Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Grand Rapids with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Cozy and Curvy in Santa Luz

Jesse York, Landscape Designer

Upon acquiring the property, the homeowner faced a compact backyard dominated by a neglected lawn that offered little usability. The ambition was not only to enhance the outdoor space's utility but to inject it with vibrant aesthetics and dynamism through the hardscape. To bring this vision to life, we embraced a palette of colorful materials, choosing multicolored concrete, pavers, and tiles that introduce a playful yet sophisticated charm. Further creativity was applied in the design through the use of curvy lines that flow organically throughout the space, leading the eye and inviting movement. Beach rocks were thoughtfully embedded into decorative bands, adding a tactile and visual texture that complements the curvilinear approach. This strategic combination of color, texture, and form transformed the backyard into a visually stimulating and highly functional outdoor living area.

Hill Country

McDugald-Steele

Firepit terrace and pool
Eclectic patio in Houston with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Concrete Paved Patio

DSTscaping and RLC Construction

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Blending Contemporary Simplicity with Classic Elegance

Elemental Design Group

Raised pergola area with Sutherland Teak furniture and colored concrete paving.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, concrete slab and a pergola.

Summer Livin'

AJ's Landscaping & Outdoor Construction

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Courtyard Transformation

Bret Achtenhagen's Seasonal Services

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Row House Backyard

Charmscapes

Small arts and crafts backyard patio in Baltimore with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and an awning.

Balanced Backyard Escape in Long Island, NY

Above All Masonry Design, Inc

Reflecting the classic design of the home and yard, a nearly symmetrical pool, lounge area and outdoor kitchen design creates a space of tranquility for this Long Island, NY family. The stone-lined pool design stretches between a sun-filled lounge area and a naturally shaded spot for rest and swimming. Designers surrounded the poolside and patio with Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth in warm grays and tans, complementing the tones of the home and nearby gardens. Both the patio stairs and pool coping feature the use of Unilock Ledgestone. In addition to the aesthetically balanced design, this backyard haven also includes many hosting oppurtunties. A stylish stone grilling station includes both a grill and mini-fridge as well as a prepping counter for barbecuing and bartending. In the evenings or fall afternoons, guests can perch alongside the elegant fire pit, designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding stone design and blues of the nearby water. Long afternoons of swimming, hosting and dining can be enjoyed in this fully restructured Long Island backyard.

Holden Lane

The Garden Artist LLC

Blu Fish Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Boise with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Pool Oasis

Blue Haven Pools & Spas - Charleston

This is an example of a large tropical backyard patio in Charleston with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Concrete Patio

Pacific Ridge Landscapes Ltd

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Vancouver with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Bonick Landscaping

Spark Modern Fires

Architect: Bonick Landscaping Designer: Jon Raney Photography: Scot Redman
Design ideas for a modern backyard patio in New York with a fire feature and no cover.

2016 Projects

DiPalantino Contractors

Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Luxury Outdoor Living Room

Wild Bloom

This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Landscapes with Pools

J. Barker Landscaping Company

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Meadow Peak

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

This design and build project included a full backyard and side yard. The clients spent most of their time outdoors, but especially enjoyed use of their deck, so this was an important item to integrate into the design. ‘Meadow Peak’ was designed to be a retreat, eliminating the hassle of driving up north. We wanted to create a space that was functional for their family and could keep them entertained for many summers to come. Retaining walls and patio spaces were constructed around large existing trees to maintain shade and privacy, the firepit lounge area, tucked beneath them. Turf areas help to break up the interlock and are a fun feature to practice your putting. Most importantly, upgrading their deck to a new larger composite deck with a dining pergola, allows them to continue to entertain outdoors on those hot summer days.

The Firefly 37 inch Sculptural Firebowl

John T. Unger, LLC

The Firefly is a deep, large bowl that shields fire from wind within its three petals while providing an inviting space to gaze into the fire. Joining the cut off from the King Isosceles to the form of a Big Bowl O' Zen, the Firefly resembles a large flower bud or seed pod. A study in contrasts, the firefly uses light and dark to create a heightened illusion of depth, a chiaroscuro effect accentuating shadow and flame. Like fireflies captured in a jar on a summer eve, the sparks circle enclosed, glowing stars of your own. Baroque painter Caravaggio used a powder of dried fireflies to prepare photosensitive canvases 200 years before the invention of photography. Images projected onto this magical surface would fluoresce for half an hour, giving him time to lay the broad strokes of a painting using white lead mixed with minerals visible in the dark. His visions have become known as masterpieces of his time… what visions might you conceive while gazing into the shifting fire inside your Firefly?

Vanderbilt / West End Covered Patio / Pool House

CDP Architecture, LLC

Photo of a large country backyard patio in Nashville with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Middlebury Home

Silver Maple Construction LLC

Photography by Susan Teare
Large country backyard patio in Burlington with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Turquoise 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!