

Giuseppe Lunardini Architetto del Paesaggio

A water feature can become a place were birds go to drink some water. Giuseppe Lunardini
This is an example of a small traditional front yard patio in Florence with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Granite Fountain in the Hamptons

Italian Marble, LLC

Design ideas for a large mediterranean courtyard patio in New York with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Little Eden

Aralia: Innovation in Landscape Design

his rural hertfordshire property plays host to a Grade II listed house and a separate period outbuilding which have both had various architectural additions over the century, resulting in the creation of a narrow, empty corridor; prompting the need for an external garden design. The challenge for Aralia in this herts garden design was to unify the two opposing buildings and overcome the difficulties posed by numerous access points, all in the space of a small courtyard of less than two hundred square meters. The clients request was to create a garden which blurred the strong geometry of the buildings through a curvilinear design, whilst incorporating multiple opportunities for seating to relax and unwind. The garden very much holds a traditional feel through the choice of materials and planting in order to be sympathetic towards the architecture, surrounding landscape and local aesthetic. Upon first entering the property, visitors are greeted by a pair of beautifully crafted Iroko gates, framed by two heritage brick planters which house a lush beech hedge, concealing elements of the journey ahead. Three sizes of autumnal riven sandstone are used to negotiate the curves and create a subtle flow and legibility to the journey, whilst naturalistic perennials and grasses soften the space and create narrative. Plants such as Astrantia, Perovskia, Deschampsia and Echinacea are used throughout the borders to create rhythm and repetition whilst green Oak arches frame snippets of these views, anchoring the path between the buildings as the garden progresses. The culmination of the garden is signified by a circular terrace which is controlled and held in place by the beautifully weathered curved oak seats, housing cut logs underneath to create pattern and shape. Two small water chutes bubble away in the background creating a relaxing atmosphere whilst the user can sit and take advantage of tranquil views across the rest of the garden.

Transitional Bungalow - Staging

Interior Archaeology

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature and a roof extension.

Cable Rails Installation

Metal Innovations

Stainless Steel Cable Rail Los Angeles 2
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature and no cover.

Portfolio

Ambiance Unlimited, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, no cover and concrete slab.

Annandale Freestanding Equinox Adjustable Roof over Patio (Roof Closed)

Core Outdoor Living

The Equinox Adjustable Louvered Roof provides a watertight seal when louvers are closed and meets all building codes for snow load and wind shear. Closing the louvers also helps keep your electric bills low, providing shady relief during the searing hot days of summer.

Courtyard Family Room Handmade Moroccan Tile

Factor HD

Design ideas for an expansive traditional courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature and tile.

Fountains and Water Elements

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Moorish Star Fountain, Custom Designed and Built.
This is an example of a mediterranean patio in Santa Barbara with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Grey 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!