Photo of a large transitional courtyard patio in Other with no cover, a water feature and natural stone pavers.

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, which we used 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.

Cedar Patio Cover (A-Frame)

Marks Builders

Solid Cedar Patio Cover with Tongue & Groove Ceiling and recessed can lighting.
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a gazebo/cabana.

Wilmington Court - Outdoor Dining & Cooking

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

View of a custom designed fire-table with a polished concrete top & a steel trestle base. The outdoor cooking space beyond is also custom designed & fabricated of raw steel & reclaimed wood. The venthood has a motorized awning door concealing a large outdoor television.

Indoor/Outdoor Spaces

Bertolami Interiors

Bertolami Interiors, Summit Landscape Development
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Tualatin River Rustic I Large Addition featuring Outdoor Living & Guest Suite

COOPER Design Build

This outdoor living space in Portland features everything you need to enjoy indoor activities while still enjoying the fresh air of the outdoors. An outdoor kitchen, living room, and dining room is the perfect trifecta for entertaining.

Ranch Hacienda

Argue Custom Homes

This is an example of a mediterranean courtyard patio in Phoenix with a water feature and no cover.

Church Lake Residence

Reliance

Large outdoor kitchen overlooking the lake. Grill is built-in as well as the cook top and fridge.
This is an example of a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Shaded Outdoor Seating, Dining and Grilling Areas

Michael Molesky Interior Design

Four chair teak deep seating conversation area. Expandable teak dining set with all weather rope woven dining chairs. Stone built in grill. All under a shading pergola.

Grill Ideas

Bitter Neumann Appliance Furniture Mattress

Design ideas for a mid-sized country patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, gravel 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.

Pergolas We've Built

Callaway Outdoor Designs

An expansive custom cedar pergola in 2 levels with decorative black metal brackets, an integrated sound system, string lights, and outdoor fans. The pergola provides shade for the pool and patio laid with natural travertine stone and overlooks the slate-look jar water fountain.

Modern Farmhouse

Kristen Mayfield Photography

Inspiration for a country backyard patio in Nashville with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.

Kowski Project

Timberline Patio Covers

This project is a skillion style roof with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment, heaters, and gas fireplace! It has a super modern look with the white stone on the kitchen and fireplace that complements the house well.

Bonita Bay FL Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space

Progressive Design Build

Completing this outdoor oasis was the design and construction of an outdoor kitchen. Located adjacent to the covered patio and indoor kitchen, this outdoor living area was upgraded from a partially covered patio to a fully functional outdoor kitchen with a full bank of slate-colored outdoor powdered stainless steel cabinetry by Danver. Anchoring the space is a stunning leather textured Fantasy Brown granite countertop, doubling as a dramatic backsplash behind the new grilling station (featuring a 36” Alfresco grill and 48” Proline hood). To complete this luxurious outdoor kitchen, we installed a Kohler Strive undermount stainless steel sink with a Kohler Simplice faucet, ice bin, U-Line outdoor under cabinet refrigerator, and a water heater.

Back Yard Renovation

Progressive Builders.LA

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Tropez Lake House

John West Stoddard, Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Austin with a roof extension, an outdoor kitchen and tile.

Hale Kahakai

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

Beautiful Living Lanai space. This charming outdoor space inspires indoor outdoor living and serves spectacular sunsets over a lush green golf course with a stunning ocean view.

Highland Heights Backyard

Complete Renovations by Corbo

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in Cleveland with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor Kitchen and firepit

Ispiri Design-Build

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature and an Outdoor Kitchen

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!