Cella Architecture
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in Portland with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

Outdoor kitchen with bar top seating. Photography: Daniel Driensky
Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

New French Country

Kyle Hunt & Partners, Incorporated

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with decking, a roof extension and a fire feature.

Courtyard

Sourcery Design

Modern Contemporary Interior Design by Sourcery Design including Finishes, Fixtures, Furniture and Custom Designed Screen
This is an example of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Sydney with natural stone pavers.

Strait Lane Estate

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors

Replace worn furnishings with stylish white, lime, and turquoise metal furniture, designed to fit the scale and proportion of the space with practical Sunbrella fabrics in bright lime, turquoise, and white, repeated in combinations of solids, stripes, and diamond patterns, used with wise restraint and adding textural contrast to rough masonry, and shiny stainless steel for a smashing new look. Reinvent grandmother’s table and chairs with turquoise paint, new diamond seat cushions, and Vetrazzo for a great counterpoint to new contemporary furnishings. Photographer: Dan Piassick

Outdoor Kitchen

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

The kitchen alcove houses cooking, refrigeration, and cabinetry within its Lannonstone surround. A sealed, honed bluestone countertop work surface complements the property’s relaxed material palette.

Grande Entrance & Retaining Wall - Bluestone, Retaining Wall, Steps, Walkway

Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC

The first goal for this client in Chatham was to give them a front walk and entrance that was beautiful and grande. We decided to use natural blue bluestone tiles of random sizes. We integrated a custom cut 6" x 9" bluestone border and ran it continuous throughout. Our second goal was to give them walking access from their driveway to their front door. Because their driveway was considerably lower than the front of their home, we needed to cut in a set of steps through their driveway retaining wall, include a number of turns and bridge the walkways with multiple landings. While doing this, we wanted to keep continuity within the building products of choice. We used real stone veneer to side all walls and stair risers to match what was already on the house. We used 2" thick bluestone caps for all stair treads and retaining wall caps. We installed the matching real stone veneer to the face and sides of the retaining wall. All of the bluestone caps were custom cut to seamlessly round all turns. We are very proud of this finished product. We are also very proud to have had the opportunity to work for this family. What amazing people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople As a side note regarding this phase - throughout the construction, numerous local builders stopped at our job to take pictures of our work. #UltimateCompliment #PrimeIsInTheLead

Garden on a hill

Bright Green Garden

Large contemporary patio in Surrey.

Scandinavian Farmhouse

Amy Martin Landscape Design

www.jfaynovakphotography.com
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Boston with tile and no cover.

Outdoor Kitchen

Broward Landscape, Inc.

Outdoor kitchen with ledge stone & firepit. Pergola and french pattern travertine
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Rustic Backyard Fire Place | Patios

Southview Design

Mountain cabin-style backyard paver patio with a one-of-a-kind fireplace.
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Minneapolis with with fireplace and natural stone pavers.

New Construction, Oceanside

Spaces Renewed

Bringing the indoors out with a cozy fireplace and fountain!
Photo of a large beach style backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Canyon Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Photo of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, gravel and no cover.

Arroyo View Spanish Mediteranean

The Design Studio of Wendy Harper

This is the homes inner courtyard featuring Terra-cotta tile paving with hand-painted Mexican tile keys, a fire pit and bench. Photographer: Riley Jamison Realtor: Tim Freund, website: tim@1000oaksrealestate.com

J-Stamped Concrete Patio Warrenton VA

HaiJoe Stamped Concrete Patios and Decks

Stamped concrete patio with a block seating wall with caps, the patio has a border of darker tan with a block fire-pit.
Photo of a large backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Playa del Rey Mediterranean Whole House Remodel

Custom Design & Construction

wall hung succulents
This is an example of a large mediterranean courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Phantom Screens Impact Award Winner 2016 - Car Show Room

Phantom Screens

Phantom Screens, the leading manufacturer of retractable screens in North America, selects Bob Michels Construction of North Oaks, Minnesota as their 2016 Impact Winner. The Phantom Screens Impact Award recognizes residential design and building professionals for using innovative products to deliver cutting edge designs that set them above the rest. Impact Award winners have proven that they are committed to enhancing lifestyles and living spaces by integrating Phantom’s retractable screen products into designs that deliver added value and comfort to today’s homeowner. Bob Michels Construction’s submission is a unique space featuring a car carousel which operates both as a space to highlight the owner’s car collection and the functional purpose to turn cars around and drive out of the showroom. Phantom’s retractable screens turned the open-air ramada into a large entertaining and gathering screened porch area with one touch of a button. “Phantom’s retractable screens were used to achieve a desired mix of modern and traditional finishes,” said Andrew Michels, Vice President of Bob Michels Construction. “Phantom Screens is the only company that allowed the customization of this unique space with a long-lasting and sustainable product.” The winner was selected by a panel of Phantom Screen judges and evaluated primarily on design and creativity, market appeal and livability, and product integration. The winning project received recognition on booth signage at the NAHB International Builders Show, a one-page advertorial feature in Builder magazine, an in depth case study and more! Photography: LandMark Photography

Coastal with French Chateau Characteristics

Patrick Widing Custom Homes

Large traditional backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Palos Verdes Estates Outdoor Entertaining

Built By Newkirk

Jeri Koegel
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Modern Elegance at Pauoa Beach

Nicholson

This is an example of a large tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor kitchen, a roof extension and tile.

Large 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!