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

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.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

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.

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.

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

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Mulberry Walk

Randle Siddeley

This is an example of a small traditional courtyard patio in London with natural stone pavers.

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.

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Design ideas for a small asian backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Fulham 1, London

Richmond Bell Architects Ltd

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Wiltshire with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Transitional Patio

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete 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.

garden in the sun

CATO creative

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in London with concrete pavers and no cover.

Front Entrance

User

This space was entirely transformed by this hardscape. The pavers add beautiful texture and the brick ribbon gives the space beautiful lines that draw in the eye.

outdoor shower

Robert Young Architects

This is an example of a small beach style patio in New York with no cover and an outdoor shower.

Rhododendron Tree

Plan-it Earth Design

A place to sit on a patio shared by 2 entries to this house. Old sidewalks were upcycled into retaining walls to set off the old rhododendron tree that provides privacy from the street. Design by Lora Price and Amy Whitworth Installed by J Walter Landscape & Irrigation Metal trellis and hanging sphere by Indio Metal Arts Photo by Amy Whitworth

Refined & Sophisticated Outdoor Kitchen

Eagle Outdoor Living LLC

Gorgeous outdoor kitchen with bronze hexagon tile and Dekton Laurent walls, with bronze tones in the outdoor kitchen veneer and Dekton countertop. Making the most out of limited space! Ceiling is Longboard soffit, complete with overhead patio heater for year round grilling enjoyment.

Bluestone Wheaton

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Design ideas for a small transitional backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers.

Truly Tiny

Texas Tiny Pools

This is an example of a small modern backyard patio in Austin.

Cabana

Miller Design Group, Inc.

A quaint little outdoor space makes outdoor living convenient and enjoyable. The owners wished for a space in their backyard to entertain friends and escape the weather. This design allows them to entertain guests, keep warm by a fire, and be out of the weather!

Central Coast Guest House & Office

Hayley Bridges Design

This is an example of a small contemporary patio in Santa Barbara with a roof extension.

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!