We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake.

Outdoor living Space with Retractable Screen Wall

Heartlands Building Company

This space includes a beautiful fireplace, a retractable solar/privacy screen, all poolside.
Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard patio in St Louis with with fireplace, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

A Poolscape to be Enjoyed Year-Round

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a traditional backyard patio in Richmond with with fireplace and no cover.

Texan's Carmel Inspired Retreat

Alterra Landscape Design

Large transitional backyard patio in Dallas with with fireplace, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Preserve

Strandemo & Associates, Inc

Photo of a mediterranean backyard patio in San Diego with with fireplace, concrete slab and no cover.

Outdoor Living Room

Lynn Cesaria STYLE

Design ideas for a traditional patio in New York with with fireplace and a pergola.

Dallas Covered Patio With Outdoor Fireplace and More!

Archadeck of Northeast Dallas

This backyard escape had an existing natural flagstone patio, under cover of a cedar pergola. We perfectly matched the existing flagstone, and seamlessly extended the patio to accommodate a new outdoor fireplace and better use of the space overall. The extension begins at the pergola’s support post – with no line of demarcation or evidence of new versus existing materials!

McFarlin

Shawna Kuykendall Interiors

Beach style backyard patio in Dallas with with fireplace.

Ridgefield Barn

Mark P Finlay Interiors

The outdoor living area cozies up to a gorgeous stone fireplace. Photography by Michael Partenio
This is an example of a country backyard patio in New York with with fireplace, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

Photo of a large midcentury backyard patio in Other with with fireplace and a roof extension.

Smith Residence - Custom Home

King Custom Homes

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Austin with with fireplace, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Grace and Elegance

Rockwood Custom Homes

This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Calgary with with fireplace 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.

Signature | LaMora

Divco Custom Homes

Beach style backyard patio in Miami with tile and with fireplace.

Mediterranean Patio

Mediterranean backyard patio in Phoenix with tile, a pergola and with fireplace.

Desert Retreat

Friedman & Shields

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

Modern Spanish Revival

SDG Architects

Photo by John Merkl
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard patio in San Francisco with a roof extension, concrete pavers and with fireplace.

Palmetto Bluff - H2 Builders' Idea Home

H2 Builders

Inspiration for a country courtyard patio in Atlanta with brick pavers, no cover and with fireplace.

Outdoor Living

Knauf-Koenig Group

Photo of a beach style backyard patio in Other with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

English Country House | Greenville, DE

Period Architecture Ltd.

Angle Eye Photography
Photo of a small traditional side yard patio in Wilmington with brick pavers, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Patio Design Ideas with with Fireplace

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!