Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
Inspiration for a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

A Midsummer Night's Dream in Mechanicsville

Outdoor Dreams

Small country backyard patio in Richmond with concrete pavers.

Downtown Louisville Bungalow

Petra Custom Builders

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Denver with concrete slab.

Hot Colors, Cool Garden

Rock Paper Scissors Landscape Design Build

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Beach Drive Home Remodel

Seacliff Construction & Design

This beach home was originally built in 1936. It's a great property, just steps from the sand, but it needed a major overhaul from the foundation to a new copper roof. Inside, we designed and created an open concept living, kitchen and dining area, perfect for hosting or lounging. The result? A home remodel that surpassed the homeowner's dreams. Outside, adding a custom shower and quality materials like Trex decking added function and style to the exterior. And with panoramic views like these, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible!

2020 NARI CotY Award Winning Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Progressive Design Build, Bonita Springs, Florida, 2020 Regional CotY Award Winner, Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Highland- Newport Beach, CA

Milgard Windows & Doors

Create a stunning entrance inside and outside your home. Milgard® Ultra™ Series | C650 French patio doors with stark white framed interior creates a unique look for your patio.

contemporary southside duplex

AXIS Productions

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Denver with concrete pavers and no cover.

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

A functional herb garden created with floating planters, framed with a gorgeous lime plant in a blue planter and lime green accent table.
Small eclectic backyard patio in Austin with a container garden, concrete slab and an awning.

Church Lake Residence

Reliance

Large outdoor kitchen overlooking the lake. Grill is built-in as well as the cook top and fridge.
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Avila Modern Farmhouse

STUDIO PRIME ARCHITECTURE (SP-ARC)

private patio retreat
Photo of a small country backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with an outdoor shower, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Mid-Century Concrete Patio - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The new patio extends slightly further into the backyard which created more room for dining and lounging. It continues the wedge-shaped theme of the front walk. Beach pebble runnels break up the space visually. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Woodbridge Residential Pool & Outdoor Living

Azure Pool & Outdoor Living

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Zalanta 214

Talie Jane Interiors

Photography by Tahoe Real Estate Photography
This is an example of a small country courtyard patio in Other with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Glasscock

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

We transformed the existing patio into a space that is a continuation of their kitchen and more inviting for entertaining .
This is an example of a transitional backyard patio in Raleigh.

Vermont Cres

Gelderman Landscape Services

Jeff McNeill
This is an example of a small transitional backyard patio in Toronto with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Covered Patio, Midwest Simplicity

Videre Decor

With bright outdoor upholstery fabrics, this patio on the golf course was inviting and fun. A pop of color on the exterior doors that fully opened into the interior made indoor/outdoor living a breeze.

Grove at Lakewood Ranch - Model Home

Omega Builders

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Austin with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Pecan Creek, Horseshoe Bay

Reece McIver Homes

Mark Adams
This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Outdoor Kitchen Project, Orchard House

Humphrey Munson

Hand-crafted using traditional joinery techniques, this outdoor kitchen is made from hard-wearing Iroko wood and finished with stainless steel hardware ensuring the longevity of this Markham cabinetry. With a classic contemporary design that suits the modern, manicured style of the country garden, this outdoor kitchen has the balance of simplicity, scale and proportion that H|M is known for. Using an L-shape configuration set within a custom designed permanent timber gazebo, this outdoor kitchen is cleverly zoned to include all of the key spaces required in an indoor kitchen for food prep, grilling and clearing away. On the right-hand side of the kitchen is the cooking run featuring the mighty 107cm Wolf outdoor gas grill. Already internationally established as an industrial heavyweight in the luxury range cooker market, Wolf have taken outdoor cooking to the next level with this behemoth of a barbeque. Designed and built to stand the test of time and exponentially more accurate than a standard barbeque, the Wolf outdoor gas grill also comes with a sear zone and infrared rotisserie spit as standard. To assist with food prep, positioned underneath the counter to the left of the Wolf outdoor grill is a pull-out bin with separate compartments for food waste and recycling. Additional storage to the right is utilised for storing the LPG gas canister ensuring the overall look and feel of the outdoor kitchen is free from clutter and from a practical point of view, protected from the elements. Just like the indoor kitchen, the key to a successful outdoor kitchen design is the zoning of the space – think about all the usual things like food prep, cooking and clearing away and make provision for those activities accordingly. In terms of the actual positioning of the kitchen think about the sun and where it is during the afternoons and early evening which will be the time this outdoor kitchen is most in use. A timber gazebo will provide shelter from the direct sunlight and protection from the elements during the winter months. Stone flooring that can withstand a few spills here and there is essential, and always incorporate a seating area than can be scaled up or down according to your entertaining needs. Photo Credit - Paul Craig

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!