This is an example of a contemporary patio in Melbourne with no cover.

surry hills

panda studio architecture pty ltd

Photo of a contemporary patio in Sydney with concrete pavers and no cover.

Ranch Revival

Courtney Thomas Design

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

Rooftop Refuge

Lifescape Colorado.

Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Beaucatcher Barn Home

Altura Architects

We used the timber frame of a century old barn to build this rustic modern house. The barn was dismantled, and reassembled on site. Inside, we designed the home to showcase as much of the original timber frame as possible. Photography by Todd Crawford

Open Layout · Contemporary · Renovation

LMD Architecture Studio

Photo of a contemporary patio in Los Angeles with concrete slab and no cover.

Cozy Patio and Fireplace

Outdoor Dreams

Greg Koehler
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Classico Patio

Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in London with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Beacon Hill Bliss

Cording Landscape Design

Custom granite seat walls and firepit with Pennsylvania bluestone cap. Random pattern square cut PA bluestone patio surface. Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple enframes the view. Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

Custom Bar-B-Que

Projects General Construction, Inc

Jim Bartsch Photography
This is an example of a traditional patio in Santa Barbara with natural stone pavers and no cover.

North Oak Canyon

austin outdoor design

This is close up view of the patio, outdoor kitchen and dining area. Complete with floating grill and towel storage space. Photo by Ryann Ford.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Austin with concrete pavers and no cover.

SAN CLEMENTE Outdoor Renovation

Dupuis Design

The client wanted to use this terrace for entertainment. All we needed was a proper layout, lighting, make it fun and functional. Budget was a question so we avoided any contracting work, mixed affordable and expensive items. The outdoor barbecue existed, so I added in a firepit table, RGB led lighted planters and cube stools, purchased aluminum planters from CB2 and had it painted in red (the client likes warm colors), outdoor furnitures from CB2 and voila !! Oh of course let's not forget the pillows and throw. Photo Credit: Coy Gutierrez

Greico Designer Builders Dallas

Greico Designers/Builders Dallas

View of courtyard from upper level
Photo of a large modern courtyard patio in Dallas with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Highland Home, Austin Tx

Architecture By George

Transitional patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen and no cover.

Villa Sans Soucis

EVM landskab

This is an example of a contemporary patio in Copenhagen with a fire feature and no cover.

Natural Stone and Pea Gravel Patio and Firepit, per Client's Specs.

Ohana Natural Landscaping LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Oh Hey O'Hill

Morrison Interiors

This is an example of a large mediterranean courtyard patio in Orange County with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Contemporary Urban Small Space

Classic Landscapes, Inc.

Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Sandy House- Outdoor Shower

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: 41 Degrees North Construction, Inc. Landscape Architect: Wild Violets (Landscape and Garden Design on Martha's Vineyard) Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

Spanish Revival House

Colossus Mfg.

Outdoor living space in backyard features a fire pit and a cement tile fountain.
Photo of a mediterranean backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with 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!