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

The Pavilion is a contemporary outdoor living addition to a Federation house in Roseville, NSW. The existing house sits on a 1550sqm block of land and is a substantial renovated two storey family home. The 900sqm north facing rear yard slopes gently down from the back of the house and is framed by mature deciduous trees. The client wanted to create something special “out the back”, to replace an old timber pergola and update the pebblecrete pool, surrounded by uneven brick paving and tubular pool fencing. After years living in Asia, the client’s vision was for a year round, comfortable outdoor living space; shaded from the hot Australian sun, protected from the rain, and warmed by an outdoor fireplace and heaters during the cooler Sydney months. The result is large outdoor living room, which provides generous space for year round outdoor living and entertaining and connects the house to both the pool and the deep back yard. The Pavilion at Roseville is a new in-between space, blurring the distinction between inside and out. It celebrates the contemporary culture of outdoor living, gathering friends & family outside, around the bbq, pool and hearth.

Empress Avenue, Pasadena, CA

LAND BY DESIGN

mparchphoto, Richard Grenier Builder
Design ideas for a transitional patio in Denver with a fire feature and no cover.

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.

Inside Out

Ketron Custom Builders

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Columbus with natural stone pavers and a fire feature.

Marblehead Residence

Sudbury Design Group

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

Lansdowne Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Living

Randy Angell Designs

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, decking and a pergola.

San Francisco 2-Story Addition

JMJ Studios

View of rear yard included custom-colored concrete walls, pavers, riverstone and a built-in bench around a firepit. Sliding Glass wall system by Nanawall. All exterior lighting by Bega. Catherine Nguyen Photography

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.

Gathering Table

Arterra Landscape Architects

Michelle Lee Wilson Photography
Photo of a contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature.

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.

Fire Features

Johns Building Supply

Traditional Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Fire Pit with Concrete/Grass Pavers

California Landscape Construction

We created a custom paver design and included a gas fire pit.
Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Patios and Pavers

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Brian Parks
Photo of a traditional patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Portfolio

Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.

Design: modernedgedesign.com Photo: Edmunds Studios Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, a pergola and concrete slab.

60th Pl. Burr Ridge, IL

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

An elegant wooden screen supplies just enough enclosure around this wonderful outdoor seating area featuring a custom built in gas fire pit. Like us on Houzz and see more of our work at www.rollinglandscapes.com. Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan

Bartlesville Outdoor Living

Tanner Consulting LLC- Landscape Architecture

The large rough cedar pergola provides a wonderful place for the homeowners to entertain guests. The decorative concrete patio used an integral color and release, was scored and then sealed with a glossy finish. There was plenty of seating designed into the patio space and custom cushions create a more comfortable seat along the fireplace. Jason Wallace Photography

Hidden Lake

Arcanum Architecture

Design ideas for a large country backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Mechanicsville Hillside Makeover

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Mustang Park, Carrollton

AquaTerra Outdoors

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Patio Design Ideas with 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!