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.

Reportage

Sandblomman interior

Marie Sandblom Rudsvik
Inspiration for a small mediterranean patio in Malmo with brick pavers, a pergola and a container garden.

Pavilion

KD Landscape

Best of Houzz Design Award Winner. The pavilion not only provides a shady respite during the summer months but also a great place to relax by the fire during spring and fall. The pavilion is convenient to the home, the pool and the outdoor kitchen. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Landscape design by John Algozzini. The complete landscape can be seen in our projects, listed as Fun By The Farm.

Outdoor kitchen with wood fired pizza oven

Grills'n Ovens LLC

An outdoor kitchen with a handmade wood fired pizza oven from Portugal. This outdoor kitchen is located in upstate New York, owned by a restaurant chef. You can see how it became a reality here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9SCrhfpnw A wood fired pizza oven of this kind adds tremendous versatility to any outdoor kitchen. Use the grill for cooking and the oven for baking. See real pizza baking in this oven here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfIp1lLY1a8 (he makes it look easy, it actually takes a little time to find your way around a wood fired oven). More here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpX2ndxx6UI&list=UUvZH8gC23wVrO3rpyu_5ULw

Backyard Patio

Madison Lawn Care

Design ideas for a traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Spaces

Offenbachers Home Escapes

The furniture you see here features a classic English motif with clean, flowing lines. This is a substantial, enduring collection cast from high-grade, rust-free aluminum alloy. Cushions available in over 100 Sunbrella fabrics. Come see this furniture exclusively at our Reston, Virginia showroom. Or visit us online at www.HomeEscapes.com.

Purple Rain

Mom's Design Build

Small traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with with fireplace, brick pavers and a pergola.

Rolston Drive Covered Patio & Fireplace

ReVision Design/Remodeling

A brand new, robust drainage system hidden under the bluestone and brick patio insure proper drainage. Brick steps between the retaining walls lead up the the secret perennial garden. © Deborah Scannell Photography

Ibis Country Club - West Palm Beach, FL

Fischman Outdoor Kitchens

Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Summer Kitchen

Banda Design

Summer Kitchen on back patio with Old Chicago brick pavers
Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Orlando with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Sulgrave

Ventures Design

Design ideas for a small arts and crafts backyard patio in Detroit with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

Pergola Oasis - Beaverton, OR

Vulcan Design & Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Portland with brick pavers and a pergola.

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.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Outdoor Dining and Steel Pergola

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Metal Arbor: Porter Barn Wood Photography: Scott Sandler

Front Garden, Courtyard and Patio

Picture This Landscape

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Houston with a vertical garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Rustic Glam New Construction

Home Innovations

Photographer: Tara Judd
Inspiration for a country front yard patio in Other with brick pavers and a roof extension.

An Enchanted Evening

Casa Smith Designs, LLC

Inspiration for an expansive traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Backyard Transformation

Ozio Landscape Architects

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

East Shore Outdoor Rooms

Jamie House Design

Julie Soefer
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Denver with brick pavers and a roof extension.

East Northport Brown Jordan Kitchen

Outdoorliving By Kenneth Reilly

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and an awning.

All Covers Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers

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!