Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

Reportage

Sandblomman interior

Marie Sandblom Rudsvik
Inspiration for a small mediterranean patio in Malmo with brick pavers, a pergola and a container garden.

Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Inspiration for a small industrial backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen and brick pavers.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Lake Minnetonka New Construction

Vivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven

Hendel Homes Landmark Photography Summer Classics
Design ideas for an expansive traditional patio in Minneapolis.

Raised patio with lighted pillars

Henry Rogacki

Raised paver patio with lighted pillars and stairs. Henry Rogacki Landscaping
Small traditional backyard patio in New York with concrete pavers and no cover.

Backyard Paradise

Morgan Howarth Photography

Maryland Landscaping, Twilight, Pool, Pavillion, Pergola, Spa, Whirlpool, Outdoor Kitchen, Front steps by Wheats Landscaping
This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard patio in DC Metro with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Hazel Mill, Slad

Mike Garlick Photography

House shoot on location for Hazel Mill, Slad.
Photo of an expansive country patio in Gloucestershire.

Irvington Deck + Patio

Howells Architecture + Design

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and a stained concrete fountain adds privacy and atmosphere at the dining area. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Urban Frenzy

KD Landscape

The loveseat and pergola provide a shady resting spot behind the garage in this city garden.
Design ideas for a small tropical backyard patio in Chicago with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Art Collectors

User

Inspiration for an expansive beach style backyard patio in Jacksonville with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Mill Valley Cottage to Home Transformation

Jetton Construction, Inc.

This property was transformed from an 1870s YMCA summer camp into an eclectic family home, built to last for generations. Space was made for a growing family by excavating the slope beneath and raising the ceilings above. Every new detail was made to look vintage, retaining the core essence of the site, while state of the art whole house systems ensure that it functions like 21st century home. This home was featured on the cover of ELLE Décor Magazine in April 2016. G.P. Schafer, Architect Rita Konig, Interior Designer Chambers & Chambers, Local Architect Frederika Moller, Landscape Architect Eric Piasecki, Photographer

Covered Porch with outdoor fireplace

Haver & Skolnick LLC Architects

The outdoor fireplace on this covered porch is used year-round. Robert Benson Photography
This is an example of an expansive traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Ridges Las Vegas 2014

Modify Your Space

Arslan Gusengadzhiev
Small contemporary courtyard patio in Las Vegas with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Fireplaces & Fire Pits - Compact Stonewall Fire Pit and Patio

Red Valley Landscape & Construction Inc

Perfect for compact backyard, this cozy area encloses a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, several seating areas, and landscaping.
Small arts and crafts backyard patio in Oklahoma City with a fire feature and concrete slab.

Laurelhurst Garden

Howells Architecture + Design

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. The fence is sheathed on both sides to afford greater privacy as well as ensure the neighbors enjoy a well-made fence too. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Private Sunken Walled Garden

Llama Architects

Dry Stone Walled Private Sunken Garden area with Box & Mature Hedging and Naturalising Bulbs. Built in an area which used to be wasteland and a bog on this Llama Development. The sunken area is flagged with Reclaimed 150 year York Stone and the Bull Nosed York Stone tops of the sunken area were off an old Railway Platform. Low LED spots are on the floor of the sunken patio area so as to give low lighting in the early evening.

Arcadia Suburban Modern | Guest House + Outdoor Fireplace

Drewett Works

A simple desert plant palette complements the clean Modernist lines of this Arcadia-area home. Architect C.P. Drewett says the exterior color palette lightens the residence’s sculptural forms. “We also painted it in the springtime,” Drewett adds. “It’s a time of such rejuvenation, and every time I’m involved in a color palette during spring, it reflects that spirit.” Featured in the November 2008 issue of Phoenix Home & Garden, this "magnificently modern" home is actually a suburban loft located in Arcadia, a neighborhood formerly occupied by groves of orange and grapefruit trees in Phoenix, Arizona. The home, designed by architect C.P. Drewett, offers breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain from the entire main floor, guest house, and pool area. These main areas "loft" over a basement level featuring 4 bedrooms, a guest room, and a kids' den. Features of the house include white-oak ceilings, exposed steel trusses, Eucalyptus-veneer cabinetry, honed Pompignon limestone, concrete, granite, and stainless steel countertops. The owners also enlisted the help of Interior Designer Sharon Fannin. The project was built by Sonora West Development of Scottsdale, AZ.

Expansive and Small 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!