Large traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Smart, Contemporary Garden Design in Fulham

The Garden Builders

The Garden Builders
Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with a container garden.

Urban Oasis

ProGrass Home and Landscape Improvements

Providing privacy, tranquility and beauty, this outdoor shower is the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Small contemporary backyard patio in Portland with an outdoor shower, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Modern in Bed-Stuy

New Eco Landscapes

Photos by Lori Cannava
Small contemporary backyard patio in New York with no cover, a container garden and concrete pavers.

Clovelly House

Angus Mackenzie Architect

Significant alterations and additions are proposed for this semi detached dwelling on Clovelly Rd, including a new first floor and major ground floor alterations. A challenging site, the house is connected to a semi, which has already carried out extensive additions and has a 4-storey face brick unit building to the East. The proposal aims to keep a lot of the ground floor walls in place, yet allowing a large open plan living area that opens out to a newly landscaped north facing rear yard and terrace. The existing second bedroom space has been converted into a large utilities room, providing ample storage, laundry facilities and a WC, efficiently placed beneath the new stairway to the first floor. The first floor accommodation comprises of 3 generously sized bedrooms, a bathroom and an ensuite off the master bedroom. Painted pine lines the cathedral ceilings beneath the gable roof which runs the full length of the building. Materials have been chosen for their ease and speed of construction. Painted FC panels designed to be installed with a minimum of onsite cutting, clad the first floor. Extensive wall, floor and ceiling insulation aim to regulate internal environments, as well as lessen the infiltration of traffic noise from Clovelly Rd. High and low level windows provide further opportunity for optimal cross ventilation of the bedroom spaces, as well as allowing abundant natural light.

Outdoor Living Area

Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design

Alise O'Brien Photography
Design ideas for a traditional patio in St Louis with an outdoor shower.

Mermaid Manor

Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd.

Bright Idea Photography
Inspiration for a traditional side yard patio in Vancouver with an outdoor shower.

Beach House on Long Island

West Chin Architects & Interior Designers

Eric Laignel
Design ideas for a beach style patio in New York with an outdoor shower.

MTLA - Maloney Residence

User

Art Gray
Photo of a traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and an outdoor shower.

Hale Ku Mana

JM Design

Large tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor shower and a roof extension.

House in Darien

Beinfield Architecture PC

Photo credit: Michele Scotto | Sequined Asphault Studio
Photo of a country patio in New York with an outdoor shower.

Pool House

Alloy Architecture & Construction

This renovation project transformed an existing two-car garage into a pool/guest house. We engaged the building with the existing pool area by opening up the side of the building with a 16′ wide sliding glass door system. We opened the space vertically by removing the ceiling joists and extending a new wood slat wall up and across the ceiling. A slate-faced entertainment center was built into the wood wall, incorporating a flat screen TV, gas fireplace, stereo components and game storage. Our clients encouraged us to think of this new space as an extended living room for the family. It is a space that can accommodate a kids’ pool party in the morning and a cocktail party that evening. Tucked in the back, and open to a private view of fields beyond, is a guest bedroom. This will allow the family to ‘camp out’ in the pool house while undertaking a renovation to the main house in the future.

Charles Rose Architects Inc.

Exterior; Photo Credit: Bruce Martin
This is an example of a small contemporary side yard patio in Boston with decking, an outdoor shower and a roof extension.

Palo Alto Green Point Rated House

Cathy Schwabe Architecture

2nd floor deck with outdoor shower + tub, living roof and built in bench. Architect: Cathy Schwabe Architecture Interior Design: John Lum Architecture Landscape Architect: Arterra LLP, Vera Gates Lighting Design: Alice Prussin Color Consultant: Judith Paquette Photograph: David Wakely

Front Porch Farmhouse

Noble Classic Homes

Inspiration for a large country front yard patio in Dallas with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

1920"s Spanish Courtyard | Westwood, CA

Leanne Michael L U X E lifestyle design

Malibu tile clad Spanish courtyard with newly planted clay pots from Mexico with olive trees, Cala lilies, succulents and perennials.
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Irvington Deck + Patio

Howells Architecture + Design

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

West Tisbury Modern Farmhouse

Blue Jay Design LLC

Beach style patio in Boston with an outdoor shower and no cover.

Rustic Modern Outdoor Entertainment Retreat

Landwell Design + Build Co.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Malibu Farm House

Burdge & Associates Architects

Malibu Modern Farmhouse by Burdge & Associates Architects in Malibu, California. Interiors by Alexander Design Fiore Landscaping Photos by Tessa Neustadt

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!