Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with a fire feature, gravel and an awning.

Photo: Scott Pease
Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

Rooftop Refuge

Lifescape Colorado.

Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Porch

Norris Architecture

Overlooking the lake and with rollaway screens
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Reportage

Sandblomman interior

Marie Sandblom Rudsvik
Inspiration for a small mediterranean patio in Malmo with brick pavers, a pergola and a container garden.

Marblehead Residence

Sudbury Design Group

Photo of a traditional backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature and no cover.

Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.

Villa Sans Soucis

EVM landskab

This is an example of a contemporary patio in Copenhagen with a fire feature and no cover.

Gas Fire Pits

Decorative Landscaping

This is an example of a contemporary patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Sammamish Outdoor Living and Backyard Makeover

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Outdoor entertaining area with custom fireplace and wood pergola

Bradford Associates, LLC

The outdoor entertaining area ends with custom wood burning fireplace with built-in storage and a cedar pergola.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Providence with a fire feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

live eat relax and play in the back yard

austin outdoor design

fire pit creates a visual and physical connection from the sunken sitting area to the modern play house at the end of the backyard. the tigerwood ceiling opens itself to a spacious ipe deck that leads down to conversation pit surrounding the fire or the outdoor kitchen patio. the space provides entertainment space for both the young and the old. designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

Stucco Tudor Cottage

Fergus Garber Architects

English craftsman style home renovation, with a new cottage and garage in Palo Alto, California.
Design ideas for a traditional patio in San Francisco with a fire feature.

Exteriors

Revival Arts | Architectural Photography

Patio seating area with cast concrete firepit. Builder: Rockridge Fine Homes Photographer: Revival Arts
Photo of a contemporary patio in Vancouver with a fire feature and no cover.

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/

Esplanade Residence

SUBU Design Architecture

Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Ravenswood Pied-a-Terre

Dual Concept Design

An expansive patio with a floating architectural pergola, built-in flower planters, and vibrant colors in furniture and accessories.
Large transitional patio in Chicago with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

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.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

BLUEWAGON LANDSCAPE & DESIGN INC

This is an example of a modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden and a Fire Feature

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!