Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden, no cover and natural stone pavers.

patio

Stratos Form

Photos by Aidin Mariscal
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with a container garden, tile and a pergola.

Zeen & Cosy

MAGAZINE MAISONS DE CAMPAGNE

RBA
Inspiration for a large country patio in Paris with a container garden and a gazebo/cabana.

Riverfront Terrace

Michael Flaugh, Landscape Architect, P.L.

Michael Flaugh
This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Miami with a container garden, gravel and no cover.

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs

GALAXY OUTDOOR LLC

Whether it’s arthritis, joint or back pain, restless leg syndrome, muscle injuries or fibromyalgia, hot tubs are a proven form of chronic pain relief. The heat of the water increases blood flow and relaxes the body, while the massaging action of the jets and the water’s buoyancy loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) found that, after just 10 days, patients with Type 2 Diabetes who used hot tubs 30 minutes a day/6 days per week required reduced doses of insulin, lost weight, slept better and showed distinct decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Hot tubs can be a great fix for those suffering from insomnia, helping your body to wind down before bed and get the natural sleep you need. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic sleep problems, the Better Sleep Council recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in hot water to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle. According to the Council’s findings, warm water releases muscle tension and increases blood flow, both of which contribute to a relaxed and deeper, more comfortable sleep. Whether it’s a new exercise routine or an unusually active day on your feet, most of us know the “day after” feeling of sore, overworked muscles that make it hurt to move, period. The water pressure from hot tub jets relieves muscle tightness and soreness by removing lactic acid, opening up the blood vessels and promoting the flow of endorphins. LPGA Sports Medicine Director Caroline Nichols and former President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Dr. James Andrews recommend hydrotherapeutic activity for athletes at every level. Nichols says that hot tubs especially help with recovery since jets focus on overused muscle and joint regions, while Andrews supports hydrotherapy as a good tool for improved circulation, sensory impulses and stiff joints. Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress, feel healthier or simply spend more time with your loved ones, you’d be amazed at how as little as 10 minutes in a hot tub can help you relax and put everything in perspective. There are hot tubs for every type of user, regardless of whether it’s just you or it’s the entire gang piling in, looking for some much-needed relief after a long day.

Belgard Pavers

Ocean Pavers, Inc.

Belgard Dublin cobble paver installation
Photo of a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Orange County with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Rancho Santa Fe - Early California Style Hacienda

SDG - Scheiber Design Group

This koi pond with a marble urn planter is the view from the dining room. The agave adds a sculptural quality to the landscape.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean courtyard patio in San Diego with a container garden, tile and no cover.

New York Tropical Outdoor Entertaining Space with Natural Stone

STONEYARD®

Round Boston Blend natural New England stone veneer looks amazing in this tranquil outdoor entertaining space. As you step through the wrought iron gate, and down the stone column staircase you are greeted by the inviting cool blue waters of an in ground pool. Sitting walls, columns, fireplace, chimney, stair risers, and a bar were all faced with the Boston Blend Round Thin Veneer. An outdoor kitchen and bar is the ideal hang out spot for pool parties and evening cocktail dinners. Escape the mid day sun in a cozy sitting nook complete with fireplace and TV. Tropical plantings and landscape features around the area create a beautiful retreat to relax the day away. Visit www.stoneyard.com/957 for more photos and video!

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/

Magnolia Residence- Hillside Renovation

Kim Rooney Design

Garden Design By Kim Rooney Landscape architect, Client designed planting in containers, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle Washington. This photo was taken by Eva Blanchard Photography.

Casa Inteligente Vilassar de Dalt

Alfred Smart

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Barcelona with a container garden.

Upper West Side Terrace

Richard Massa Architect

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in New York with a container garden and no cover.

Transitional

Sturdy Home Improvement, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Boston with a container garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Lemont Landscaping At Cog Hill

KD Landscape

While connected to the balance of the patio, the social space is separated from the dining space by large containers used as a baffle.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a container garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Benches

nvrnmnt

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Miami with concrete pavers, no cover and a container garden.

Skagit Bay Waterfront, Camano Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Patio.
Photo of a mid-sized beach style front yard patio in Seattle with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Contemporary Exterior Remodel - Vancouver Wa

Kashas Design | Build

Inspiration for a small asian backyard patio in Portland with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Ranch Revival

Courtney Thomas Design

Exterior of ADU

ING Construction

Echo Park, CA - Complete Accessory Dwelling Build Framing of the structure, drywall, insulation, all required electrical and plumbing requirements per the project, installation of all windows and doors, stuccoing of the exterior and a finish paint to finish (exterior).

Brooklyn Garden with Retaining Walls, Outdoor Kitchen & Lush Plantings

Amber Freda Garden Design

When we first saw this Brooklyn patio garden, it didn’t have a lot of room for plantings that were within arm’s reach. Our re-design included multi-level paver retaining walls that could hold a lush, varied assortment of new plantings. We really enjoyed personalizing the plantings for our client on this project. Since she is a doula, who assists women during childbirth, she specifically requested herbs that she could use to help the pregnant women she treats. We love the idea of her going out to the garden to take clippings to make teas and baths for her patients to help ease their bodies and minds. Read more about our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

Patio Design Ideas with a Container 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!