Mackenzie Wheeler Architects & Designers

Photo by Marianne Majerus
Industrial courtyard patio in London with gravel, no cover and a vertical garden.

Redesign of courtyard with space saving seating made from Macrocarpa which has a very high natural oil content. Finely sanded and received 10 coats of oil and 2 coats of yacht varnish. cleaned and exposed stone wall and brick work and sealed to give a enhanced look. Cedar cladding to cover concrete block wall which was painted white, cedar finely sanded and finished in oil. Also with a floating bench and painted walls to help freshen the ambience.

Sedum Outdoor Living Wall

Vertical Oxygen Ltd

This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Calgary with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Rose Bay

Marylou Sobel Interior Design

Design ideas for a large contemporary courtyard patio in Sydney with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

A Stately Home

Wiedemann Architects LLC

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

Knightsbridge house

McQuin Partnership Interior Design

photo by Fisher Hart
Photo of a transitional patio in London with a vertical garden and no cover.

North West Design Award Winner 2010

Kim Rooney Design

Kim Rooney
Large contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with concrete pavers, no cover and a vertical garden.

Patios

Diamond Homes, Inc.

Denver Urban Patio
Photo of a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Denver with a vertical garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

HOUSE RENOVATION - BARNET, LONDON. Structural modifications, Interiors.

scaleruler.co - Architect, Interiors & Photography

This garden merges leisure and practicality, featuring a stone patio that leads to a space where the owner can cultivate their own vegetables, adding a sustainable element to the home's charm.

Virburnum Gate

Aralia: Innovation in Landscape Design

Aralia 2018
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary patio in Hertfordshire with a vertical garden and no cover.

Unique Small Garden

Harrington Porter

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in London with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Badri Residence

Architecture Paradigm

Photographer: Anand Jaju
Contemporary side yard patio in Bengaluru with a vertical garden and no cover.

Kensington House

Harriet Forde Design Ltd

Zac and Zac
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in London with a vertical garden and no cover.

West Village Townhouse

LUBRANO CIAVARRA ARCHITECTS PLLC

Chris Cooper Photographer
Contemporary backyard patio in New York with a vertical garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Mountain Cabin

Confluence Architecture

Heavy timber and steel grape arbor and sun shade on south patio
Design ideas for a small country side yard patio in Denver with a vertical garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

West Village Penthouse Terrace

Marpillero Pollak Architects

A new residential terrace bridges house and city by wrapping the four sides of a penthouse apartment, and creating vast outdoor living space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary patio in New York with a vertical garden, tile and no cover.

West Village Penthouse Terrace

Marpillero Pollak Architects

A new residential terrace bridges house and city by wrapping the four sides of a penthouse apartment, and creating vast outdoor living space.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary patio in New York with a vertical garden, tile and no cover.

Garden

C & A Custom Builders, Inc.

Custom bluestone and steel stairway with teak handrail.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in New York with a vertical garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Kelso Place

Maïtanne Hunt Garden & Landscape Design

Photo of a contemporary patio in London with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Garden Patio with City View and Hot Tub

Wolf Design Studio

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a vertical garden, no cover and tile.

Patio Design Ideas with a Vertical Garden and No Cover

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!