Photographer: Jay Goodrich This 2800 sf single-family home was completed in 2009. The clients desired an intimate, yet dynamic family residence that reflected the beauty of the site and the lifestyle of the San Juan Islands. The house was built to be both a place to gather for large dinners with friends and family as well as a cozy home for the couple when they are there alone. The project is located on a stunning, but cripplingly-restricted site overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. The most practical area to build was exactly where three beautiful old growth trees had already chosen to live. A prior architect, in a prior design, had proposed chopping them down and building right in the middle of the site. From our perspective, the trees were an important essence of the site and respectfully had to be preserved. As a result we squeezed the programmatic requirements, kept the clients on a square foot restriction and pressed tight against property setbacks. The delineate concept is a stone wall that sweeps from the parking to the entry, through the house and out the other side, terminating in a hook that nestles the master shower. This is the symbolic and functional shield between the public road and the private living spaces of the home owners. All the primary living spaces and the master suite are on the water side, the remaining rooms are tucked into the hill on the road side of the wall. Off-setting the solid massing of the stone walls is a pavilion which grabs the views and the light to the south, east and west. Built in a position to be hammered by the winter storms the pavilion, while light and airy in appearance and feeling, is constructed of glass, steel, stout wood timbers and doors with a stone roof and a slate floor. The glass pavilion is anchored by two concrete panel chimneys; the windows are steel framed and the exterior skin is of powder coated steel sheathing.

Stunning Contemporary

Knight Architects LLC

Renovation of a ranch with a great room and kitchen opening up to new conrete terrace with built in fireplace, grill and planter. Pete Weigley
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in New York with with fireplace, gravel and no cover.

Middlebury

Sally Stoik Landscape Architect

Fireplace Stone Veneer concept, fabrication and installation by Carol Braham, Artistic Creations www.ArtisticCreations.us Jeff Peters Vantage Point Photography Inc. http://www.vantagepointphoto.com

Oh Hey O'Hill

Morrison Interiors

This is an example of a large mediterranean courtyard patio in Orange County with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Rustic Manor

Black Rock Construction Inc.

Photo of a large country backyard patio in Other with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Turkey Saddle

Grounded

Lincoln Barbour
This is an example of a contemporary patio in DC Metro with an outdoor shower.

Oasis

Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors

A modern outdoor shower.
Photo of a traditional patio in New York with an outdoor shower and no cover.

Corten Composition

Landwell Design + Build Co.

Photo of a large modern backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with with fireplace, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Ranch Pass Residence

DK Studio

The Ranch Pass Project consisted of architectural design services for a new home of around 3,400 square feet. The design of the new house includes four bedrooms, one office, a living room, dining room, kitchen, scullery, laundry/mud room, upstairs children’s playroom and a three-car garage, including the design of built-in cabinets throughout. The design style is traditional with Northeast turn-of-the-century architectural elements and a white brick exterior. Design challenges encountered with this project included working with a flood plain encroachment in the property as well as situating the house appropriately in relation to the street and everyday use of the site. The design solution was to site the home to the east of the property, to allow easy vehicle access, views of the site and minimal tree disturbance while accommodating the flood plain accordingly.

Corner Coalesce Retreat

Srote & Co Architects | Planners | Interiors

Interior design by others Our architecture team was proud to design this traditional, cottage inspired home that is tucked within a developed residential location in St. Louis County. The main levels account for 6097 Sq Ft and an additional 1300 Sq Ft was reserved for the lower level. The homeowner requested a unique design that would provide backyard privacy from the street and an open floor plan in public spaces, but privacy in the master suite. Challenges of this home design included a narrow corner lot build site, building height restrictions and corner lot setback restrictions. The floorplan design was tailored to this corner lot and oriented to take full advantage of southern sun in the rear courtyard and pool terrace area. There are many notable spaces and visual design elements of this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom brick cottage home. A mostly brick exterior with cut stone entry surround and entry terrace gardens helps create a cozy feel even before entering the home. Special spaces like a covered outdoor lanai, private southern terrace and second floor study nook create a pleasurable every-day living environment. For indoor entertainment, a lower level rec room, gallery, bar, lounge, and media room were also planned.

It's a Wonderful (Outdoor) Life

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Richmond with with fireplace, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Brooklandville Pool

Winsome Interior Design

Design ideas for a traditional patio in Baltimore with with fireplace, a pergola and natural stone pavers.

Urban Outdoor Living

Trevor Fulmer Design

To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Brick Patio and Fireplace

The Nelson Team

This beautiful space began with an overlay of the existing concrete patio, and an extension out into the yard with brick pavers, mortared with "messy" joints, to increase entertainment space. A brick, wood burning fireplace with wood storage and seating wall was built, along with grilling area to match. Synthetic turf, with a brick rowlock, was used to create outdoor ping-pong area so turf would not be worn down, Area was landscaped and irrigation was adjusted as needed.

Classic Rancher

Jeffrey Neve Interior Design

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with with fireplace and no cover.

Outdoor living space

Otero Signature Homes

Large backyard patio in Cleveland with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Paloma Historic District

United Firm Construction

Inspiration for a traditional patio in Los Angeles with with fireplace and no cover.

Southern Home with Pool House

Olah Design Group

This is an example of a beach style backyard patio in Atlanta with with fireplace and a roof extension.

Rustic Backyard Fire Place | Patios

Southview Design

Mountain cabin-style backyard paver patio with a one-of-a-kind fireplace.
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Minneapolis with with fireplace and natural stone pavers.

Livingston Oasis, Livingston NJ

Clear Home Design

what a place to throw a party! this is the back loggia with it's wood covered ceiling and slate covered floor and fireplace. the restoration hardware sectional and drapes warm the space and give it a grand living room vibe.

Patio Design Ideas with an Outdoor Shower and with Fireplace

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!