Photo of a large midcentury backyard patio in Other with with fireplace and a roof extension.

Home 616

Sierra Pacific Windows

Michelle Drewes Media
Expansive midcentury backyard patio in Sacramento.

Green Hills House

Don Tankersley & Co.

Photo of a midcentury backyard patio in Portland with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and no cover.

Diamond Heights Mid-Century Modern

Regan Baker Design Inc.

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

Highball House in Palm Springs, CA

Emily Pertzborn Interiors

Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with concrete slab and a pergola.

Stanton Deck & Patio Remodel

Assured Accuracy, LLC

The old walkway to the side yard was replaced and a gate was built to give the home true privacy. The river rock was from a local river and helps continue the Midcentury aesthetic.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used WORD MISSING to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

San Carlos Mid-Century Modern Remodel

Klopf Architecture

Mariko Reed
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Exteriors

H&A My Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

New Project*

Mark W. Canada Architects, AIA

Inspiration for an expansive midcentury backyard patio in Austin with decking and a roof extension.

Pasadena Mid-Century Patio

Sierra Custom Kitchens, Inc.

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50's ITALIAN LAKE HOUSE

Tommaso Giunchi Architetti

vista dal giardino del vialetto e della terrazza coperta da vite canadese. Rivestimento pavimento terrazza in resina rossa bordeaux che richiama il colore originale delle persiane.

Mid-Century Concrete Patio - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The dry-stacked lannon stone retaining wall accentuates the angle of the new concrete patio. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Milwaukee with concrete slab.

Bell Canyon Residence

Hsu McCullough

With a backdrop of the Great Room -Dining, Kitchen and Living Room -using celebrated dark bronze Fleetwood Aluminum multi-slide glass doors, the backyard garden is an expansive lush mixture of flowers and mature trees with patio, outdoor dining pergola and swimming pool beyond: perfect for entertaining. The outdoor garden imparts an unmistakeable romantic theme - immediately welcoming as well as comfortable for relaxing and playing at home while offering a relief from creative work at the detached music studio. The home reflects the Owners and Hsu McCullough's shared belief in the integration of architecture and nature - the building responds to it’s environment rather than imposing itself on it’s setting.

Sunrise-Sunset House

square three architecture, inc

Photo of a large midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco.

The Park Residence - Palm Springs

Modshop

Small midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Palm Springs Outdoor Oasis

Southwest Boulder & Stone

This nearly 3,000 square foot mid-century modern home captures the essence of Palm Springs indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Desert landscaping juxtaposing greys and reds complement and accentuate the pool, spa and large outdoor fire pit. Arizona Fisheye 1/8" pebble, though becoming more popular in desert areas, is a rarer stone choice and was a special order for this project. Just inside behind full-length windows, a stylish fireplace filled with Irish Green reflective fire glass sets the tone for quintessential Palm Springs luxury.

Franklin Hills Midcentury

Parson Architecture

Photos by Michael McNamara, Shooting LA
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Phoenix with decking and no cover.

Lotus on Orange

Josh Wynne Construction

Ryan Gamma Photography
Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Pool Deck

Cutting Edge Yard Art

This is an example of a large midcentury backyard patio in Other with with fireplace and concrete pavers.

Midcentury Backyard 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, midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!