Sunken retreat with private hardscaping and accent lighting Click Photography by Shea Sutherland
Photo of a small traditional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature.

A Cozy Outdoor Family Room

Outdoor Dreams

Photo of a small traditional backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Bluestone Patios

KD Landscape

Two bluestone patios connected by bluestone steppers. One space is for lounging, the other for dining.
Small transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

FIRE PIT

Creative Masonry & Landscape of Cape Cod

Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Compact Outdoor Living Spaces

Design Works - Landscape Architecture & Const.

Photo courtesy TB151
Small contemporary backyard patio in Manchester with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Miscellaneous Projects

Pony Lawncare and Landscaping

Patio with retaining wall and fire feature
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Columbus with concrete pavers and a fire feature.

All Photos

Landscaping By Gaffney, Inc.

Design ideas for a small traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

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.

mid-century courtyard home / laguna niguel

Moss Yaw Design studio

a private gathering area and fire pit incorporates horizontal cedar alongside black brick and wide vertical siding
This is an example of a small midcentury courtyard patio in Orange County with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Modern Farmhouse Renovation

Bildsten Architecture and Planning

This is an example of a small country backyard patio in Santa Barbara with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Modern Industrial Minimalism

Fiorito Interior Design

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

Walden Residence in Southern Highlands

One Source Outdoors/One Landscape

Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard patio in Las Vegas with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Botanica - BBQ's, Fireplaces & Firepits

Botanica Landscape Inc.

Poured in place concrete firepit
Small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and concrete slab.

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.

Westside El Paso Contemporary Outdoor Living

GO Designs Inc.

Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come. Phase II complete...welcome to outdoor entertainment. Movies on the lawn with the family & football season will never be same here. This backyard doubles as an entertainment destination. Cantilever seating, lounging & privacy fence wraps up a party/cozy space. Plenty of room for friends and family

A Perfect Patio Redefines this Backyard in Ramsey, NJ

Horizon Landscape Company

Design ideas for a small traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

small space Torrance backyard

Sandi Fields Landscape Design

small space backyard for entertainment and play
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and an awning.

Westwood Pool & Spa

Intex Design and Construction

www.IntexDandC.com @IntexDandC
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Presidio Heights Renovation

Fontana Construction Inc

Treve Johnson Photography - www.treve.com
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Herring Townhouse

The Garden Artist LLC

Just a few yards away from the outdoor kitchen and sunken hot tub, this sitting area is great for eating or conversation
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Boise with a fire feature, no cover and concrete pavers.

Small Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

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!