Photo of a contemporary patio in Melbourne.

Positioning the home as a conduit for family and togetherness, Gathering House is expanded to facilitate an open and engaging residential experience, melding both old and new within the one generous site. Taking references from the existing formal silhouette and materiality already in place, the focus became on extruding the original form while imbedding new principles of increased scale and openness throughout. Binding the interior to the larger landscape was also key, driving clear visual connections between inside and out and allowing the functions of the home to spill out into dedicated outdoor entertaining areas. The home celebrates coming together, dotted with moments of compression and release to align with varying levels of passive or active animation, retaining the familiar intimacy of home.

Idyllic Modern

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Marion Brenner Photography
Photo of a large contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with tile and no cover.

Estate - Lindon, Utah (40)

Magleby Construction

Design ideas for an expansive country backyard patio in Salt Lake City with concrete pavers and a pergola.

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

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

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Large country backyard patio in Austin with decking and a roof extension.

Outdoor shower

Schram Designs

Red Mangaris
Photo of a small arts and crafts side yard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor shower, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Custom Patio in Newport Beach

Jeffrey V. Riggs, Architect

Large beach style backyard patio in Orange County with stamped concrete and no cover.

Driftwood Estate

TM GRADY BUILDERS

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Award Winning Luxury Georgian Townhouse Renovation

Homeconcepts

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in London.

Quaint Corner Resort

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

This couple wanted to get the most out of their small, suburban backyard by implementing an adult design separate from the kids' area, but within its view. Our team designed a courtyard-like feel to make the space feel larger and to provide easy access to the shed/office space. The delicate water feature and fire pit are the perfect elements to provide a resort feel.

Tooting 5

Shelley Hugh-Jones Garden Design

Photo of a transitional patio in London.

A Poolscape to be Enjoyed Year-Round

Outdoor Dreams

Large traditional backyard patio in Richmond with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Oakhurst, NJ Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

With their generous space that allows for lounging by the pool and fire, or cooking up dinner on the Kalamazoo K1000HB Hybrid-Fire Grill, these homeowners can enjoy a vacation every day of the week.

Barn conversion-courtyard

Material Girl

Remains of barn create beautiful backdrop for native Pennsylvania plants. Flagstone paatio, old brick border
Inspiration for a mid-sized country courtyard patio with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lake home

TJB HOMES, INC

Photo of a country backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, no cover and brick pavers.

Helena Fair Lawn

Balitano Contracting Co Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with tile and no cover.

Custom Pools

McKinney Custom Pools

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Orange County with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Timberfram Getaway in Cle Elum, WA

James Hall and Associates, Inc.

Photo of a large arts and crafts patio in Orange County.

Project of the Month: April 2016

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images

Turquoise 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!