This is an example of a midcentury patio in Sydney.

Modern Alfresco Seating Area Design Ideas for a young family
This is an example of a midcentury patio in Perth with no cover.

Emerson Edition

Meraki Home Design

Design ideas for a midcentury patio in Brisbane.

Springvale at Throsby

McDonald Jones Homes

Summer entertaining space on the Alfresco.
Mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Canberra - Queanbeyan with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Roscommon House

Neil Cownie Architect Pty Ltd

This main courtyard serves as the families outdoor dining area. The custom designed outdoor table is provided with the dapples light of summer shade by the courtyards deciduous tree and is provided by the warmth of the winter sun. The external stair provides access to the roof garden.

Beverly Hills MicCentury Modern

Dutton Architects Inc.

Dutton Architects did an extensive renovation of a post and beam mid-century modern house in the canyons of Beverly Hills. The house was brought down to the studs, with new interior and exterior finishes, windows and doors, lighting, etc. A secure exterior door allows the visitor to enter into a garden before arriving at a glass wall and door that leads inside, allowing the house to feel as if the front garden is part of the interior space. Similarly, large glass walls opening to a new rear gardena and pool emphasizes the indoor-outdoor qualities of this house. photos by Undine Prohl

West Seattle Mid-Century

Board & Vellum

Photos by Tina Witherspoon.
This is an example of a small midcentury backyard patio in Seattle with concrete pavers, no cover and a fire feature.

Outdoor Shower

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

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, which we used 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.

Modern patio with fireplace

City Garden Company

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Atlanta with concrete slab, a vegetable garden and no cover.

Outdoor Space

Blue Sierra Landscape Construction

A concrete patio with a modern planter box compliments this modern home. A rounded concrete coping defines the flower bed, while concrete retaining walls and steps soften the overall look. Ultra-Low surface roughness concrete is sandblasted with dark glass beads to achieve the patina finish.

Devonwood Midcentury

Neo and Associates

Large midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with a pergola and decomposed granite.

Modern Meets Boho

BOXHILL

Photography: Gerardine and Jude Vargas
Midcentury patio in Phoenix with concrete slab and no cover.

Jones and Emmons Eichler Home

Better Living SoCal

A Jones and Emmons Eichler home from the team at EichlerSoCal. A rare “split wing” floorplan with the master and an office/retreat on the opposite side of the house from the secondary bedrooms. - BetterLivingSoCal.com

3 Palms - Outdoor Living

Real Estate Judge

Midcentury Modern Retreat - Firepit Patio With Outdoor Seating
Photo of a large midcentury patio in Phoenix with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

3 Palms - Firepit

Real Estate Judge

Midcentury Modern Yard Expansion - Frontyard Firepit Patio
Large midcentury patio in Phoenix with a fire feature, decomposed granite and no cover.

exterior design / before and after

Barnett Adler

rear facade after. Again, simple effective changes to the rear facade. Paint, a large fir linear grate on the balcony (and on the porch to the left ) were added; as well as a new solid fir cap added to the railing. The pea gravel and paver courtyard was installed by Alliance Landscapes.

Mid Century Courtyard Remodel

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Midcentury Riviera

Native Son Design Studio

Photo credit: Ryan Goldman, Jennifer Roberts, Eric Doolin
Design ideas for a midcentury backyard patio in Santa Barbara.

Olema Road

Foley Built

Photo of a midcentury patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and no cover.

Midcentury 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!