Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Photography by Meghan Montgomery
Inspiration for a small midcentury front yard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Flagstone Patio

Core Outdoor Living

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in DC Metro with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Projet en cours // Villa des Cimes

Nathalie Odiot Architecture d'Intérieur

Patio arrière végétalisée
This is an example of a large mediterranean side yard patio in Other with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Kitchen Project, Orchard House

Humphrey Munson

Hand-crafted using traditional joinery techniques, this outdoor kitchen is made from hard-wearing Iroko wood and finished with stainless steel hardware ensuring the longevity of this Markham cabinetry. With a classic contemporary design that suits the modern, manicured style of the country garden, this outdoor kitchen has the balance of simplicity, scale and proportion that H|M is known for. Using an L-shape configuration set within a custom designed permanent timber gazebo, this outdoor kitchen is cleverly zoned to include all of the key spaces required in an indoor kitchen for food prep, grilling and clearing away. On the right-hand side of the kitchen is the cooking run featuring the mighty 107cm Wolf outdoor gas grill. Already internationally established as an industrial heavyweight in the luxury range cooker market, Wolf have taken outdoor cooking to the next level with this behemoth of a barbeque. Designed and built to stand the test of time and exponentially more accurate than a standard barbeque, the Wolf outdoor gas grill also comes with a sear zone and infrared rotisserie spit as standard. To assist with food prep, positioned underneath the counter to the left of the Wolf outdoor grill is a pull-out bin with separate compartments for food waste and recycling. Additional storage to the right is utilised for storing the LPG gas canister ensuring the overall look and feel of the outdoor kitchen is free from clutter and from a practical point of view, protected from the elements. Just like the indoor kitchen, the key to a successful outdoor kitchen design is the zoning of the space – think about all the usual things like food prep, cooking and clearing away and make provision for those activities accordingly. In terms of the actual positioning of the kitchen think about the sun and where it is during the afternoons and early evening which will be the time this outdoor kitchen is most in use. A timber gazebo will provide shelter from the direct sunlight and protection from the elements during the winter months. Stone flooring that can withstand a few spills here and there is essential, and always incorporate a seating area than can be scaled up or down according to your entertaining needs. Photo Credit - Paul Craig

Decatur Back Yard Makeover

Plants Creative Landscapes

Large arts and crafts backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Contemporary Desert Geometry

BOXHILL

Photography by Matt Vacca
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers, a gazebo/cabana and with fireplace.

Our Projects

CHRISTIE DUSTMAN & COMPANY INC.

Parking and patio areas were competing for prominence which left our homeowner with no privacy from the street. This planting berm baffles the view of the parking area and the street which allows you to sink into greenery and grasses.

Outdoor Kitchen

Concrete Commander

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Jacksonville with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Natural Light Patio Cover

Dave VanAm Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Toronto with a roof extension and natural stone pavers.

Back yard reno

User

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Our Work

Seifert Builder's LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Palmerston Lake Cottage

Bell+Associates Architecture Inc.

Front Porch Photography
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Ottawa with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

User

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Flagstone & Irregular Shaped Natural Stone

London Stoneworks LLC

Designed by Laura Maurer
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Santa Barbara, California

KES Studio

The residence received a full gut renovation to create a modern coastal retreat vacation home. This was achieved by using a neutral color pallet of sands and blues with organic accents juxtaposed with custom furniture’s clean lines and soft textures.

Creative Hardscapes projects

Creative Hardscapes

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Cleveland with natural stone pavers, no cover and a fire feature.

Inspired by a Turtle's Shell

Ecoscape Environmental Design

The backyard of this brick home on University Hill in Boulder was in need of renovation to bring together awkward angles, window wells, and uneven surfaces. This tight space was not inviting and rarely used. The homeowners were inspired by turtle shells and desired bamboo plants for their Asian aesthetic. Clean lines and light creams have replaced the mix-mosh of haphazard stones and unset redstone pavers. Now the space feels intentionally designed and welcoming.

Orono Entertainment

Stonepocket Unique Landscapes

Tim Heelan
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Nissequogue, NY

Q Design Group LLC

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

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!