Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Charleston with natural stone pavers and an awning.

Kirk Bianchi created this resort like setting for a couple from Mexico City. They were looking for a contemporary twist on traditional themes, and Luis Barragán was the inspiration. The outer walls were painted a darker color to recede, while floating panels of color and varying heights provided sculptural interest and opportunities for lighting and shadow.

RAD Structures

Randy Angell Designs

Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, decking and an awning.

Weatherwell Elite exterior aluminum shutters

Nu-View Custom Window Treatments Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature, decking and an awning.

Queen Anne Victorian Remodel

D3 Architects

A backyard patio and brick bbq create a beautiful and social space for the family living in this home we remodeled.
Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and an awning.

Retractable Awnings

Shade And Shutter Systems, Inc

These Retractable Awnings are motorized and operated via remote control.
Mid-sized backyard patio in Boston with decking and an awning.

Outdoor Retractable Enclosures

Shade By Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Indianapolis with natural stone pavers and an awning.

Backyard Pizza Kitchen

Board & Vellum

A shade sail provides some relief from the sun on brighter days.
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and an awning.

Rainier Shade Retractable Awning over Patio in Kirkland

Rainier Shade

This retractable awning provides shade and sun protection and the drop valance blocks the sun's heat and glare when the sun is lower in the sky on summer evenings. The homeowners can spend more time outside and still enjoy their view, without overheating!

Private residence - Darien, Connecticut

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The architect specified three, commercial grade, side by side full cassette lateral folding arm awnings - two units at 12’2” wide x 10’2” projection and one unit at 15’0” wide x 10’2” projection. Each unit was requested with a manual override Somfy RTS Sunea torque sensing motor so that units would always close tightly regardless of any stretch in the fabric. The system frames specified are made entirely of aluminum which is powder coated using the Qualicoat® powder coating process. Also requested were German Flexon brand non rusting stainless steel chains in the arms of the awnings. Our original contact was from the architect who requested three retractable awnings that would attach to the wall of his client’s home. The architect wanted a contemporary and very “clean” appearance and a product that did not have a valance. The architect also wanted a product where no hardware including roller tubes were visible. A full cassette folding lateral arm awning was thus the perfect choice!

Tucson Tortoises in the Shade

Santa Rita Landscaping, Inc.

This was a unique remodel project of a crowded backyard. The customers requested shade, screening from the uphill neighbors and a usable entertaining space all while working to integrate a suitable habitat for their desert tortoises. Unique elements include extensive shade sails, a waterfall with integrated tortoise beach, tortoise caves, tortoise friendly plantings, and a complete integrated landscape sound system. Roni Ziemba, www.ziembaphoto.com

Bluffview Renovation

Pool Environments, Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, concrete slab and an awning.

Makilux Products

Suntanium Shading Products, LLC

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

Pavilions & Cabanas

Hawkins Pools

Custom pavilion with outdoor BBQ and dining area
Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, stamped concrete and an awning.

Retractable Awnings

Shade And Shutter Systems, Inc

These Retractable Awnings are motorized and operated via remote control.
Photo of a mid-sized backyard patio in New York with decking and an awning.

Roof mounted awing with large flat face

Pike Awning Company

Backyard patio awning with posts that slopes back and is mounted on the roof.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland with an awning and a fire feature.

Aalta Portfolio

Aalta Australia

Northern facing deck in this residential property in Manly has a retractable roof to provide protection from the sun, wind and rain and creates a wonderful outdoor living area. This image shows the roof open, allowing the owners to enjoy a balmy spring evening. This project also included supply of furniture, lighting and privacy screen.

Port Melbourne Beach House

Alexander Pollock Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Melbourne with a water feature, tile and an awning.

Referenzbilder

Kielmann GmbH

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with a container garden and an awning.

South Courtyard View

Krueger Architects

Ulimited Style Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, tile and an awning.

Mid-sized Patio Design Ideas with an Awning

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!