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.

Mid Century Courtyard Remodel

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

West London Courtyard

Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design

Walpole Garden, Chiswick Photography by Caroline Mardon - www.carolinemardon.com
Small traditional courtyard patio in London with brick pavers.

Modernist Courtyard

terraneo landscape design

Small spaces can be even harder to design for. Balance between hard and soft elements is super important and more green is better than not enough. Every plant here is in a pot or a planter that have become features themselves.

Downtown Charleston- Prices Alley Remodel

Renaissance South Construction Co.

Photos by Holger Obenaus
Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in Charleston with brick pavers and no cover.

Entry Courtyard

Landwell Design + Build Co.

Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Albergo al mare

Studio Talent

Design ideas for a small mediterranean courtyard patio in Bari with natural stone pavers.

Prahran

User

Photographer Armelle Habib
Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne.

Birchgrove - Tiny Courtyard

OUTHOUSE design

Photos by Katrine Mardini
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Sydney with a vertical garden.

Fijewski outdoor patio

Apartment 46 for the Home

Busy professional with a small condominium garden wanted a Zen, clean space with easy-care plantings. The Asparagus ferns were baby-small at this point and have now grow tremendously to fill in the space. Photos: Melisa Bleasdale

Lennox Gardens

Clarisford

Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in London with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

Bauhaus-Look Pergola & Atrium

Photo of a small modern courtyard patio in Hanover with natural stone pavers and no cover.

City Courtyard

Neil Jones Design

This city courtyard space is designed as an extension to the house with access direct from the ground floor studio across a formal pond to a tiled central seating destination with modern outdoor sofas. The materials palette show cases natural granites, clay pavers, porcelain and ceramic tile all chosen to compliment each other.

Beverly Dr.

Pasetta Studios

This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Los Angeles with tile.

London 5m x 5m courtyard

Melanie Hick Garden Design

This is a 3D render of a courtyard garden design in London which provides shade and an area for entertaining.
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in London with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Small Space Courtyard

Living Gardens Landscape Design

This new construction home was a blank slate. Our clients wanted a seating area to enjoy with their family or friends. As the space is quite tiny, we designed a built-in bench with storage below and a fire pit that converts to a table on warmer days. We planted succulents at the base of the fire pit to soften the paving and planted low water but lush planting along the adjacent wall.

800 Ogden Project

Malibu Home

Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

Greenwich Park Garden

David Berarducci Landscape Architecture

Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Boston with a water feature and brick pavers.

Quiet Backyard Retreat

JDLA Landscape Architecture Inc.

Small tropical courtyard patio in Miami with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Side & Back Yard Patio

SOLKOR | Creating Stunning Outdoor Living Spaces

Inspiration for a small country courtyard patio in Calgary with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Small Courtyard 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!