A lake house on Smith Mountain lake. The residence uses stone, glass, and wood to provide views to the lake. The large roof overhangs protect the glass from the sun. An open plan allows for the sharing of space between functions. Most of the rooms enjoy a view of the water.

Wonderful Willow

Paulina Perrault Interiors

Joe Burull
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Covered Patio, Outdoor Kitchen: Katy, TX

Tradition Outdoor Living

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

Bridgewood Slab

Barkman Concrete Ltd.

Bridgewood, Barkman’s new premium slab has all the beauty of wood and the durability of concrete. It features a realistic wood texture created from actual wood planks. Unlike traditional wood surfaces, Bridgewood will never rot, warp, splinter or fade. It’ll never need to be stained or sealed like wood, or crack like stamped concrete. Feel the warm and inviting nature of wood in your landscape projects with our new slab. Photo: Barkman Concrete Ltd.

San Rafael Townhomes

Synergistic Development

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary patio in Denver with decking and no cover.

Long Beach Heritage Home

Solutions by Design, LLC.

This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Keller TX Covered Patio & Outdoor Kitchen

Archadeck of Northeast Dallas

Archadeck of NE Dallas-Southlake extended the use of this poolside patio through an update of the existing covered patio. We added a stain & stamp surface using a Roman slate stamp pattern in bone and walnut and finished it off with a dark walnut border. We also added this stunning outdoor kitchen and updated the interior porch ceiling with tongue & groove pine. Photos courtesy Archadeck of NE Dallas-Southlake

Grandma's Garden

Bret Achtenhagen's Seasonal Services

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Milwaukee with stamped concrete and a pergola.

Makilux Products

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with decking and an awning.

Newport Coast Contemporary

Studio H Landscape Architecture

Studio H Landscape Architecture
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Patios

Terramano Tile

6" Hexagon in Heritage Natural
Mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Austin with tile.

Eye-Land at White Oaks Savanna

CHRISTOPHER STROM ARCHITECTS

Eye-Land: Named for the expansive white oak savanna views, this beautiful 5,200-square foot family home offers seamless indoor/outdoor living with five bedrooms and three baths, and space for two more bedrooms and a bathroom. The site posed unique design challenges. The home was ultimately nestled into the hillside, instead of placed on top of the hill, so that it didn’t dominate the dramatic landscape. The openness of the savanna exposes all sides of the house to the public, which required creative use of form and materials. The home’s one-and-a-half story form pays tribute to the site’s farming history. The simplicity of the gable roof puts a modern edge on a traditional form, and the exterior color palette is limited to black tones to strike a stunning contrast to the golden savanna. The main public spaces have oversized south-facing windows and easy access to an outdoor terrace with views overlooking a protected wetland. The connection to the land is further strengthened by strategically placed windows that allow for views from the kitchen to the driveway and auto court to see visitors approach and children play. There is a formal living room adjacent to the front entry for entertaining and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen for immediate family to gather before and after mealtime.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen in Troutman NC

User

Carolina Outdoor Concepts
Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Charlotte with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Patio Furniture

Energy Center Manhattan Pool

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with tile and no cover.

South Pawleys Custom Home

CRG Companies

Pool-side outdoor kitchen
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Beachside Bungalow

Landwell Design + Build Co.

This front yard overhaul in Shell Beach, CA included the installation of concrete walkway and patio slabs with Mexican pebble joints, a raised concrete patio and steps for enjoying ocean-side sunset views, a horizontal board ipe privacy screen and gate to create a courtyard with raised steel planters and a custom gas fire pit, landscape lighting, and minimal planting for a modern aesthetic.

Lindsay

Dana Construction Company LLC

Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Extension - Kitchen to Patio with Large Bi-Fold door and Skylights

scaleruler.co - Architect, Interiors & Photography

A single storey extension to extend the existing kitchen into an open plan living space. 2 skylights and a large bi-fold doors access into garden patio. New patio and outdoor seating with parasol. Interior Design: Manny Decor Contractor: VIC Construction

Heath, TX - Outdoor Kitchen, Cabana, Fireplace

Dallas Outdoor Kitchens & Hardscape

Dallas Outdoor Kitchens, LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Project of the Month: April 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

Lighting was placed strategically to create the perfect mood. Click Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Mid-sized Orange 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!