photography by Andrea Calo

Monarch Bay

David A. Kaech & Associates, Inc.

Bob White

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

The Eagle

Ruebl Builders LLC

Sunken Patio w/ Fire Pit and Built-in Seating

Conscious Environments Inc.

A lowered patio w/ built-in seating and contemporary fire pit. Great place for hanging out, relaxing, and entertaining. A floating hardwood bench provides ample seating for larger gatherings.

SoCal Outdoor Remodel: Pavers, Turf, and Elements

System Pavers

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

Poolside Patio Dining

MARK IV Builders, Inc

A large fire pit flanks the pergola to provide warmth and light. Additional nighttime lighting radiates from Hinkley pendant lights from Annapolis Lighting. Tucked behind sliding bard doors is a SunBrite flatscreen TV. The kitchen roof is made from fire-rated hand split cedar shakes (western red).

Coffee Tables

Fratantoni Interior Designers

Inspiring interiors with coffee tables by Fratantoni Interior Designers. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more inspiring photos and home decor ideas!!

Boot Ranch

ILLUMINARIES LIGHTING LLC

Coronado Charmer

Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc

Martin Mann photographer

Landscape transformation: Hayfield to elegant home in Bristol

Bradford Associates, LLC

The fireplace is the focal point of the beautiful bluestone patio for entertaining.

Malvern Courtyard

Formation Landscapes Pty Ltd

Dylan Lark

Silverleaf Residence - Cocktail Courtyard

| SPIRAL ARCHITECTS |

The Cocktail Courtyard is accessed via sliding doors which retract into the exterior walls of the dining room. The courtyard features a stone corner fireplace, antique french limestone fountain basin, and chicago common brick in a traditional basketweave pattern. A stone stairway leads to guest suites on the second floor of the residence, and the courtyard benefits from a wonderfully intimate view out into the native desert, looking out to the Reatta Wash, and McDowell Mountains beyond. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders

Pool and Spa

Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling

We definitely approve of this backyard retreat featuring a guest house with double entry doors, large swimming pool, spa, and luxury landscaping.

California Dreaming

Distinguished Pools

The sun about to set creates the perfect light for the house to reflect. Photo Credit: Darren Edwards

Reina Family | Swim Spa Paradise

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

This client has a big heart for the famous French Quarter! He enjoys incorporating little details and products that can turn his backyard spot into the ultimate getaway (when he is not traveling the world!) This is the perfect Outdoor Living paradise complete with a Swim Spa, Fire Pit, and Outdoor Kitchen. Key features of this project include: - Endless Pools E700 with a Treadmill - E2E Roll-up swim spa cover with cover shelf - Custom-made swim spa steps - Custom ledger stone gas fire pit with a bench - Comfort decking in the color "Mission Tan" - 6ft Richard's Island with a 36" Coyote grill

Urban Outdoor Living

Trevor Fulmer Design

To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Modern San Jose Backyard

Water & Earth Landscape Design

Even the fireplace. plays with materiality, incorporating split pieces of TimberTech composite decking in the same playful color pallet.

Coastal with French Chateau Characteristics

Patrick Widing Custom Homes

South Glastonbury, CT Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Perched above the scenic apple orchards of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, this impressive Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen is an entertainers dream. The key design goals were to create a resort-inspired space that capitalized on the properties stunning views, and allowed the homeowners to entertain outdoors in comfort and style. The outdoor kitchen was created to function fully independently of the indoor kitchen, complete with a Kalamazoo Outdoor Dishwasher, ample weather-tight cabinetry, and powerful refrigeration units for both food and beverages. The K750HB Hybrid Fire Grill, built-in Cooktop Cabinet, and countertop Artisan Fire Pizza Oven were all selected for their unrivaled cooking performance and versatility. No detail was spared in this thoughtfully planned out space; the green Unicom Quartzite floor tiles were imported from Italy, and the countertops are made from lapis beige granite. The surrounding space includes an outdoor dining room, wood burning fireplace, swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports court.

Blue 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!