This 8x10 Signature Series Studio Shed, located in Portland, OR, was built for use as a home office. This unit did not require a permit.
Photo of a small midcentury patio in Portland.

West Seattle Mid-Century

Board & Vellum

Photos by Tina Witherspoon.
This is an example of a small midcentury backyard patio in Seattle with concrete pavers, no cover and a fire feature.

Elegant Home

LDB HOMES LLC

Side Patio with Solid Wood construction.
Inspiration for a small midcentury side yard patio in Seattle with an awning.

Inside-out Living

Fogpatch Landscapes

Redwood deck with spa and built-in bench
This is an example of a small midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with decking.

mid-century courtyard home / laguna niguel

Moss Yaw Design studio

a sitting area outside the front entry provides for gathering spaces alongside the private courtyard pool
Photo of a small midcentury front yard patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Hillside Hideaway (after)

Michael Muro Garden Design

Chartreuse-colored foliage brightens the patio space and lush moss creates a velvety carpet underfoot. 2021
This is an example of a small midcentury side yard patio in Seattle with concrete slab.

Architect's Mid-Century Landscape

Land2c Landscape Architecture

Enlarged view patio with softened dark fencing, colorful planting, pot fountain, and umbrella table for dining. Landscaped for all season enjoyment.

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.

Ballard Patio Oasis

Orion Rockscapes

Design ideas for a small midcentury backyard patio in Seattle with concrete pavers and no cover.

Claircrest Drive

Sabine's Interior Design, Inc.

Inspiration for a small midcentury side yard patio in Los Angeles with concrete slab and no cover.

Residential Rooftop - Davis

Your Own Unique Decor

Rooftop Patio After Sectional Seating
Small midcentury patio in Los Angeles with no cover.

Ranch Update

Kara Kersten Design

Design ideas for a small midcentury backyard patio in Kansas City with concrete slab and no cover.

Mid-Century Home: Charles Goodman, Architect

GreenHeart, LLC

Mid-century outdoor kitchen

Alford's Landscaping

We added a walkway and updated an outdoor grill stand at this 45 year old mid-mod in Benbrook Texas.
Photo of a small midcentury backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Koser I

Neumann Monson Architects

Photo: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
Inspiration for a small midcentury backyard patio in Cedar Rapids with decking and a roof extension.

modern beach cottage / lantern village, dana point

Moss Yaw Design studio

yellow chairs and angular planters add geometric interest to the black and white architecture, while pebble flooring adds texture and movement at the rear patio

Bluestone Pavers and Mahogany Bench

California Eco Design, Inc.

The courtyard merges a seating area with a wrap around deck. The deck maximizes space without causing harm to an enormous Japanese yew tree.
Small midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Perry Street Rancher

Pacific Garden Design

After moving into a mid-century ranch home on Spokane's South Hill, these homeowners gave the tired landscape a dramatic makeover. The aging asphalt driveway was replaced by precast concrete pavers that coordinate with a new walkway of sandwashed concrete pads. A pared-down front lawn reduces the overall water use of the landscape, while sculptural boulders add character. A small flagstone patio creates a spot to enjoy the outdoors in the courtyard-like area between the house and the towering ponderosa pines. The backyard received a similar update, with a new garden area, water feature, and paver patio anchoring the updated space.

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

Mid-Century Ranch Home Remodel

ReVision Design/Remodeling

© Lassiter Photography | ReVisionCharlotte.com
This is an example of a small midcentury backyard patio in Charlotte with brick pavers and no cover.

Small Midcentury 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, midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!