Walpole Garden, Chiswick Photography by Caroline Mardon - www.carolinemardon.com
Small traditional courtyard patio in London with brick pavers.

Country Farm House

a Blade of Grass

Bluestone patio with reclaimed granite firepit.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Waterview - River Valley

Parkinson Building Group

French Country home built by Parkinson Building Group in the Waterview subdivision and featured on the cover of the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Country French Magazine

Locke Residence

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

The site in River Oaks, located across from a neighborhood shopping center, called for a rethinking of a typical front yard. The design creates a private courtyard garden with a small pool as the exterior focus for the living spaces as well as the master bedroom. Peter Molick Photography

Outdoor Rooms

Style Reboot

A Red Bench and a small butterfly table grace the secret garden beneath an apple tree
Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Denver with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Enhancing a Classic Charm

Braen Supply

Enhancing the Classic Charm The experts at Braen Supply were tasked with finding materials that would enhance the character and charm of this house, which was built in 1960. The homeowner was looking to give the older, existing walkway, driveway and patio a face lift that would bring it into the twenty first century. In addition to redoing those areas, the homeowner added a large fire pit in the backyard, which is surrounded by pea gravel, where friends and family can sit and enjoy the fire on a cool night. Boulders were added to the landscaping bringing depth and texture to the flowerbeds. The changes that were made to the home made a huge difference in the overall appearance of the house. It now has a modern look while still maintaining that classic charm feeling.

Lafayette Rustic Courtyard

Viator & Associates Inc

Design ideas for a small country backyard patio in New Orleans with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Seat Walls & Garden Walls

London Stoneworks LLC

WWW.LONDONSTONEWORKS.COM Designed by KMS Gardens & Design.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Encino Estate

JWT Associates

A small backyard was transformed into several outdoor rooms for cooking, dining, lounging, and playing bocce. Lee Manning Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor Grilling Station

New Outlooks Construction

With a grill like that, why wouldn't you want to spend all your time outdoors. Great space to host guests. Make the most of your backyard with a personalized grilling area, seating area, and patio. We used earth tones and plenty of flowers to create an open and inviting outdoor area. Stainless steel appliances complete the look, and make this outdoor area the place to be each summer.

Wallingford

Sage and Stone LLC

Large arts and crafts backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Traditional Patio

Design ideas for a small traditional courtyard patio in Chicago with a container garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Patios

Kona Land And Water Escape

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen.

Yorkville - Outdoor Living Area with Pergola & Fireplace

Yorkville Hill Landscaping Inc.

Yorkville Hill Landscaping
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Belgard Patio with Fire Pit & Grill Surround in Hoffman Estates, IL

Archadeck of Chicagoland

Stunning patio features Holland Stone pavers with an inset Mega Arbel circle. For added definition we designed a double soldiers course to surround the inset circle. The built-in grill surround adds definition to the space and the fire pit surrounded by seat walls creates an inviting space for entertaining. ~ Hoffman Estates, IL http://chicagoland.archadeck.com/

Falls Church Pavilion with Stone Column Bases

Core Outdoor Living

Freestanding pavilion with stone column bases over a concrete paver patio. Located in Falls Church, VA
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Tudor Eclectic, Kentucky Estate

Farris Concepts in Architecture

Porch detail off of Salon
Design ideas for a small traditional side yard patio in Nashville with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Various Projects

Harrington Porter

Photo of a traditional patio in London with natural stone pavers.

Courtyard of period cottage, Rye

Cornus Garden Design

This lovely old red brick wall was too good to waste so iron pot holders were sourced and now carry clay pots with a range of useful herbs, just a step from the kitchen door.

Patio Door

21st Century Doors & Windows

21st Century Doors & Windows
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Orange County with an outdoor kitchen, no cover and brick pavers.

Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers and Natural Stone 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!