Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

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.

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Dallas with decking, an awning and a fire feature.

The outdoor dining area opens up the opportunity to dine and gather in the outdoors at home with friends and family. A modern steel pergola custom designed and built for the space adds shade and is treated to match the home's color palette.

Large traditional backyard patio in New York with a fire feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Design ideas for a large country backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lindsey Denny
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Kansas City with a fire feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

jimmywhitephotography
Large transitional backyard patio in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and no cover.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Portland with a fire feature, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

The screened, open plan kitchen and media room offer space for family and friends to gather while delicious meals are prepared using the Fire Magic grill and Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grill; drinks are kept cool in the refrigerator by Perlick. Plenty of room for everyone to comfortably relax on the sectional sofa by Patio Renaissance. The tile backsplash mirrors the fireplace’s brick face, providing visual continuity across the outdoor spaces.

Lattice patio cover with scallop cut rafters
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with stamped concrete, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen.

Redesigned patio area and adjacent plantings.
Large traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with brick pavers and no cover.

Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Phoenix with tile, no cover and with fireplace.

Vicenza Grigio Limestone
Inspiration for a large beach style backyard patio in Other with concrete pavers and no cover.

Vicenza Grigio Limestone
This is an example of a large beach style backyard patio in Other with concrete pavers and no cover.

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Welded steel + gabion mesh create the structure for a cedar + angular basalt garbage enclosure, surrounded by a drought-tolerant landscape of Polystichum munitum, Festuca idahoensis, Madrones and Ponderosa Pines.

There is nothing like a firepit with a view. This lovely firepit overlooks an infinity swimming pool and the firebowls on either side of the pool frame the lake nicely making this area a great place to take in the evening with friends and family.