Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

A patterned Lannonstone wall creates a private backdrop for the heated spa, featuring a sheer water weir pouring from between the wall’s mortar joints. Generous planting beds provide seasonal texture and softening between paved areas. The paving is Bluestone.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Water feature at night

Legacy Landscape Design, LLC

These clients had a small back yard. They wanted to maximize the space for entertaining and relaxing. We created a walled courtyard with veneer limestone walls, a three fountain wall water feature, and a fire feature. It's lit at night with gas lanterns, which are from New Orleans.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd.

It takes a certain finesse to assess the landscape and its needs effectively to produce a garden oasis of this scope. Traffic flow, visual aesthetic, and local flora and fauna must be considered. For this build, local fauna such as raccoon and mink threatened the Coi swimming in the pond. Juergen and his design team created designs that incorporated simple forms of shelter for the fish that kept them out of harm’s way. Another challenge the team faced involved redefining the deck space, which was little more than a transition space in and out of the house. Partridge put a new patio in place that blurred the lines between inside and outside and transformed the space into a favourite sitting spot. No matter what challenges Juergen and his team face, they overcome it with unparalleled skill.

Wall fountain -Landscape Architect, NJ

Thomas Biro Associates

A small table and chairs provides seating and a magnificent view of the stone retaining wall and wall fountain flowing into pool. A planter of flowering shrubs and a row of arborvitae provides a screen of the adjoining properties. Olivia Holmes photography

Saratoga Springs, NY Residence

Mandy's Spring Nursery and Landscaping

Pergola on stone pillars with flagstone patio. Field stone retaining wall with plant beds, and waterfall.

Modern Fountain - Elm Grove, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

A small, pond-less water feature allows for the sights and sounds of water without a lot of maintenance. A more contemporary water feature vs a typical fountain. Westhauser Photography

This gorgeous custom outdoor water feature was featured in the 2019 Parade of Homes. With a poured concrete base, this fountain is completely self-contained, so you can enjoy the soothing sound of bubbling water without the maintenance of a pond.

Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Jackie Breton

Belgard Design Gallery

T-Scape Inc.

Quiet Backyard Retreat

JDLA Landscape Architecture Inc.

Moorish-Inspired Hacienda Courtyard

Clemens & Associates Inc.

Hacienda-style front courtyard with a Mediterranean- stye carved stone fountain with blue tile and rustic-style wood outdoor seating with plush cushions. Photo Credit: Kirk Gittings

Charlotte, NC-Townhome Backyard Redo

Keystone Building Group

Outdoor ponds

GreenSeasons

Outdoor Design Project | La Verne, CA

Outdoor Elegance Patio Design Center

Outdoor water fountain water feature by Matt Agostino

Mitch Sawasy, Sawasy Studio Partners & Associates

Peter Christiansen Valli

DC Residence

Traut Landscape Studio

Designed while at Graham Landscape Architecture.

Naperville, IL Water Feature with Koi

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This water feature in Naperville, IL features Deck Spray jets and is designed to recirculate exactly like a custom swimming pool, including the exposed aggregate finish and perimeter tile. Photos by Larry Huene

Black Patio Design Ideas with a Water 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!