Rock Paper Scissors Landscape Design Build

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Situated within a one-acre lot in Austin’s Tarry Trail neighborhood, the backyard of this existing 1933- vintage historical house was underutilized. The owners felt that the main drawbacks of the existing backyard were a general disconnection between each outdoor area and a general lack of relationship to the house proper. Therefore, the primary goal of the redesign was a scheme that would promote the use of the outdoor zones, with the pool as a centerpiece. The first major design move was to frame the pool with a new structure as a backdrop. This cabana is perpendicular to the main house and creates a clear “bookend” to the upper level deck while housing indoor and outdoor activities. Under the cabana’s overhang, an integrated seating space offers a balance of sunlight and shade while an outdoor grill and bar area facilitate the family’s outdoor lifestyle. The only enclosed program exists as a naturally lit perch within the canopy of the trees, providing a serene environment to exercise within the comfort of a climate-controlled space. A corollary focus was to create sectional variation within the volume of the pool to encourage dynamic use at both ends while relating to the interior program of the home. A shallow beach zone for children to play is located near the family room and the access to the play space in the yard below. At the opposite end of the pool, outside the formal living room, another shallow space is made to be a splash-free sunbathing area perfect for enjoying an adult beverage. The functional separation set up by the pool creates a subtle and natural division between the energetic family spaces for playing, lounging, and grilling, and the composed, entertaining and dining spaces. The pool also enhances the formal program of the house by acting as a reflecting pool within a composed view from the front entry that draws visitors to an outdoor dining area under a majestic oak tree. By acting as a connector between the house and the yard, the elongated pool bridges the day-to-day activities within the house and the lush, sprawling backyard. Planter beds and low walls provide loose constraints to organize the overall outdoor living area, while allowing the space to spill out into the yard. Terraces navigate the sectional change in the landscape, offering a passage to the lower yard where children can play on the grass as the parents lounge by the outdoor fireplace.

Mission Hills Post-war Modern

Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc

Post-war modern outdoor kitchen in Mission Hills. Two-sided fireplace, pizza oven, BBQ, pergola with shade canvas
This is an example of a modern backyard patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Larkspur White in Forest

PatriARCH Architecture

View of entry, blue door,
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and no cover.

2020 NARI CotY Award Winning Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Progressive Design Build, Bonita Springs, Florida, 2020 Regional CotY Award Winner, Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Farmhouse Backyard Landscape - Hawthorn Woods, IL

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The conversation set of furniture is framed by an arc of 'Summer Beauty' allium with 'Blue Fortune' agastache beyond. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers.

Matching a Modern Home in Richmond

Outdoor Dreams

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Richmond with an outdoor kitchen and natural stone pavers.

BBQ and Rocks

Exigent Landscaping LLC

Large transitional backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Transitional Patio

Transitional backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Stamped Concrete Patios

Aztec Decorative Concrete

Textured Concrete
Large traditional backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor living space

Otero Signature Homes

Large backyard patio in Cleveland with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Holladay Residence

Clayton Vance Architecture

Large traditional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with no cover, a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Wilmington Court - Outdoor Shower

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

Outdoor shower on brick wall with custom bluestone shower pan with hidden drain. The fire pit area can been seen at left. The door to the pool bath is seen at right.

LanChester Grill & Hearth Display

Eagle Wings Business Network

Inspiration for a patio in Other with natural stone pavers and an outdoor kitchen.

Traditional Cherry Hills Village Custom Home

KGA Studio Architects, PC

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Denver with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Newport Beach Stationary Sunbrella Shading and Custom Pillows

Designs by Dian Window Treatments

This outdoor living area was a new build and needed protection from the sun. The Sunbrella shading is stationary and attached to the structure with stainless steel hardware. Designs by Dian fabricated and installed the shading. All custom pillows were fabricated by Designs by Dian.

Outdoor Kitchen and firepit

Ispiri Design-Build

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

A Landscaper's Dream | Rough-sawn Cedar Pergola

Southview Design

The pergola is built from rough-sawn cedar, adding to the backyard's remote and rustic feel. To reduce the risk of slivers, the pergola legs were sanded smooth, while the upper beams retain their rugged texture.

Ridgefield Barn

Mark P Finlay Interiors

The outdoor living area cozies up to a gorgeous stone fireplace. Photography by Michael Partenio
This is an example of a country backyard patio in New York with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Escape

Erica Peale Design

This outdoor escape is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day! Upholstered furniture with an eclectic mix of throw pillows provides comfortable seating. A concrete and teak coffee table is coupled with navy blue rope and concrete side tables. The modern teak dining table and gray rope chairs are perfect for outdoor dining! This outdoor escape is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day! Upholstered furniture with an eclectic mix of throw pillows provides comfortable seating. A concrete and teak coffee table is coupled with navy blue rope and concrete side tables. The modern teak dining table and gray rope chairs are perfect for outdoor dining! Erica Peale Design

Patio Design Ideas with 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!