Home built by JMA (Jim Murphy and Associates); designed by Howard Backen, Backen Gillam & Kroeger Architects. Interior design by Jennifer Robin Interiors. Photo credit: Tim Maloney, Technical Imagery Studios. This warm and inviting residence, designed in the California Wine Country farmhouse vernacular, for which the architectural firm is known, features an underground wine cellar with adjoining tasting room. The home’s expansive, central great room opens to the outdoors with two large lift-n-slide doors: one opening to a large screen porch with its spectacular view, the other to a cozy flagstone patio with fireplace. Lift-n-slide doors are also found in the master bedroom, the main house’s guest room, the guest house and the pool house. A number of materials were chosen to lend an old farm house ambience: corrugated steel roofing, rustic stonework, long, wide flooring planks made from recycled hickory, and the home’s color palette itself.

Poolside Outdoor Kitchen

Mosby Building Arts

An in-ground pool and patio in a backyard needed one last thing to complete it: an outdoor kitchen! Flagstone and granite encase a gas grill, smoker, sink, refrigerator, trash receptacles and built-in ice chest. Bench seating on the other side of the bar allows a large group to cook, drink and relax at the same time. Photo by Mosby Building Arts.

Boise Residence

Hsu McCullough

Fire pit with raised dining deck beyond. Photo by Clark Dugger
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor kitchen in Stockport, Cheshire

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

One of our all-time favourite projects, this spacious L-shape project in Stockport, Cheshire is destined to be the envy of every friend, neighbour and guest that sets eyes on this garden. The kitchen blends in beautifully with the surrounding landscaping and lighting schemes, constructed by Creative Gardens & Driveways. The bar table and stool seating with the beautiful ‘Habitat’ design feature faces the rest of the beautifully landscaped gardens. The Millboard feature walls tie the design in with other zones in the garden. With a Gas BBQ for convenience and a Gusto Charcoal BBQ for that smoky style, this kitchen is every social Chef’s dream.

Seneca Residence

Verdance Landscape Architecture

Once the existing brick patio was cleaned, the Woodard 'Sculptura' chair, bench and ottomans provide comfortable seating while a selection of framed succulents, as well as street art from the owner's collection, provide an interesting backdrop. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

Blue Ridge View Home

Board & Vellum

Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Delightful Duplex

Cathers Home Furniture + Interior Design

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Denver with concrete pavers and no cover.

Exteriors by Mary Hannah Interiors

Mary Hannah Interiors

Unique Media and Design
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and no cover.

Whole Home Painting Renovation in Sonoma

Pica Painting & Design LLC

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with decking and no cover.

True Coastal Comfort

Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures

Versailles pattern limestone is featured throughout many of the outdoor spaces on the property. Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Stone Fire Pit

Riedel Precision Landscaping, Inc.

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Outdoor Stone Fire Pits

Cutting Edge Landscape Design

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

Our Work

Abiatar Construction and Hardscape

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Patios

Green Environment Landscape, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and no cover.

Our Work

Michael Polikoff Landscape Architect

This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Albuquerque with natural stone pavers, no cover and a fire feature.

Creative Hardscapes projects

Creative Hardscapes

Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Cleveland with brick pavers, no cover and a water feature.

Bozeman, MT

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Company

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with brick pavers and no cover.

Rehabilitación en Noutigos, Carnota

dom arquitectura

Victor Solís
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean side yard patio in Barcelona with a vegetable garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Transitional Living Room

Courtney H. Design LLC

GTDM Photo
Inspiration for a small transitional courtyard patio in Houston with a water feature, no cover and gravel.

Rural Getaway

Urban Bonfire

A cedar cladded cooking island decorates a lush backyard, complementing the natural scenery. Using an ultra-compact Dekton countertop adds a modern and functional touch to this classic kitchen, featuring gas and charcoal grills.

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!