Graham Atkins-Hughes
Inspiration for a small beach style backyard patio in New York with brick pavers and no cover.

New Urban Garden

SED Design

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Escondido

Envy Landscape Design Inc.

Contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, decomposed granite and an awning.

Midwest Outdoor Living in a Bird Lover's Backyard

The Cleary Company

Daniel Feldkamp @ Visual Edge Imaging
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with brick pavers and a pergola.

Hilsabecks Residence Renovation

Dawn Bowman Design

Mid-sized country front yard patio in Phoenix with brick pavers and no cover.

Family Compound

Paul Hendershot Design, Inc.

Many outdoor rooms interconnect around this entire “Family Compound,” a back house, and adjourning guest home. There is everything you need to entertain a giant family and to have friends over for a pool party. Some elements include a huge agave orchard with courtyards, an outdoor BBQ kitchen, a vegetable garden with fruit trees, a swimming pool, patios and levels. The landscape design also addresses drought tolerance and organic gardening. Paul Hendershot Design Inc. furniture: https://www.houzz.com/photos/products/seller--paulhendershot PC | Alicia Cattoni for paulhendershotdesign.com

Fire Features

Timberwall Landscape & Masonry Products, Inc.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Barrington Hills Entertaining Patio

Ringers Landscape Services, Inc.

Gas firepit
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Hunting for Perfection

Hobbs' Ink, LLC

Kurt Forschen of Twist Tours Photography
Design ideas for a large beach style backyard patio in Austin with decomposed granite and no cover.

Timber Texture All Concrete Outdoor Kitchen

Concrete Commander

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Jacksonville with an outdoor kitchen and brick pavers.

Outdoor Living Areas

The Secret Garden

Large contemporary backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Franklin Lakes Colonial

SEK Architects

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Orange County with brick pavers, with fireplace and a gazebo/cabana.

2016 Summer Backyard Hot Tub and Furnishings

Imagine Backyard Living

Imagine Backyard Living is the exclusive Arizona retailer of Jacuzzi® and Sundance® spas, two of the most recognized brand-names in hot tubs and makers of the highest-quality spas available. We also partner with the best outdoor furnishing companies in the business.

Lancaster area paver patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with brick pavers and no cover.

Eclectic retrospective

Garden Structures & More

Pergolas to say the least are only limited by my imagination.
This is an example of a small eclectic side yard patio in Minneapolis with brick pavers and a pergola.

Viso Residence

Lionel F Bailey AIA Architect LLC

Oivanki Photography | www.oivanki.com
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in New Orleans with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Viso Residence

Lionel F Bailey AIA Architect LLC

Oivanki Photography | www.oivanki.com
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in New Orleans with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Eleanor - Low Country Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Spanish influenced designs

Clint Miller Architect

The home owner desired a home that would grace their Arcadia neighborhood in a subtle manner and echo the original ranch homes of the area. To achieve this desire, they drew on architectural influences from both Ranch Hacienda and Rural Mediterranean. Ranch Hacienda architecture is reflective of historical ranch heritage from rural Arizona and traditional Spanish Hacienda style homes. It is defined by the prominent use of two primary building materials: stone and exterior plaster. This style projects casual informality, characterized by the use of traditional clay tile roofs, timbers, and exposed rafter tails. Informal and asymmetrical rectilinear forms characterize the Rural Mediterranean style, while gable shed roofs create a charming country appearance similar to those in old world vineyards. The primary façade and entry create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. By positioning the home’s long axis perpendicular to the street, the main room is exposed to dramatic views of the Camelback Mountain and, as well, protected from direct sun exposure. Thus, the north courtyard presents direct views of Camelback and offers a very comfortable gathering place for residents and guests to enjoy their favorite glass of wine, during delightful conversation.

Porch Enclosure

Deckscapes Inc

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Charlotte with a fire feature, no cover and brick pavers.

Patio Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite and 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!