This tongue in groove, 9'x15' living structure is made of Douglas Fir with a corrugated steel roof. The patio is laid in Banas flagstone with a raised garden bench. The risers and bench are made with Brussels Dimensional Stone and Wiarton sawn bed building stone.

Bali House

Rick Ryniak Architects

Don Bloom Tropical Light Photography
Design ideas for a large tropical patio in Hawaii with a gazebo/cabana, a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Rustic Modern Outdoor Entertainment Retreat

Landwell Design + Build Co.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

George

User

With an impressive double-volume entrance setting the tone, this ‘modern natural’ home design combines contemporary and natural materials as effectively as it combines form and function. The zoned layout unfolds from the entrance hub, providing a separate living space for adult children and a secluded master bedroom wing, as well as an office/home theatre and family living, dining and kitchen area. There’s a large underground garage and store – all incredibly practical, all designed to embrace the site’s northern orientation. This is an elegant home too, with a cohesive form that brings natural materials like stone and timber together with a modern colour palette and render, creating overlapping planes and an unmistakably sophisticated ambiance.

Ebden Ave

Atkinson Pontifex

A beautifully lit garden area with an pleasantly calming ambiance and delightful water feature accompanied by a timber outdoor bench.
Mid-sized traditional patio in Melbourne with a water feature and a gazebo/cabana.

Amante

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

This client started with their home remodel and then hired us to create the exterior as an extension of the interior living space. The backyard was sloped and did not provide much flat area. We built a completely private inner courtyard with an over-sized entry door, tile patio, and a colorful custom water feature to create an intimate gathering space. The backyard redesign (pictured here) included a small pool with spa addition, fireplace, shade structures and built in wall fountain. Photo Credit - Cynthia Montgomery

Tropical Asian Fusion Backyard in Ladner

AZURO Concepts Inc.

Asian inspired straw thatched roof structure covers in-ground hot tub with surrounding sculpted and stamped concrete patio features. Oriental grasses and trees are used in pots and in-ground landscaping to carry on the effect.

Aviary in Landscape node

3D Green Planet Architects

Aviary for a formal garden. The garden implements landscape node design. This garden has three nodes: Alley of the Planets and Arbor; Koi Pond with floating orbs: and Aviary node for tropical birds........ This garden is featured in the 2012 book: A GARDEN MAKES A HOUSE A HOME, by Elvin McDonald.

City: McDougald Residence

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

Linda McDougald, principal and lead designer of Linda McDougald Design l Postcard from Paris Home, re-designed and renovated her home, which now showcases an innovative mix of contemporary and antique furnishings set against a dramatic linen, white, and gray palette. The English country home features floors of dark-stained oak, white painted hardwood, and Lagos Azul limestone. Antique lighting marks most every room, each of which is filled with exquisite antiques from France. At the heart of the re-design was an extensive kitchen renovation, now featuring a La Cornue Chateau range, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, custom cabinetry, and Waterworks tile.

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.

Jones Residence

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Tamara Alvarez
Design ideas for a tropical backyard patio in Miami with a water feature and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor Room

Clearwater Summit Group

Clearwater Summit Group, Inc.
Photo of a traditional patio in Seattle with brick pavers, a gazebo/cabana and a water feature.

Raven's Claw Patio Project

GroundTec, Inc.

Mid-sized country backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Midtown Courtyard Garden

Fern Valley

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with a water feature, brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Concrete Water & Fire Feature Table

User

Cast concrete table pours into a pondless water feature below. Hidden gas line can be lit up at night for added ambience.
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Stunning Concrete Pool Deck, Patio, Driveway & Interior Floors

Tom Ralston Concrete

it is the little things that can set off an already gorgeous setting e.g. the red pillows with a red flower to match that gives the “ahhh” feeling that everyone needs to reinvigorate the senses. Pick up a book, glance out to the pool and vineyards or just daydream; all are options in this rarified space. John Luhn

Delahow Street 2

SHELTER Custom-Built Living

Patrick Brickman Photographer
Photo of a large contemporary front yard patio in Charleston with a water feature, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

2012 ALE: Schorr Swimming Pool and Pool House

Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association

Gasper Landscape Design & Building http://www.gasper.net/ 2012 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Gold Photo Credit: Rob Cardillo

Gazebos

FAMILIES

Mid-sized backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Hollywood with a Twist

MASSIMO interiors

Stu Morley
Photo of an expansive eclectic backyard patio in Melbourne with a water feature, brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature and a Gazebo/Cabana

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!