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

Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
This is an example of a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Outdoor shower

Schram Designs

Red Mangaris
Photo of a small arts and crafts side yard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor shower, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Glen Road

risa boyer architecture

Large midcentury side yard patio in Portland with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Ultimate NW Contemporary Architecture

Kritsonis Lindor

Design ideas for an expansive transitional side yard patio in Seattle with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Photo of a large midcentury side yard patio in San Diego with with fireplace, concrete slab and a pergola.

Casual Luxe St. Martin II

Norris Furniture & Interiors

Luxurious master bath outdoor shower.
This is an example of a large transitional side yard patio in Other with an outdoor shower and a pergola.

Dellagio Community Dr. Phillips

BLG ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Photo of a small modern side yard patio in Orlando with a fire feature, a roof extension and natural stone pavers.

The Lake House

INNER SPACE DESIGNS

Custom designed fence incorporating hanging potted plants and market lights creating a lovely corridor welcoming guests and passers by.
Small side yard patio in Seattle with concrete slab and an awning.

Exterior Shower

Carlos Delgado Architect

Outdoor shower.
Photo of a small industrial side yard patio in Other with an outdoor shower and a roof extension.

Tinson Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in San Francisco with decking and a pergola.

Wood Fences

Dakota Unlimited

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Minneapolis with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

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

Desert Prairie / Master Bedroom Patio

Drewett Works

Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra

Valle Vista House

Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects

Sally Painter
Design ideas for a large contemporary side yard patio in Portland with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Holland Green Place designed by Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture

Bamboo Landscaping Ltd

Dan Clarke
This is an example of an expansive contemporary side yard patio in London with concrete pavers, a container garden and a roof extension.

Port Streets 9

Garden Studio

Ryan Garvin
Design ideas for a transitional side yard patio in Orange County with a roof extension and with fireplace.

Custom Ranch Lodge

Outland Hill Country LLC

Photo of a mid-sized country side yard patio in Austin with a fire feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Viking House

Furman + Keil Architects

Leonid Furmansky
Inspiration for a side yard patio in Austin with gravel and a roof extension.

Rustic Chic New Construction - Northbrook, IL

Scott Simpson Design + Build

Connected to an outdoor kitchen is an expansive open-air porch with fireplace and TV.
This is an example of a small country side yard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

All Covers 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!