Concrete deck - Jeff Garland Photography
Midcentury patio in Detroit.

Overview Side extension to a Victorian house with internal reorganisation throughout. The Brief Open plan with a very contemporary interior and a new approach to living space for a cosmopolitan couple. Our Solution Having worked with this client previously, we knew that the brief would be for a contemporary space with an open plan layout and materials on show wherever possible. We set about working in built-in storage joinery items, a back to front arrangement at ground floor and a glamorous master suite. The ground floor was dug out a little and the now ubiquitous Crittall glazing added (before it was everywhere!). We placed the dining space to the front, a double console kitchen in the centre of the plan and the living space off the yard garden. Quite an urban approach – but this is Clapham. Using materials as the interior finish always works well, some great touches from the client to finish the space meant this is a scheme that we often refer to.

Lane Whole House

FMSProjects, Inc.

Midcentury patio in San Francisco.

Mid-century Outdoor-Indoor Residents

GAVIN GREEN HOME DESIGN LLC

Mid-century style outdoor-indoor open floor plan space decorated with rustic modern reclaimed wood furniture, emerald green painted wall, dark gray ceiling, polished porcelain floor and bronze large size pendant light fixtures. Mix of contemporary, modern, and mid-century styles make this WeHo residents unique and one of a kind.

Garden for a Mid Century Home

Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International

Set beside a forested ravine, decks, patios, and walkways unite different levels of the garden while grounding the house within the larger landscape.
Midcentury patio in Detroit.

Custom Corten planters

Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.

Inspiration for a midcentury patio in Columbus.

Unique Ucara Privacy Walls + Pergola

GLC Lawn & Landscaping LLC

Photo of a large midcentury backyard patio in Detroit with brick pavers.

Lovely split-level driveway and entryway.

Beall's Nursery & Landscaping

mid-century home updated with paver driveway, steps and path.
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury front yard patio in Other with a container garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Mid-Century Backyard Landscape - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

A band of bluestone on the edge of the patio mimics the slate floor inside the house. Stone steps lead into the elevated walk-through garden. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Mid Century Remodel

VFLA Architecture + Interiors

Small midcentury backyard patio in Denver with gravel and no cover.

Vancouver Town House

Grandin & McIntyre Landscape Design

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Vancouver.

Lower Fifth Avenue Townhouse

Architecture in Formation

Michelle Rose Photography
Photo of a midcentury patio in New York.

Lake Paupac Cabin Remodel 2

J.B. Nicholson Architecture

Ben Nicholson
Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard patio in Philadelphia with an outdoor shower, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Mid-Century Modern Escarpment Retreat - Grimsby

LandArt

Lights are on, fire is going, what else do you want?
This is an example of a midcentury patio in Toronto.

Pikesville Mid Century Modern Renovation

Byrd Design and Build

Photo of a midcentury patio in Baltimore.

Sourdough Home

Pearson Design Group

Photo of a midcentury patio in Other.

Concrete Overlay

California Concrete Overlay Inc.

Mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers and no cover.

My Houzz: Good on Paper

Nanette Wong

Front Entry with Small Patio

DC Design LLC

Large grasses flank the entry walk. A small patio for outdoor seating is partially concealed with a boxwood hedge.
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury front yard patio in Detroit with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Stevens Residence

Vitus Mataré & Associates, Inc.

Photo: Brian Thomas Jones
This is an example of a midcentury patio in Los Angeles.

Midcentury Green 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!