We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

City Oasis Pool Landscape

Elemental Construction Inc. - Pools and Landscape

Professional

Park Slope Residence

Gradient Architecture PLLC

Photography by Travis Mark.

East Hampton New Traditional

Chango

Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design, & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Photography by Raquel Langworthy Shop the East Hampton New Traditional accessories at the Chango Shop!

Transitional

Sturdy Home Improvement, Inc.

Contemporary Backyard Oasis

Reclaimed Woods of the World

Private Residence II

Scott Landon – Modern Antique Store

Upper East Side Townhouse

VGC NYC Inc.

Inside/outside patio space

Reyne Design

Patio at dusk- suspended tealight holders are an alternative to a pendent light fitting you may expect to see over an indoor dining table

Outdoor Dining Space

Big Rock Landscaping

Outdoor entertaining on this stunning patio is easy, especially with the outdoor dining set.

Waverly Ave, Brooklyn - Brownstone Complete Backyard and Landscape Renovation

Dragonetti Brothers Landscapes

Progress photo before light installations and plantings in full bloom

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs

GALAXY OUTDOOR LLC

Whether it’s arthritis, joint or back pain, restless leg syndrome, muscle injuries or fibromyalgia, hot tubs are a proven form of chronic pain relief. The heat of the water increases blood flow and relaxes the body, while the massaging action of the jets and the water’s buoyancy loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) found that, after just 10 days, patients with Type 2 Diabetes who used hot tubs 30 minutes a day/6 days per week required reduced doses of insulin, lost weight, slept better and showed distinct decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Hot tubs can be a great fix for those suffering from insomnia, helping your body to wind down before bed and get the natural sleep you need. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic sleep problems, the Better Sleep Council recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in hot water to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle. According to the Council’s findings, warm water releases muscle tension and increases blood flow, both of which contribute to a relaxed and deeper, more comfortable sleep. Whether it’s a new exercise routine or an unusually active day on your feet, most of us know the “day after” feeling of sore, overworked muscles that make it hurt to move, period. The water pressure from hot tub jets relieves muscle tightness and soreness by removing lactic acid, opening up the blood vessels and promoting the flow of endorphins. LPGA Sports Medicine Director Caroline Nichols and former President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Dr. James Andrews recommend hydrotherapeutic activity for athletes at every level. Nichols says that hot tubs especially help with recovery since jets focus on overused muscle and joint regions, while Andrews supports hydrotherapy as a good tool for improved circulation, sensory impulses and stiff joints. Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress, feel healthier or simply spend more time with your loved ones, you’d be amazed at how as little as 10 minutes in a hot tub can help you relax and put everything in perspective. There are hot tubs for every type of user, regardless of whether it’s just you or it’s the entire gang piling in, looking for some much-needed relief after a long day.

Brooklyn Heights Bluestone Patio Garden Design - Spa, Fencing, Bluestone, Bench

Amber Freda Garden Design

This Brooklyn backyard features a blue stone patio, horizontal knotty cedar fencing, custom L-shaped sectional bench, a built-in jacuzzi, and contemporary plantings. The plantings include a hornbeam tree in a black fiberglass cube container, a red weeping Japanese maple, maiden grasses, 'Schip' cherry laurels, and boxwoods. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

Chicago Residence

Whitacre Greer Company

Beautifully landscaped private patio area featuring Whitacre Greer 50 series 4x8x2-1/4 clay pavers. Designed and installed by Christy Webber Landscapes.

Ranch Revival

Courtney Thomas Design

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

Classico Patio

An orangery addition and space that creates the feel of continental living

Vale Garden Houses

Our designer chose to work with softer faceted shapes for the garden room to create a contrast with the squares and angles of the existing building. To the left of the garden room, a porch provides a link to the house separated from the living space by internal doors. The window detail reflects that on the house with the exception of two windows to the rear wall of the orangery, which have rounded tops. Two sets of doors open onto two elevations - designed to provide maximum appreciation of the outside.

Arash

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

black pergola with dining area, turf, concrete steppers and landscaping.

Gardener's Retreat

Andrew Heiser

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

A large Japanese maple with planters on top of the fence provide privacy while maximizing the outdoors. A patterned outdoor rug from West Elm allows for barefoot backyard entertaining.

Backyard Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden

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!