To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Larchlea Project

Petrucci Homes

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Detroit with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Timber Frame Outdoor Kitchen, Dining & Family Room

Landed

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor Kitchen and firepit

Ispiri Design-Build

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

Residential Ideas

Coyle & Associates

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Houston with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Pool Cabana

Nyhus Design Group

Designed to compliment the existing single story home in a densely wooded setting, this Pool Cabana serves as outdoor kitchen, dining, bar, bathroom/changing room, and storage. Photos by Ross Pushinaitus.

Valparaiso Pool Surround

NWI Patio Pros

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Weekend In The Country

Louis Fusco Landscape Architects

Out door Entertainment Area
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Walkways and Patios

Fireplace Re-Fitter

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Stone Fire Ring and Seating Wall

Anderson Landscape

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Santa Barbara, California

KES Studio

The residence received a full gut renovation to create a modern coastal retreat vacation home. This was achieved by using a neutral color pallet of sands and blues with organic accents juxtaposed with custom furniture’s clean lines and soft textures.

Showcase - Backyard Retreat

Sisson Landscapes

Sisson Landscapes
Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

In-Ground Spa with Pergola

Creative Design Space, Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Jacksonville with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

In-Garden Hot Tub Setting:

Best Hot Tubs "Hot Tub and Spa Experts"

We installed this portable Bullfrog Spas hot tub totally above-ground, in a custom "in-garden" setting. So the clients got the aesthetics of an in-ground look, as well as the delights of Bullfrog's JetPak massage hydrotherapy. www.longislandhottub.com

Lakeside Patio

Landscapes by Tom LLC

A level area for the picnic table was made next to the beach.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Boston with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Georgian Pool House

Significant Homes LLC

Douglas VanderHorn Architects
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with a gazebo/cabana and natural stone pavers.

Arnos Grove Garden Apartment

VORBILD Architecture

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with natural stone pavers.

Back of the house showing the kitchen overhang with cedar soffit

Mark Brand Architecture

Close up of the overhang over the kitchen at the rear of the house. The soffit is clad in cedar
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern courtyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Backyard Small Patio

Tilly | Landscape Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers.

Blue Black Granite Paving

Nustone

As a hard-wearing natural stone, granite slabs are suitable for any areas which will see high amounts of footfall, due to their durability, non-slip and scratch-resistant properties. Well-known for being robust yet stunning, granite pavers are ideal for use on patios, paths and around pools in any domestic or commercial project. This popular paving material is available in a range of colours to suit any design needs.

Mid-sized Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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!