Photo Credit: Jason Hartog Photography
Inspiration for a large modern backyard patio in Toronto with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Valley Ridge Remodel and Addition- 2016

Key Residential

LAIR Architectural + Interior Photography
Small contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Retractable Awnings

Shade And Shutter Systems, Inc

These Retractable Awnings are motorized and operated via remote control.
Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard patio in Boston with decking and an awning.

Elegant Luxury Mountain Retreat

Mammoth Mill & Construction Co.

Inspiration for a large country backyard patio in Albuquerque with decking, a roof extension and an outdoor kitchen.

Pleasure Point Outdoor Shower

Precision Point Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Other with an outdoor shower.

Covered Patio, Outdoor Kitchen: Katy, TX

Tradition Outdoor Living

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

Outdoor Space - Palo Alto, CA

Kanika Design Inc.

This patio space embodied a modern zen design in which our client could relax & engage with his guests in. PC: Robert Hatch Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Contemporary Covered Patio

Conscious Environments Inc.

A covered patio has a solid roof section and a more contemporary section with an opening-closing louvered roof system. The flooring consists of precast concrete and contemporary Spanish tiles. Other nearby features are a BBQ island, deck, and spa with infinity edge.

Backyard Bistro Outdoor Dining Room

Target Home

http://www.target.com/p/-/A-52454526
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Minneapolis with decking and no cover.

Clark

Rescom Landscaping, Inc.

Business Photo Pro / Klee Van Hamersveld
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Orange County with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Ridley Project

Timberline Patio Covers

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Seattle with with fireplace, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Custom Home

Mission Tile West Showrooms

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with tile and no cover.

Pool Cabana, swim up bar

Vega Pool and Outdoor Living

Photography by Laketography
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical backyard patio in Dallas with a gazebo/cabana.

Old Town Oasis

Belgard

MULTI-ROOM LIVING AREA: Dual arbors and a terraced level help create the look of distinct rooms to create multiple conversation areas, ideal for large parties.

Outdoor Spaces

Colby Craig Custom Homes

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

North Bay Residence

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

Photographer: Jay Goodrich This 2800 sf single-family home was completed in 2009. The clients desired an intimate, yet dynamic family residence that reflected the beauty of the site and the lifestyle of the San Juan Islands. The house was built to be both a place to gather for large dinners with friends and family as well as a cozy home for the couple when they are there alone. The project is located on a stunning, but cripplingly-restricted site overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. The most practical area to build was exactly where three beautiful old growth trees had already chosen to live. A prior architect, in a prior design, had proposed chopping them down and building right in the middle of the site. From our perspective, the trees were an important essence of the site and respectfully had to be preserved. As a result we squeezed the programmatic requirements, kept the clients on a square foot restriction and pressed tight against property setbacks. The delineate concept is a stone wall that sweeps from the parking to the entry, through the house and out the other side, terminating in a hook that nestles the master shower. This is the symbolic and functional shield between the public road and the private living spaces of the home owners. All the primary living spaces and the master suite are on the water side, the remaining rooms are tucked into the hill on the road side of the wall. Off-setting the solid massing of the stone walls is a pavilion which grabs the views and the light to the south, east and west. Built in a position to be hammered by the winter storms the pavilion, while light and airy in appearance and feeling, is constructed of glass, steel, stout wood timbers and doors with a stone roof and a slate floor. The glass pavilion is anchored by two concrete panel chimneys; the windows are steel framed and the exterior skin is of powder coated steel sheathing.

The California Room w/ Outdoor Kitchen

Conscious Environments Inc.

A large covered patio feature multiple seating and dining areas with a fire pit and BBQ island. It's view expand out into the surrounding yard that feature a remodeled swimming pool w/ spa and lawn area.

Backyard Cottage Pergola

HideAway Screens

The customer wanted to create an outdoor space for their cottage. A wooden pergola and three Hideaway Privacy Screens provide the frame for their patio to give them another outdoor space while ensuring shade during the long summer days.

Perimeter Overflow Pool and Spa

Thrasher Pool and Spa

Cliff Finley
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Yard Crashers - Modern Zen Fusion

McKeithan Design Studio, LLC

Photo of a mid-sized asian backyard patio in Nashville with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Orange 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, 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!