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.

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Photo by Samantha Robison
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

4th Street Townhouse, Park Slope

Harper Design Build

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Chiswick House - coming soon

Bastet Design House

Photo of a small contemporary patio in London with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Louvered Pergolas & Motorized Screens

Fireplace Stone & Patio

Our adjustable louvered pergolas can provide sun, shade or shelter with just the touch of a button. Here's a great example of what a difference our pergola can make.

Small Backyard & Front Yard Remodel

System Pavers

This outdoor remodel consists of a full front yard and backyard re-design. A Small, private paver patio was built off the master bedroom, boasting an elegant fire pit and exquisite views of those West Coast sunsets. In the front courtyard, a paver walkway and patio was built in - perfect for alfresco dining or lounging with loved ones. The front of the home features a new landscape design and LED lighting, creating an elegant look and adding plenty of curb appeal

New Urban Garden

SED Design

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Waterfront Deck Living - the Grotto - Retaining Wall with a Purpose

Decks & Patio Covers

This space (called the Grotto) below the upper deck provides a place to relax and entertain friends. Move the table under the cover for a waterfront dining experience. The lumber is tight knot cedar with a Penofin finish.

Long Project : Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs

Western Pavers, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. Western Pavers is the Pioneer of all local paver companies in Southern California. Western Pavers has been transforming customers' visions into a reality for decades. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with 100% satisfaction and creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. Western Pavers can provide beautiful designs and take you from conceptual to the completion of your outdoor living project. We are Western Outdoor Designs’ paver specialist department.

Contemporary Patio

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Jacksonville with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Chicago Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Past Projects

Amanda Miller Garden Designs

Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in Surrey with no cover.

Adobes de la Vista - Catalina Foothills

Stellar Gray Fine Homes

This is an example of a small backyard patio in Phoenix with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Custom Cantilevered Pergola

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

The pergola is integrated within the framework of a complex interlocking pavement design composed of a combination of Unilock Copthorn and Brussels Block pavers.

South End Townhouse

Jacalyn Gould Landscape Architect

Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Boston with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

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.

Purple Rain

Mom's Design Build

Small arts and crafts backyard patio in Minneapolis with with fireplace, brick pavers and a pergola.

Beach Drive Home Remodel

Seacliff Construction & Design

This beach home was originally built in 1936. It's a great property, just steps from the sand, but it needed a major overhaul from the foundation to a new copper roof. Inside, we designed and created an open concept living, kitchen and dining area, perfect for hosting or lounging. The result? A home remodel that surpassed the homeowner's dreams. Outside, adding a custom shower and quality materials like Trex decking added function and style to the exterior. And with panoramic views like these, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible!

Sulgrave

Ventures Design

Design ideas for a small arts and crafts backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Small Brown 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!