A second floor terrace with a distinct world view. Recycled and re-purposed materials from around the world.
Inspiration for a small eclectic patio in New York with a container garden and decking.

Ranch Revival

Courtney Thomas Design

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

Villa des Cimes

Nathalie Odiot Architecture d'Intérieur

Photo of a large mediterranean front yard patio in Other with a container garden, tile and a pergola.

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.

Chelsea New Build

Vastu Interior Design Ltd

This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in London with a container garden.

Palo Alto Connect 6

Connect Homes

Joe Fletcher
This is an example of a modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden.

AYANA HOUSE

The Designory

Photographer: Tom Ferguson
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in Sydney with an outdoor shower, decking and no cover.

Contemporary Hillside

Monarch Gardens, Inc.

Photo of a contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, concrete slab and an awning.

Modern Geometric Pool with Fire Features and Sun Shelf

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

View of the reclusive glass tile outdoor shower Design and construction by Caviness Landscape Design Photography by KO Rinearson
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Oklahoma City with an outdoor shower, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Residential Industrial - Scottsdale - 2015

Greey Pickett

Mid-sized industrial backyard patio in Phoenix with a container garden and a pergola.

Victorian Terrace Project

American Beauty Landscaping Inc.

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Other with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Hollwood Blvd.

STYLELINE™ Door and Window Systems

Expansive modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Rogers Residence

A Cultivated Garden

Photo of a small traditional backyard patio in Vancouver with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

House in Town

Elliott Architects

Trent Bell
Transitional backyard patio in Other with a container garden, gravel and no cover.

Karma House

Amara Property Investments Ltd

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Hertfordshire with a container garden and no cover.

Estate Greenhouses and Garden Rooms

BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd

A beautiful estate greenhouse completed with vestibules and double glass where the lights can shine through easily at night.
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Vancouver with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

"Intentionally Tiny" Master Suite Addition

CTA Design Builders, Inc.

Secret sauna and outdoor shower under the new 2nd story addtion.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Seattle with an outdoor shower, decking and a roof extension.

GIARDINI SUL BIANCO

Gardening 9010- giardini a basso consumo idrico

foto di una area esterna con gazebo e fioriere in acciaio corten non verniciate
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Other with a container garden and concrete pavers.

Container Plantings

The JCRD Group

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

backyard with belgard pavers 118th ave Thornton CO

Outdoor Viewscapes

New house with New Landscape Install 2021
Small modern backyard patio in Denver with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden and an Outdoor Shower

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!