Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Modern Farmhouse

Brad Ramsey Interiors

Photo of a large backyard patio in Nashville with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Stately Residence

Peregrine Design Build

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Burlington with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Outdoor Privacy Screens

Boyce Design + Build

Below the sunroom, our designers created a private outdoor sanctuary with features including a Belgard paver patio and covered dining space. Large flagstone steppers lead you to a modern concrete fire bowl and seating area. The custom horizontal privacy screens and lush landscaping provide a tranquil setting to this outdoor living space.

Gallagher Farm Modern Rustic Patio & Dining Area

TLC Gardens

The outdoor dining area opens up the opportunity to dine and gather in the outdoors at home with friends and family. A modern steel pergola custom designed and built for the space adds shade and is treated to match the home's color palette.

Outdoor Seating

Seating Innovations

This is an example of a small backyard patio in Salt Lake City with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Pavilion

KD Landscape

Pavilion with custom trellis on wall. Photo courtesy of Dennis Wadas.
Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

6552

Bickford And Company

The Catio screened porch for the fur babies
Mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Kansas City with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Pergola with screen columns

The Garden District

The double post pergola columns with trellis detail are used to grow the beautiful flower vines. This sure will be beautiful by Spring! The landscape is the perfect backdrop to this beautiful set up patio.

Slim House

Matt Fajkus Architecture

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.

Friesen Back

Colonial Stone

A beautiful outdoor living space with built-in grill and retractable screen for outdoor entertainment. The patio stone is Patterned Laurel provided by Orijin Stone. The walls are a mix of Fond du Lac, Chilton and Weathered Edge Chilton.

Damariscotta River View

Whitten Architects

Inspiration for a beach style patio in Portland Maine with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

The Suburban Farmhaus

Howes Design Co

The Suburban Farmhaus //⁠ ⁠ A hint of country in the city suburbs. What a joy it was working on this project together with talented designers, architects & builders.⁠⠀ ⁠ The design seamlessly curated, and the end product bringing the clients vision to life perfectly.⁠ Architect - @arcologic_design⁠ Interiors & Exteriors - @lahaus_creativestudio⁠ Documentation - @howes.and.homes.designs⁠ Builder - @sovereignbuilding⁠ Landscape - @jemhanbury⁠ Photography - @jody_darcy⁠

Wilmington Court - Outdoor Dining & Cooking

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

View of a custom designed fire-table with a polished concrete top & a steel trestle base. The outdoor cooking space beyond is also custom designed & fabricated of raw steel & reclaimed wood. The venthood has a motorized awning door concealing a large outdoor television.

Kitchens

Fountainhead Studio - Danny Houlihan, Principal

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Denver with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Shaded Outdoor Seating, Dining and Grilling Areas

Michael Molesky Interior Design

Four chair teak deep seating conversation area. Expandable teak dining set with all weather rope woven dining chairs. Stone built in grill. All under a shading pergola.

Ordway Street

Eisenmann Architecture

Mark Compton
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

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 | Statement Fireplace

Southview Design

Incorporating the homeowners' love of hills, mountains, and water, this grand fireplace patio would be at home in a Colorado ski resort. The unique firebox border was created from Montana stone and evokes a mountain range. Large format Bluestone pavers bring the steely blue waters of Great Lakes and mountain streams into this unique backyard patio.

Small Backyard Transformation

Exscape Designs

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

All Covers 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!