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

Outside Interests

ZEN Associates, Inc.

Nat Rea Photography
Design ideas for a transitional backyard patio in Boston with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Modernity on University (sneak peek)

Masa Studio Architects

Inspiration for a small modern backyard patio in Houston with a water feature and decking.

Earth, Water & Fire

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.

Landscape by Gardens by Gabriel; Fire Bowl and Water Feature by Wells Concrete Works; Radial bench by TM Lewis Construction
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a water feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Backyard Pond and Waterfall Projects in York PA - Splash Supply Co

Splash Supply Company Inc

Splash Supply Co
This is an example of a large modern backyard patio in Baltimore with a water feature, natural stone pavers 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/

Prosise Project

Timberline Patio Covers

A cedar free-standing, gable style patio cover with beautiful landscaping and stone walkways that lead around the house. This project also has a day bed that is surrounded by landscaping and a water fountain.

Maui Residence

April Powers Interior Design

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

Urban tropical

antonia schofield garden design

urban tropical Antonia Schofield
Tropical patio in London with a container garden and no cover.

Classico Patio

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

JUNGLE URBAINE

GARDEN TROTTER

Inspiration for a tropical patio in Paris with a container garden, decking and a pergola.

2019 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

Pacific Outdoor Living

Private outdoor patio with water features, paving stones and drought tolerant landscaping
Design ideas for a small modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used WORD MISSING to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

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

Japanese maple with a variety of annuals make this backyard corner a true statement piece in the design! Plantscape by Dirt Queen NYC.
Small eclectic backyard patio in Austin with a container garden, concrete slab and an awning.

Small town garden no lawn

Amanda Shipman

Amanda Shipman
Small contemporary backyard patio in Hertfordshire with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Seashell

Oasis Architecture & Design

This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with a water feature and concrete slab.

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.

Private Courtyard Addition

The Cleary Company

Private courtyard - Master suite deck
Design ideas for a large transitional courtyard patio in Columbus with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

English Garden in the Bay Area

Karen Aitken and Associates

Photography by Brent Bear
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature and 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!