West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Photo by Samantha Robison

Inside Out Pool Cabana

THE UP STUDIO

Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar

Outdoor Kitchen and firepit

Ispiri Design-Build

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

BBQ Pai Pai

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

The Pai Pai is the automatic hangout spot for the whole family. Designed in a fun tropical style with a reed thatch ceiling, dark stained rafters, and Ohia log columns. The live edge bar faces the TV for watching the game while barbecuing and the orange built-in sofa makes relaxing a sinch. The pool features a swim-up bar and a hammock swings in the shade beneath the coconut trees.

A San Jose Edible Garden

User

This arbor and fire pit have become the "go-to" summer hangout for this Hanchet Park couple and their friends and neighbors. photo...Caitlin Atkinson

Lake Forest Fire Bowl

Chicago Gas Lines

Ran propane gas line underground to location of freestanding fire bowl

Forever Home

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.

Outdoor kitchen in Oxshott, Surrey

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say. And what a dream; this is the acme of a Surrey suburban townhouse garden. The team behind the teamwork of this masterpiece in Oxshott, Surrey, are Raine Garden Design Ltd, Bushy Business Ltd, Hampshire Garden Lighting, and Forest Eyes Photography. Everywhere you look, some new artful detail demonstrating their collective expertise hits you. The beautiful and tasteful selection of materials. The very mature, regimented pleached beech hedge. The harmoniousness of the zoning; tidy yet so varied and interesting. The ancient olive, dating back to the reign of Victoria. The warmth and depth afforded by the layered lighting. The seamless extension of the Home from inside to out; because in this dream, the garden is Home as much as the house is.

Driftwood Estate

TM GRADY BUILDERS

Country Patio

Wellesley Family Garden

Inge Daniels Design LLC

We designed this lovely, private dining area with custom wood-slat screens and a concrete kitchen complete with seating, grilling, counters and wood storage. Climbing hydrangea vines are being trained to extend over the custom window arbor.

Custom Pergolas

Broward Landscape, Inc.

Pergola, Outdoor Kitchen

Cozy, Rustic Patio

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Weekend In The Country

Louis Fusco Landscape Architects

Multi-Level Urban Row House

Topiarius, Inc

Project of the Month: June 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This home now has 500 square feet of extra outdoor living space ... perfectly shaded, complete with an outdoor kitchen, living room and dining area. Click Photography

Rodriguez Home

American Landscape Structures

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.

Old World Mountain Landscape

Terry T. King Landscape Architecture

Black Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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!