Design ideas for a midcentury backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Character of natural stone with affordability of concrete Stacked flagstone has been used for centuries for small garden walls and pillars. With Rivercrest Wall, you get the character and flexibility of natural stone combined with the durability and affordability of concrete

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

This was an exterior remodel and backyard renovation, added pool, bbq, etc.
This is an example of a large modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, an awning and concrete pavers.

Designed to compliment the existing single story home in a densely wooded setting, this Pool Cabana serves as outdoor kitchen, dining, bar, bathroom/changing room, and storage. Photos by Ross Pushinaitus.

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Photo of a country patio in Charlotte.

POOL HOUSE The outdoor space is a perfect pool house…there are great views to the pool from the sitting area, so parents can keep an eye on the kids in the pool. TK IMAGES

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with concrete slab and a pergola.

Out door Entertainment Area
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and no cover.

This Outdoor Living Patio project included installation of new patio area, pergola, front and side walkways, and lighting as per our design. Installed was approximately 530 square feet of patio area with a landing step area at the rear door. We used Techo-Bloc ‘Blu 60 Smooth’ pavers for the patio area as well as the front walkway. The existing Front and side walks were removed prior to the hardscape installation. Outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and step were all constructed with Techo-Bloc ‘Graphix’ wall stone. Fire pit and step capped with Techo-Bloc ‘Graphix’ Cap. The Outdoor kitchen is topped with a custom marble counter top. 38″ grill and 38″ double access door were installed in kitchen area. The Pergola is constructed using Western Red Cedar and stained to compliment the hardscaping. Low voltage LED lighting that was installed includes, under cap lighting on step and kitchen; up lights on trees (2 lights each); and a 150 watt transformer. Landscape beds and new plants were installed around the new patio area. The Landscaping included, mulching of new landscape beds, Repair, grade, and seeding damaged lawn areas as well as Trimming existing Hydrangea and Boxwoods. This Outdoor living patio area was installed in Lancaster, PA.

Amy Bartlam
Midcentury patio in Los Angeles.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Designed while at Graham Landscape Architecture.
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Design ideas for a small contemporary side yard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Inspiration for a large mediterranean front yard patio in San Diego with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Jenn Baker
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Mike Jensen Photography
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Seattle with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with concrete slab and a pergola.