Menlo Park Craftman Shingle Style with Cool Modern Interiors- Arch Studio, Inc. Architects Landa Construction Bernard Andre Photography
Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden and no cover.

French Country Landscape

KD Landscape

Courtesy of Mike Crews Photography. Landscape Design by John Algozzini,
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a container garden and brick pavers.

English Garden in the Bay Area

Karen Aitken and Associates

Photography by Brent Bear
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used WORD MISSING to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Japanese maple with a variety of annuals make this backyard corner a true statement piece in the design! Plantscape by Dirt Queen NYC.
Small eclectic backyard patio in Austin with a container garden, concrete slab and an awning.

Small town garden no lawn

Amanda Shipman

Amanda Shipman
Small contemporary backyard patio in Hertfordshire with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Contemporary Patio

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with a container garden and no cover.

My arbor in HGTV's Ultimate Outdoor Award Winner: Outdoor Oasis Category

Charles March Construction

My arbor as an architectural feature in an award-winning landscape by Catherine Smith Designs. The online link is: https://www.hgtv.com/design/packages/hgtv-ultimate-outdoor-awards/2018/peoples-pick-winners.

House of Air and Sun - Outdoor

COAT Design Remodel

© Leigh Castelli photography
Photo of an expansive eclectic front yard patio in San Diego with a container garden, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Spacious Chinese Chippendale Deck

Steve Nuss Ltd

The exterior space features a 1200 square foot deck with Chinese chippendale rails by the Porch Co.
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Kansas City with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Amesbury Residence/ Los Feliz

Julie Maigret Design

Julie Maigret
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Atlanta

User

All gardens designed by Durie Design Photographer: Tonya McMahon
Design ideas for an industrial backyard patio in Melbourne with a pergola and a vertical garden.

Custom Planters

Elemental Landscapes, Ltd.

Upcycled pallet planter with succulents.
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Chicago with a vertical garden and no cover.

Beaverton Mid Century Modern

Chinick Landscaping & Nursery

Design by Candace Chinick. This entry courtyard provides a dining space, uplighting on the wall, an herb container by the kitchen, two insets in the courtyard wall--one to screen the barbecue and one for the bins, furthest away.

LANCASTER RESIDENCE

FineLines Design Studio

Michael Hunter
This is an example of an eclectic side yard patio in Dallas with a container garden, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Casa Patio en Artola. Cabopino. Marbella

Rocio Navarro Arquitectura

Mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Malaga with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Lennox Gardens

Clarisford

Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in London with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

Maison à Puteaux, 180m²

Fanny Prat - Architecte d'intérieur

Studio Chevojon
This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Paris with a container garden and decking.

Fishtown Row

Wyant Architecture

A barren and underutilized concrete yard was transformed into a beautiful urban garden.
This is an example of a small transitional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a vertical garden, gravel and no cover.

Fire Defensive Hedge and Patio

FormLA Landscaping

While most trees are fire defensive, Eucalyptus trees like these are an exception. Similarly, a second structure on the property poses proximate fire danger to the home. The Catalina Cherry hedge serves as a barrier to embers that may be generated by either ignite, and the patio offers ample, safe space for fire fighters to work. As outdoor comforts are often flammable, the owners store the cushions on the dining chairs when they are not in use.

Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden and a Vertical Garden

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!