Large windows and open spaces enhance the home's spaces while creating fluidity between the interior and exterior.
Photo of a midcentury patio in Los Angeles with a roof extension.

Sarasota Bay St. Renovation

Ray C. Moore, LLC

View of the kitchen from water side.
This is an example of a midcentury patio in Tampa with a roof extension.

Pipe Dream

Change of Seasons - Gary Kernick

Mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature.

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Spruce Project

Dane Cronin Photography

Dane Cronin
Photo of a midcentury patio in Denver with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Mid-Century Remodel & Interior Design

Ann McCulloch Shop & Studio

Photo by David Hiser
Inspiration for a midcentury patio in Portland.

Spanish Hills Whole House Remodel Entry Patio

Allen Construction

Architect: Thompson Naylor; Landscape: everGREEN Landscape Architects; Photography: Jim Bartsch Photography
Design ideas for a midcentury courtyard patio in Santa Barbara with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Madison Park Mid-Century Modern

Darren Patt Construction

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury courtyard patio in Seattle with concrete slab and no cover.

Boxenbaum Residence

Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects

The largest volumes are wood construction clad in stucco, while the horizontal roof planes become steel fascias that cantilever past the window line and protect the glass from direct sun and rain. (Photo: Juergen Nogai)

Brentwood Residence

Jamie Bush & Co.

Midcentury patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Double Gable Eichler Remodel

Klopf Architecture

This is an example of a midcentury courtyard patio in San Francisco with tile and no cover.

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis

Mid century House

Patricia B. Warren, AIA Warren Architecture, LLC

Photo by Maggie Cole Architectural Photography. The addition of the Privacy wall at the left of the new French doors provides a very tranquil retreat for the new patio area. The geometry is strong, here rectilinear shapes are seen in the openings at the top of the wall and in the muntins of the French doors, tying into the existing house window. The diagonal of the limestone paver pattern draws the visitor from the house to the pond.

Modern Asian Eichler

Monarch Gardens, Inc.

This is an example of a midcentury courtyard patio in San Francisco with an awning.

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

Hip Yet Sophisticated Denver Ranch

User

Ron Ruscio
Design ideas for a midcentury patio in Denver with concrete slab and an awning.

Custom Corten Fire table

Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.

Midcentury patio in Columbus.

The Christopher Kennedy Compound

LaCantina Doors

Mid-sized midcentury courtyard patio in Los Angeles with concrete pavers and no cover.

Gardenia Dr

JWM Living, LLC

Rear view of Family Room and Master Suite to the right. TK Images
Midcentury backyard patio in Houston with concrete slab and no cover.

Mid Century Modern Landscape

Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture

Michael Brennan
Design ideas for a midcentury patio in San Diego.

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!

Laurel Canyon :: Wonderland Mid-Century Modern

deasy/penner&partners

ShootingLA
Photo of a midcentury patio in Los Angeles.