Marion Brenner Photography
Photo of a large contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with tile and no cover.

Project of the Month: September 2017

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

Ardsley Custom

M. Lahr Homes

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

Chiswick House - coming soon

Bastet Design House

Photo of a small contemporary patio in London with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Desert Retreat

Friedman & Shields

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Golf Course Living

CC Designs LLC

Large country backyard patio in Denver with a roof extension and tile.

Scarsdale Home

Toledo Geller

This is an example of a large traditional front yard patio in New York with tile and a roof extension.

North Lakes Pool & Entertainment Area

Dion Seminara Architecture

The main issues that were identified in this home were a lack of light in the kitchen and a lack of connection to the outdoor area. There was no direct line of sight to the pool area, and there was a very harsh western aspect coming into the terrace area. To combat these problems, a skylight was added to the kitchen area and an internal wall was removed which opened up the internal living spaces. Some large doors were added to connect the outdoor area with the kitchen and allowing a view line to open up to the pool area. This new outdoor area was designed to be split up into two areas, a lounging area and a dining area with a barbeque connection. As the existing home was a project home, the styling for the outdoor area was to be cutting edge, modern contemporary. The interesting roof line with the charcoal roof sheeting was streamlined at the back to add contemporary lines to the new structure. The result is of this styling is an exceptionally warm and inviting outdoor entertainment space. The outdoor entertainment area design provides a relaxing yet luxurious space for the family to gather, whilst offering the opportunity for entertaining friends from within the same space. This dual purpose approach to the design catered specifically to the lifestyle requirements of the occupants.

Seat Wall and Fire Pit, Glen Rock, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

Large traditional backyard patio in New York with a fire feature, no cover and tile.

ipe bench with planters

Dion City Landscapes, Inc

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in New York with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Project of the Month: April 2016

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images

Bay Area Designs

Patrick Lannan Designs

Mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with tile and no cover.

Completed Projects

Hadinger Flooring

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Modern Courtyard

Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects

Scott Shigley
Photo of a small modern backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

outdoor living

Ocean Builders of S W Florida Inc

Ellie Bloom
Photo of a large tropical backyard patio in Tampa with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Wycliffe Drive

Crafted Custom Homes + Renovations

Back porch at Wycliffe Drive project in Houston Photos by Curtis Lawson
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Houston with tile and a roof extension.

Pergolas

Montell Construction

Pergola projects
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Grand Rapids with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

North Carolina Residence

Details Interiors, LLC

Galie Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Raleigh with tile and no cover.

South Courtyard View - Partially Covered Awning

Krueger Architects

Ulimited Style Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with tile and an awning.

Roxboro

Gardenscapes

Designed and photographed by Elise VanEe
Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Calgary with tile and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with 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!