This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, stamped concrete and a gazebo/cabana.

Large traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Hispania Fieldstone Firepit with Granite Paving Photo by Neil Landino Bring the indoors out and transform your backyard into an open air retreat. You can add a single element like a fire pit or create an entire outdoor oasis complete with fireplace, pizza oven and outdoor kitchen. Either way, you can extend your outdoor season and your family and friends will never say no to an invitation.

Design ideas for a large asian backyard full sun garden in San Francisco with with pond.

Inspiration for a large contemporary courtyard patio in Dallas with no cover, an outdoor kitchen and concrete pavers.

Here's one of our most recent projects that was completed in 2011. This client had just finished a major remodel of their house in 2008 and were about to enjoy Christmas in their new home. At the time, Seattle was buried under several inches of snow (a rarity for us) and the entire region was paralyzed for a few days waiting for the thaw. Our client decided to take advantage of this opportunity and was in his driveway sledding when a neighbor rushed down the drive yelling that his house was on fire. Unfortunately, the house was already engulfed in flames. Equally unfortunate was the snowstorm and the delay it caused the fire department getting to the site. By the time they arrived, the house and contents were a total loss of more than $2.2 million. Our role in the reconstruction of this home was two-fold. The first year of our involvement was spent working with a team of forensic contractors gutting the house, cleansing it of all particulate matter, and then helping our client negotiate his insurance settlement. Once we got over these hurdles, the design work and reconstruction started. Maintaining the existing shell, we reworked the interior room arrangement to create classic great room house with a contemporary twist. Both levels of the home were opened up to take advantage of the waterfront views and flood the interiors with natural light. On the lower level, rearrangement of the walls resulted in a tripling of the size of the family room while creating an additional sitting/game room. The upper level was arranged with living spaces bookended by the Master Bedroom at one end the kitchen at the other. The open Great Room and wrap around deck create a relaxed and sophisticated living and entertainment space that is accentuated by a high level of trim and tile detail on the interior and by custom metal railings and light fixtures on the exterior.

photo: Gary Marsh
Expansive traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with no cover and concrete slab.

Mid-sized country backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with concrete slab.

Photo Credit: Rixon Photography
Large traditional front yard verandah in Boston with a roof extension and tile.

Photo of a traditional patio in San Francisco.

Photograph by Art Gray
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern courtyard patio in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Large beach style backyard patio in Houston with tile and a roof extension.

The Art Of Outdoor Living by Grace Design Associates *Builder of the Year: Best Landscape and Hardscape for Santa Barbara Contractors Association *Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Merit Award

Architecture: Justin Humphrey Architect Photography: Andy Macpherson
Industrial patio in Los Angeles with a roof extension.

Anice Hoachlander/Hoachlander-Davis Photography
This is an example of a large country backyard patio in DC Metro with a fire feature, a roof extension and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a midcentury backyard patio in Denver with concrete slab and a pergola.

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, no cover and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Photographer: Roger Foley
Photo of a traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers, no cover and with fireplace.