Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
Inspiration for a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Beaucatcher Barn Home

Altura Architects

We used the timber frame of a century old barn to build this rustic modern house. The barn was dismantled, and reassembled on site. Inside, we designed the home to showcase as much of the original timber frame as possible. Photography by Todd Crawford

Villa à Toulon

KAST DESIGN

Inspiration for a large beach style side yard patio in Paris with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Inspiration for a large midcentury side yard patio in San Diego with concrete slab and a pergola.

The view from inside which leads directly out onto the garden

Georgia Lindsay Garden Design

The bifold doors open directly onto this seating area creating a seamless flow from interior to exterior. Photographed by Nathalie Priem
Inspiration for a small contemporary front yard patio in London.

Fair Oaks- Patio

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Architecture: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: Macomber Carpentry & Construction Landscape Architect: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

Fire pits

Great Escape Landscaping

Large traditional side yard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Secluded Front Yard Patio

FormLA Landscaping

This delightfully private patio sits under expansive tree canopy in the front garden. Wrapped in dense, native foliage it is full of fragrance and wildlife. Natural stone with decomposed granite joints allows water to sink into the soil to feed the surrounding foliage. The homeowners enjoy taking their coffee and lunch under the vintage chandelier.

OASIS AT HOME

Dona Rosene Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional side yard patio in Dallas with a vertical garden, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Fire Pit

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized country side yard patio in Nashville with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Revelry

Andrew Heiser

Large modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and an awning.

Urban Outdoor Living

Trevor Fulmer Design

To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Pine Lake - Private Lakeside Wisconsin Resort Home

Vetter Architects

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

Wayzata Cape Dutch

Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd

Interior Design: Lucy Interior Design | Builder: Detail Homes | Landscape Architecture: TOPO | Photography: Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic side yard patio in Minneapolis with gravel and no cover.

Rose City Fence & Patio Construction

Rolling Hills Remodeling LLC

Side view of the completed patio cover
Inspiration for a small traditional front yard patio in Portland with an awning.

Modern Deck - Racine

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Narrow juniper chinensis 'Taylor' add a vertical element to what would otherwise be a blank wall. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Photo of a mid-sized modern front yard patio in Milwaukee with decking and no cover.

The Truckee, CA Project (Firepit + Seating + Patios + Outdoor Art)

JTA Stoneworks LLC

Mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Other with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Complete Property Makeover

Down2Earth Landscape Design

Retaining wall for sloped backyard to allow for better drainage
This is an example of a country side yard patio in Toronto with concrete pavers.

Elegant Home

LDB HOMES LLC

Side Patio with Solid Wood construction.
Inspiration for a small midcentury side yard patio in Seattle with an awning.

The Breathing Wall Residence

LIJO.RENY.architects

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Other with concrete pavers.

Front Yard and Side Yard Patio Design Ideas

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!