Stephanie Barnes-Castro is a full service architectural firm specializing in sustainable design serving Santa Cruz County. Her goal is to design a home to seamlessly tie into the natural environment and be aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Spacious Chinese Chippendale Deck

Steve Nuss Ltd

The exterior space features a 1200 square foot deck with Chinese chippendale rails by the Porch Co.
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Kansas City with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Shade-Wrapped Spa

FormLA Landscaping

Hidden from the al fresco dining area, the spa deck feels private and protected. A custom case for the owner's Glass Baby collection adds cooling greens, blues and purples to those brought by the surrounding foliage.

Cultural Chic Condo

Lux Pad Interiors

This is an example of a large modern side yard patio in New York with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Red Hawk

Imbue Design

Imbue Design
Photo of a large modern courtyard patio in Salt Lake City with a container garden, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Contemporary Lakeview Roof Deck

Rooftopia, LLC

This is an example of a large contemporary patio in Chicago with a container garden and a pergola.

French Mediterranean Palace Courtyard

Califia Ecodesign

Elegant entry adorned with low water, edible and pollinator friendly plants in this shady French Pasadena nook
Design ideas for a large courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

cedar bench with artificial turf and planters

Dion City Landscapes, Inc

Design ideas for a large contemporary patio in New York with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Rancho Santa Fe - Early California Style Hacienda

SDG - Scheiber Design Group

This koi pond with a marble urn planter is the view from the dining room. The agave adds a sculptural quality to the landscape.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean courtyard patio in San Diego with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Medina Midcentury Modern Elegance

Spring Greenworks LLC

Large contemporary courtyard patio in Seattle with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

The Thompson Project

Pratt Guys

What's better than enjoying the outdoors? We enhanced this backyard by creating an outdoor room. Whether lounging around in the fire pit or taking in the scenery of the great outdoors, this patio has something for everyone.

Napa Valley Farmhouse

Carreiro Builders

This is an example of a large country front yard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, decking and a roof extension.

Aberdeen Planter (L32" X W10" X H16")

Decorpro

ABERDEEN PLANTER (L32” X W10” X H16”) Planters Product Dimensions (IN): L32” X W10” X H16” Product Weight (LB): 29 Product Dimensions (CM): L81.3 X W25.4 X H40.6 Product Weight (KG): 13.1 Aberdeen Planter (L32” X W10” X H16”) is part of an exclusive line of all-season, weatherproof planters. Available in 43 colours, Aberdeen is split-resistant, warp-resistant and mildew-resistant. A lifetime warranty product, this planter can be used throughout the year, in every season–winter, spring, summer, and fall. Made of a durable, resilient fiberglass resin material, the Aberdeen will withstand any weather condition–rain, snow, sleet, hail, and sun. Complementary to any focal area in the home or garden, Aberdeen is a vibrant accent piece as well as an eye-catching decorative feature. Plant a variety of colourful flowers and lush greenery in Aberdeen to optimize the planter’s dimension and depth. Aberdeen’s elongated rectangular shape makes it a versatile, elegant piece for any room indoors, and any space outdoors. By Decorpro Home + Garden. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) All Planters are custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT PLANTER WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF DRAINAGE HOLES AND PLUGS INNER LIP LIGHTWEIGHT

Rancho Santa Fe - Early California Style Hacienda

SDG - Scheiber Design Group

A long expansive patio that leads to home offices and guest rooms that are not attached to the house. The fountain is a traditional design and a great focal point to the patio. Terra cotta planters line the walk way bring the garden into this area.

CHERRY DUPLEX

bymariellamarquez - InteriorismoDecoraciónReformas

Inspiration for a large modern backyard patio in Barcelona with a container garden and tile.

Front Patio

mb02143

Redwood Planter wall and pale planters with Mexican Beach Stone
Large contemporary front yard patio in Phoenix with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Red Hawk

Imbue Design

Imbue Design
This is an example of a large modern courtyard patio in Salt Lake City with a container garden, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Rustic Backyard Living

Everman Designs, LLC

Inspiration for a large country backyard patio in Huntington with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Front Patio

PM-AD

Photo of a large modern front yard patio in Dallas with a container garden, decking and a roof extension.

Patio Seating

Spieler Construction

Jim Bartsch
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with a roof extension and a container garden.

Large Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden

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!