Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

The Fig Trees

Tania J Coward ARCHITECT

Design ideas for a beach style patio in Brisbane with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Bells Interior Styling

Kennedy and Co Interiors

This is an example of a mediterranean patio in Geelong with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Willow Vale Farm

Habitat Studio Architects

This is an example of a country patio in Other with decking and a pergola.

Bonsall West

Hayne Interior Design

Simon Berlyn of Berlyn Photography
Photo of a midcentury patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers and a pergola.

Urban Frenzy

KD Landscape

The loveseat and pergola provide a shady resting spot behind the garage in this city garden.
Design ideas for a small tropical backyard patio in Chicago with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Custom Pergolas

Broward Landscape, Inc.

Pergola, Outdoor Kitchen Ivory Travertine
Inspiration for an expansive modern backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Living. Pergola. Outdoor Kitchen

Curated Construction

Design ideas for a large modern backyard patio in Denver with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Outdoor Pizza Oven

Krugel Cobbles, Inc.

All photos by Linda Oyama Bryan. Home restoration by Von Dreele-Freerksen Construction
Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone 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.

Contemporary Patio

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Alfresco Living

Lights4fun

Kristy Noble Photography
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Other with gravel and a pergola.

Portfolio

Outdoor Kitchen, Pool & Pavers

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Tampa with an outdoor kitchen, stamped concrete and a pergola.

Private house in Streatham

Charles Barclay Architects

Lorenz Ferla View from garden
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London with a pergola.

Bow Mar Ranch Remodel

KGA Studio Architects, PC

This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Denver with with fireplace and a pergola.

Contemporary

Lisa Parramore – Design + Build

This is an example of a transitional patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, tile and a pergola.

Modern Pergola + Patio - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The view from the dining room of the home.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Milwaukee with concrete slab and a pergola.

Arcadia - Phoenix II

Merit Landworks

Mid-sized country backyard patio in Phoenix with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

BLUEWAGON LANDSCAPE & DESIGN INC

Modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and a pergola.

Outdoor Kitchen Project, Orchard House

Humphrey Munson

Hand-crafted using traditional joinery techniques, this outdoor kitchen is made from hard-wearing Iroko wood and finished with stainless steel hardware ensuring the longevity of this Markham cabinetry. With a classic contemporary design that suits the modern, manicured style of the country garden, this outdoor kitchen has the balance of simplicity, scale and proportion that H|M is known for. Using an L-shape configuration set within a custom designed permanent timber gazebo, this outdoor kitchen is cleverly zoned to include all of the key spaces required in an indoor kitchen for food prep, grilling and clearing away. On the right-hand side of the kitchen is the cooking run featuring the mighty 107cm Wolf outdoor gas grill. Already internationally established as an industrial heavyweight in the luxury range cooker market, Wolf have taken outdoor cooking to the next level with this behemoth of a barbeque. Designed and built to stand the test of time and exponentially more accurate than a standard barbeque, the Wolf outdoor gas grill also comes with a sear zone and infrared rotisserie spit as standard. To assist with food prep, positioned underneath the counter to the left of the Wolf outdoor grill is a pull-out bin with separate compartments for food waste and recycling. Additional storage to the right is utilised for storing the LPG gas canister ensuring the overall look and feel of the outdoor kitchen is free from clutter and from a practical point of view, protected from the elements. Just like the indoor kitchen, the key to a successful outdoor kitchen design is the zoning of the space – think about all the usual things like food prep, cooking and clearing away and make provision for those activities accordingly. In terms of the actual positioning of the kitchen think about the sun and where it is during the afternoons and early evening which will be the time this outdoor kitchen is most in use. A timber gazebo will provide shelter from the direct sunlight and protection from the elements during the winter months. Stone flooring that can withstand a few spills here and there is essential, and always incorporate a seating area than can be scaled up or down according to your entertaining needs. Photo Credit - Paul Craig

All Covers Patio Design Ideas with a Pergola

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!