Michael Rausch
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Traditional Patio

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, a pergola and brick pavers.

Abstract outdoor shower

tropical-artist.com

This piece is created with real starfish and glass "bubbles" as well as stained glass. It's a large longboard at over 8'. Check out our website at www.tropical-artist.com

shwa

Samuel H. Williamson Associates

Contemporary side yard patio in Portland with an outdoor shower and natural stone pavers.

Outdoor shower

Kathryn Shaffer Architect

Photo credit: Shaffer
Mediterranean patio in San Francisco with an outdoor shower.

Modern Farmhouse

Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

Modern Farmhouse is a contemporary take on a tradition building type, the Connecticut farmhouse. Our clients were interested in a house that fit in with the landscape while providing plenty of daylight with views to the surrounding property. The design uses simple gables arranged in a picturesque manner. It balances clean modern lines, traditional forms, and rustic textures. The new house is bright and light while also feeling personal and unique. There was interest early on to compress the construction time and to design a building that would not take a lot of energy to run. To achieve these goals, the design of the main house used modular construction and a high performance envelope. To articulate the surfaces of the spaces, the owner assembled a group of designers and artisans. Natural textures and tones were layered over the volumes to give a sense of place and time. The modular units of the house are produced by Huntington Homes in East Montpelier, Vermont. In addition to the main house, there is a pool house that sits symmetrically on the main axis of a long swimming pool. A glass enclosed living room fits between two concrete volumes that house a bathroom and storage spaces. An outdoor shower faces south, with an oculus that lets light in when the door is closed. The simple forms of the pool house sit below a green roof, which protects the glassy room from the summer sun and integrates the building into the hilly landscape.

Photo of the Day

When in Bloom NYC

We love doing trellises and watching the vines grow! This is using the Jakob Rope System. It's on the pricier end or cable systems but the over all look is fantastic!

Our Work - Exteriors

ING Construction

Patio/Porch area for a Complete ADU Build
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Pasadena Mid-Century Renovation

Massive

Photo of a midcentury patio with an outdoor shower, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Taper Plastic Resin Planter, Set of 2, Anthracite by Keter

keter

Give flowers and plants the respect they deserve with the Taper Planter Set by Keter. Highlight their beauty while enhancing your indoor or outdoor decor with two color choices. Accent a warm-colored palette with rich Whiskey Brown or bring out the best in your cool-toned decor with Anthracite, an elegant grey.

Container Gardening

Landscape Garden Centers

Design: canna, sunset hibiscus, chollipo euonymus, salmon geranium, yellow callibrachoa, purple wave petunias, sweet potato vine
Small contemporary backyard patio in Other with a container garden.

Beachfront Living

Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd.

From the beach to the shower is the way to live. Here is a custom built wood outdoor shower with a bench on a solid concrete slab that is properly drained. It even has a lower faucet for washing the dog after a play on the beach.

Old Town transformation

BBA Architects

Werner Straube
Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Seasonal Container planting

Kathleen Bassett Gardens

Kathy Bassett: this planting will bloom from early summer through November in zone 7b
Inspiration for a small eclectic courtyard patio in Boston with a container garden, gravel and no cover.

Contemporary Patio

Contemporary patio in Melbourne with an outdoor shower, gravel and no cover.

Cottage

Cullum Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Phoenix with an outdoor shower, tile and a pergola.

Tupelo Ln Front Patio

Nancy

Nancy Wyatt Photography
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Houston with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Front Porch Farmhouse

Noble Classic Homes

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

Byram Shorefront

Wesley Stout Associates

Fishing Shack, Stone Veneer, Outdoor Shower
Small traditional backyard patio in New York with an outdoor shower and natural stone pavers.

Vineyard Retreat- Outdoor Shower

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: John G Early Contractor & Builder Photographer: Greg Premru Photography

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!