Fishpools Furniture Store & Interior Designers

Fishpools indoor-outdoor garden furniture was the perfect solution for dining alfresco in this courtyard garden.
Design ideas for a small contemporary patio in Hertfordshire.

Fire pit, patio and bench

Stamp the Earth LLC

Fire pit, patio and bench cap/retaining wall.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Portland with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Courtyard garden

Bonham & Bonham

Green Imaging
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in London with a water feature and decking.

Terrasse déjeuner sur mesure

CONCEPTUELLES PAYSAGE ET DECORATION

@boigontier jardinières, bacs, claustra et banc sur mesure en aluminium thermolaqués bambou laurier rose buis
Design ideas for a small contemporary patio in Marseille with a container garden and concrete slab.

Urban terrace

BP Design

Located within a residential building, the design intention for this terrace was to create a visual and experiential escape from the city with a four-season garden. A full-width wall of bamboo was planted to break the monotony of the existing fence, create an ambiguous visual depth and generate a soothing rustling sound. Furnishings, including the rubbed stainless steel storage bench and planters, were carefully selected to complement the year-round vegetation.

The Courtyard

sticks and stones Landscape Design

Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in Sydney with a fire feature and brick pavers.

The City Salad Box

Eden Condensed

The City Salad Box is an all cedar table style planter. 4' x 2' with drainage holes and a storage shelf. It is perfect for growing vegetables and flowers on a balcony or small patio.

Urban Oasis

ProGrass Home and Landscape Improvements

This long bench is perfect for seating several guests, or blending in seamlessly with the surrounding design. Made of wood and steel, it's a work of art in it's own right.

Small-Backyard-Patio-Fire-Pit-Planters-Walls-Project-VIEW-16

Go Pavers

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Cardigan

i2 Homes

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne with concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Zelkind Residence

Revive Landscape Design

Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography
Small contemporary backyard patio in San Diego with a water feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Pacific Heights

Randy Thueme Design Inc. - Landscape Architecture

Private urban oasis. Photography: Barbara Boissevain, RTD
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco.

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

Park Slope Backyard Garden II

Staghorn NYC

The clients of the Brooklyn Brownstone backyard requested a serene, open, contemporary design for their space. We kept the color palette simple with greens, grays, and small pops of color from white and pink flowers and a neutral wooden tile. The two comfy lounge chairs and ottomans are from West Elm, and the table belonged to the owners prior to the installation.

Chiswick Garden

Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in London with natural stone pavers.

Milwaukee Contemporary Back Yard

Hawks Landscape Inc.

Concrete paver patio and gas fire pit.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

The Ted

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA This 3,800 sf. modern farmhouse on Roosevelt Ave. in Louisville is lovingly called "Teddy Homesevelt" (AKA “The Ted”) by its owners. The ground floor is a simple, sunny open concept plan revolving around a gourmet kitchen, featuring a large island with a waterfall edge counter. The dining room is anchored by a bespoke Walnut, stone and raw steel dining room storage and display wall. The Great room is perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining, and flows out to a large covered porch and firepit. The homeowner’s love their photogenic pooch and the custom dog wash station in the mudroom makes it a delight to take care of her. In the basement there’s a state-of-the art media room, starring a uniquely stunning celestial ceiling and perfectly tuned acoustics. The rest of the basement includes a modern glass wine room, a large family room and a giant stepped window well to bring the daylight in. The Ted includes two home offices: one sunny study by the foyer and a second larger one that doubles as a guest suite in the ADU above the detached garage. The home is filled with custom touches: the wide plank White Oak floors merge artfully with the octagonal slate tile in the mudroom; the fireplace mantel and the Great Room’s center support column are both raw steel I-beams; beautiful Doug Fir solid timbers define the welcoming traditional front porch and delineate the main social spaces; and a cozy built-in Walnut breakfast booth is the perfect spot for a Sunday morning cup of coffee. The two-story custom floating tread stair wraps sinuously around a signature chandelier, and is flooded with light from the giant windows. It arrives on the second floor at a covered front balcony overlooking a beautiful public park. The master bedroom features a fireplace, coffered ceilings, and its own private balcony. Each of the 3-1/2 bathrooms feature gorgeous finishes, but none shines like the master bathroom. With a vaulted ceiling, a stunningly tiled floor, a clean modern floating double vanity, and a glass enclosed “wet room” for the tub and shower, this room is a private spa paradise. This near Net-Zero home also features a robust energy-efficiency package with a large solar PV array on the roof, a tight envelope, Energy Star windows, electric heat-pump HVAC and EV car chargers.

Small Space, Big Impact | High Star Lane | Dallas, TX

Bonick Landscaping

A picturesque view from the kitchen into the compact, minimalist patio and backyard.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Courtyard Garden Design

The Garden Builders

Elegant yet functional walled courtyard garden space for a young family.
Design ideas for a small contemporary patio in London.

Le jardin secret d'un hôtel particulier

Kevin Clare - Paysagiste

La terrasse en enfilade - 1er printemps
Photo of a small contemporary patio in Paris with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Small Contemporary 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, contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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!