Photo by Samantha Robison
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Berkeley Modern Whole House Remodel

Jetton Construction, Inc.

Small transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature and concrete pavers.

WATERSIDE HOME, EMSWORTH, HAMPSHIRE

Emma Painter Interiors

Chris Snook and Emma Painter Interiors
This is an example of a small transitional side yard patio in Sussex with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Resort Rental Apartment I

Belle Decor & Design

Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Orlando with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Santa Monica Remodel

Design Intervention

Deck before remodel
Small transitional side yard patio in Orange County with an outdoor kitchen, decking and an awning.

Curry Project

Outdoor Artisan, Inc.

Tracie Newey
Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Charlotte with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and no cover.

Laurelhurst Garden

Howells Architecture + Design

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Board-formed concrete planters house conifers, maples and moss, appropriate to the Pacific Northwest climate. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Wynnewood, PA: Black and White Outdoor Patio

Bella B Home Designs

Black and white outdoor furniture is so classic. This small alcove needed to be a fun outdoor hang out spot. We paired this classic set with an outdoor area rug, console, and outdoor greens to bring the space to life.

Fire Magic Grills

Fire Magic Grills - Robert H Peterson Company

Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Conversation is easy at the artisan inspired kitchen bar

Garden of Ease Landscaping & Design

Dawn Dolan
Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Night Entertaining

Abingdon Heights

A beautiful piece of Ebel oversized flagstone was used for the fire pit cap. It was cut to shape and hand dressed for a natural rock faced edge. This backyard can be viewed from the house through the screened back deck seen in this picture. It is visible and can be viewed from a second story deck as well.

Small Patio

Landscape By Design

Design ideas for a small transitional side yard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, concrete pavers and an awning.

Fishers Area Patio Overlay

Fiano Landscapes

This patio may look like wood, but it is in fact a concrete paver! The paver is a Techo-Bloc product called Borealis. Its natural wood grain surface mimics the beauty of wood, yet gives us the durability of concrete pavers. The pavers were laid directly over the existing concrete patio, which was still in good shape with minimal cracking and settling. The lovely couple that lives here wanted a new cedar pergola. But what they ended up with was that and an entirely new and cool back patio space that will last for years and years!

Spa Retreat Casa California Showcase Home

Wesley Design Inc.

Zen Patio Garden with Tranquil Fountain just outside the massage area of gym Spa Retreat
Design ideas for a small transitional courtyard patio in Orange County with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Soho Landmarked Townhouse

Ben Herzog

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard patio in New York.

Basalt Column Fountain

Eileen G Designs

Small transitional patio in Miami with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Harvest

Pure Design

Challenge: With a narrow yard steeply sloped from house to alley, what was even possible? Solved: We created a seamless execution that blends indoor out and outdoor living with a masterfully executed interplay of materials and applications, shared and secluded spaces, the expected and unexpected. This puzzle-pieced tour de force of landscape architecture design, features multiple pools, waterfall curtains that magically appear from walls, and every accommodation for gracious entertaining and family life. Anyone who had seen the “before,” marvels at the “after” in disbelief.

LED Lighting

LandCrafters, LLC

Small transitional side yard patio in Milwaukee with brick pavers and a pergola.

Patios/Pool Deck

Hartman Companies, Inc.

This is an example of a small transitional front yard patio in Minneapolis with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Backyard

Krystina Hollenbeck for HiLuXeLifestyle

Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Las Vegas with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Small Transitional 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, transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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!