Traditional patio in Chicago.

Photo of a contemporary patio in Toronto.

Inspiration for a contemporary patio in San Francisco.

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

A Victorian terraced townhouse set over five storeys, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms on the upper two floors; a double drawing room, family room, snug, study and hall on the first and ground levels, and a utility room, nanny suite and kitchen-dining room leading to a garden on the lower level. Settling here from overseas, the owners of this house in Primrose Hill chose the area for its quintessentially English architecture and bohemian feel. They loved the property’s original features and wanted their new home to be light and spacious, with plenty of storage and an eclectic British feel. As self-confessed ‘culture vultures’, the couple’s art collection formed the basis of their home’s colour palette.

Photography: Rett Peek
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Little Rock with gravel and a pergola.

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in London.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and no cover.

San Diego Home Photography
This is an example of a large courtyard patio in San Diego with tile, no cover and with fireplace.

Covered structure with gas fireplace, outdoor tv. outdoor speakers, outdoor kitchen with bar, waterfeature with pondless effect, architectural slabs, brick patio, brick retaining wall, outdoor living space, oudoor dining area, outdoor lighting, granite countertops, outdoor overhead heater, exterior design, breezeway, privacy screening.

John Martinelli Photography
Inspiration for a traditional patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Traditional courtyard patio in Portland with a fire feature.

Bringing south of the boarder to the north of the boarder our Mexican Baja theme courtyard/living room makeover in Coronado Island is where our client have their entertainment now and enjoy the great San Diego weather daily. We've designed the courtyard to be a true outdoor living space with a full kitchen, dinning area, and a lounging area next to an outdoor fireplace. And best of all a fully engaged 15 feet pocket door system that opens the living room right out to the courtyard. A dream comes true for our client!

Photo of a traditional patio in Orange County.

All Surface Restoration specializes in stamped colored concrete maintenance, restoration & preservation. We offer complete stamped concrete cleaning, stripping, sealing services. To request a free estimate visit: http://surfacerestoration.com/services/stamped-colored-concrete-restoration/ or call 248-475-0004

Studio H. Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with concrete pavers.

The lanai serves as a second great room. A wicker sofa and matching armchairs overlook the ocean view. Blue and white pillows decorate the outdoor furniture and continue the beach house theme used throughout the home. The coral motif on the rug compliments the throw pillows and the cream colored cushions ground the space, the outdoor dining chairs are built out of recycled boat wood. A shell chandelier hangs above the teak table. On the far side of the lanai an orange swing bed hangs next to some red floor poufs.

Landscape design emphasizes the horizontal layers as we progress from the concrete patio floor up to the garden level. This remodel involves extensive excavation, demolition, drainage, and structural work. We aim to maximize the visual appeal and functions while preserving the privacy of the homeowners in this dense urban neighborhood. Photos by Scott Hargis

Photo of a mid-sized beach style courtyard patio in Sydney with an outdoor shower, decking and no cover.