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

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.

Tinson Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in San Francisco with decking and a pergola.

Reportage

Sandblomman interior

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

Traditional Brick Patio, Garden and Pool Lounge Furniture

Hive Home

Teak furniture with custom cushions, tile top table, garden stool.
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers and no cover.

Project 3419-1 Outdoor Living Space Screen Porch Deck Porch Bar Minneapolis

Castle Building & Remodeling

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Inspiration for a small industrial backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen and brick pavers.

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.

Flex Roof

Armadillo Convertible Room Solutions

Available in different fabrics and colors. All products are custom made. We chose the top-rated "Gennius Awning" for our FlexRoof. The FlexRoof is a roller-roof system, from KE Durasol Awnings, one of the best rated awning companies. The FlexRoof is more unique than traditional awnings on the market, such as retractable awnings. The FlexRoof is built onto a pergola-type frame (or mounted onto a FlexRoom) which aesthetically enhances your outdoor space and adds function as an outdoor room. The FlexRoof provides overhead protection from outdoor elements with design and innovation. Our FlexRoof can be installed together with or separately from a FlexRoom. All FlexRoofs are custom designed and are available in a variety of frame options, fabrics, and colors. Lights and/or speaker installations are optional.

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

live eat relax and play in the back yard

austin outdoor design

fire pit creates a visual and physical connection from the sunken sitting area to the modern play house at the end of the backyard. the tigerwood ceiling opens itself to a spacious ipe deck that leads down to conversation pit surrounding the fire or the outdoor kitchen patio. the space provides entertainment space for both the young and the old. designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

Beneath Starry Skies

Casa Smith Designs, LLC

Is there anything more fun than outdoor entertaining? The house, patio and lawn all flow together to create one seamless space that appears to go forever. Here we worked to create the kind of atmosphere you find in an Italian Piazza with the outdoor market lights strung from the house to the tree and speakers hidden in strategic locations filling the air with music. Photo Credit: Mark Pinkerton, vi360

Outdoor Kitchens by Challenger Designs, LLC

Challenger Designs

Stephen Long Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Nashville with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

Spanish Revival House

Colossus Mfg.

Outdoor living space in backyard features a fire pit and a cement tile fountain.
Photo of a mediterranean backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

Organic Modern Mountain Home

Living Stone Design + Build

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Other with a roof extension and decking.

Backyard Patio

Madison Lawn Care

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

Gardens

LandZen Landscape Design & Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with brick pavers and no cover.

Hot Tub with City View

Wolf Design Studio

Large modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a vertical garden, decking and no cover.

Trex Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Denver with decking and no cover.

Mangaris Wood Custom Patio Screen

Outside InStyle

Mangaris wood privacy screen with changing widths to add interest. Porch wood screen blocks barbeque from deck patio view. Photo by Katrina Coombs
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers and Decking

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!