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/

A Little Town Garden

Kate Gould Gardens

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

2055 Forest Street - Park Hill Denver

Art of Home Team

Modern Exterior in Denver's Park Hill Neighborhood. Stone and Cedar with Integrated Lighting and Slat Pergola for Shade. NanaWall System. Metal Modern Planters.

RECLAIMED HANGING GARDEN

OUTHOUSE design

We started with selecting a range of bespoke oversized copper planters, this brings strength of character to the space, enables us to plant deciduous feature trees for all year-round interest, as well as a variety of shrubs and scented groundcovers. Each planter is up light, defining its cube shape and reflecting the buildings architecture. With time the rich patina of the planters will become more distinct.

Gardener's Retreat

Andrew Heiser

This is an example of a small beach style backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, gravel and a roof extension.

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Williamsburg Carriage House

Sergio Mercado Design

Joshua McHugh
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in New York with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Sur les toits du Mont Parnasse

Swandy Wenker - Paysagiste

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Paris with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Terrasse - Ecrin de bois pour un air de Méditerranée à Montreuil !

Erell et Rozanne - Jardins essentiels

Erell Pencreac'h Bois, bacs noirs et végétation de type méditerranéen
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional patio in Other with a container garden, decking and no cover.

English Garden in the Bay Area

Karen Aitken and Associates

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

Mid Century Masterpiece

Landscapes WA

Large contemporary backyard patio in Perth with a container garden, a roof extension and concrete pavers.

Haus WH

Ferreira | Verfürth Architekten

Fotos: Julia Vogel, Köln
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Dusseldorf with a container garden and a roof extension.

Custom Fence for Patio

415 design+build

Custom fence with high privacy walls, and built in planters.
Large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Downtown Charleston Courtyard Garden

John Tarkany Associates, Inc.

Trellis, brick raised beds, and raised patio details.
Photo of a small traditional courtyard patio in Charleston with a container garden and brick pavers.

Upper East Side Townhouse

VGC NYC Inc.

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

Townhouse Harlem

Stunning, be the first tenant in this brand new, just renovated Brownstone Triplex on Manhattan Avenue, nearby Morningside Park, Central Park and the FDB Corridor is a quaint and quiet three/four bedroom 3.5 bathroom property. Latest cutting edge appliances. Home has luxurious finishes and a beautiful private roof deck. Ducted Air Conditioning/Heat throughout the property, individual controls for each level. Close to A,C, E train. Including the 110th, 116th and 125th Stations. This is a no fee listing (no commission), for rent by owner. Please, no brokers. 399 Manhattan Avenue (between 116th 117th Street) is a turn-key move-in ready property

Maui Residence

April Powers Interior Design

Mid-sized tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with natural stone pavers, a pergola and a container garden.

Transitional

Candelaria Design Associates

Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard patio in Phoenix with a container garden, tile 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.

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.

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!