Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

December highlights photography 2022

Real Property Photography | Sunshine Coast South

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Sunshine Coast with tile and a roof extension.

Kaimana

Innovative Design and Build Group

This is an example of a modern patio in Brisbane with tile and a roof extension.

MSN Homes Griffin display home

ProAbode Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Project of the Month: September 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet. The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining. The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio. The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as space for dining. The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside. The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling. Click Photography

An Estate to Remember

Casabella Interiors

Large beach style backyard patio in Boston with with fireplace, a pergola and tile.

Ardsley Custom

M. Lahr Homes

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Orlando with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Midwest Outdoor Living in a Bird Lover's Backyard

The Cleary Company

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with brick pavers and a pergola.

Bayshores 3

Garden Studio

Photo by Mellon Studio
Beach style patio in Los Angeles with with fireplace, tile and a pergola.

Pimiento Lane

DD Ford Construction

Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with brick pavers.

Frenchman's Harbor Client

St. Amour Interior Design

Design ideas for a beach style patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Spanish Remodel

Interior Archaeology

Courtyard Dining Room
Large mediterranean courtyard patio in Los Angeles with with fireplace, tile and a pergola.

Cortijo

Tom Meaney Architect, AIA

Large outdoor patio provides seating by fireplace and outdoor dining with bbq and grill.
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Courtyard

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Photography: Scott Sandler

Container Plantings

The JCRD Group

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Expansive Covered Patio

Angela Wells Interior Design

Trent Teigen
This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Long town garden Strawberry Hill

Echinops Garden Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with a water feature, tile and no cover.

Urban Frenzy

KD Landscape

Prior to completion the pergola housed just the loveseat while the grill and the balance of furniture were still in transit. This project received a 2013 Hardscape North America Design Award, and a 2014 ILCA Award of Excellence. It is also been featured in Chicagoland Gardening Magazine and Total Landscape Care Magazine. Design by John Algozzini. Photography by Bridget Clauson.

Atherton, CA New Home Construction

Kathryn MacDonald Photography

Outdoor entertaining at its elegant best. A pergola designates the dining space of the patio and allows for overhead lighting and electricity. Photography by www.macdonaldphoto.com. Interior design by Marie Christine Design of NYC.

Amante

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

This client started with their home remodel and then hired us to create the exterior as an extension of the interior living space. The backyard was sloped and did not provide much flat area. We built a completely private inner courtyard with an over-sized entry door, tile patio, and a colorful custom water feature to create an intimate gathering space. The backyard redesign included a small pool with spa addition (pictured here), fireplace, shade structures and built in wall fountain. Photo Credit - Cynthia Montgomery

Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers and Tile

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!