Outdoor Blinds - Clear PVC, shade mesh, waterproof fabrics - Ability to fully enclose an area - Available up to 6m wide x 5m high

Outdoor Living Firepit | Roswell Court Townhome

JW Collection

Douglas - Renovation

Samford Homes

Gated front entrance for privacy and security with pergola leading to front door. A new large garage was constructed leaving original garage space to be transformed into the Master Suite. Exterior Walls - Resene Half Napa Gutter & Fascia - Colorbond Basalt

Entrance Drive

Kane Landscapes Inc

A variety of hardscape materials, shown here in a mix of natural stone, edging, and pavers, can add visual interest to small spaces by creating contrast and adding texture. *Photograph by Emily Inglis

Modern Canyon Home

Alloi Architecture + Construction

Alloi

Custom Fence

Root Woodwork

L'élégance d'une maison contemporaine de caractère

MAS PROVENCE

Gabrielle Voinot

Загородный клуб

Сад.Ко ландшафтное бюро

Temple Ave - Winter Park

FG Schaub Custom Homes

Tiffany Findley

Wilbur Street, Newport, RI

A-1 Roofing and Construction LLC

Trellised front bluestone patio is an inviting way to stay cool.

Maison S.

Marie PARENTE

Retractable Screens

Colorado Shades & Awnings

Sliding Doors . la terrasse avec vue sur la Défense

ABACO | architecture et design

MoMA

I.D.O jardins

Miroirs sur mesure avec composition florale

Grand Canal- Venice Beach

Silicon Bay

Stacked stone and dark wood siding breaks up sturdy stucco of this modern home and add texture and warmth. Large wood columns house modern sliders that give the open concept bottom floor perfect indoor/outdoor living options complete with built in BBQ and patio seating. Concrete pavers with fragrant thyme ground cover and planters with California native plants give the space color and life.

Kings Park Apartment

Cultivart Landscape Design

Peta North

Woollahra Cottage

ANNA CARIN Design

Cate Gray

Casa MRDM - Forte dei Marmi

PAN Architetti

Fin dai primi sopralluoghi ci ha colpito il rapporto particolare che il sito ha con lo splendido scenario della Alpi Apuane, una visuale privilegiata della catena montuosa nella sua ampiezza, non inquinata da villette “svettanti”. Ci è parsa quindi prioritaria la volontà di definire il progetto in orizzontale, creando un’architettura minima, del "quasi nulla" che riportasse alla mente le costruzioni effimere che caratterizzavano il litorale versiliese prima dell’espansione urbanistica degli ultimi decenni. La costruzione non cerca così di mostrarsi, ma piuttosto sparire tra le siepi di confine, una sorta di vela leggera sospesa su esili piedritti e definita da lunghi setti orizzontali in cemento faccia-vista, che definiscono un ideale palcoscenico per le montagne retrostanti. Un intervento calibrato e quasi timido rispetto all’intorno, che trova la sua qualità nell’uso dei diversi materiali con cui sono trattare le superficie. La zona giorno si proietta nel giardino, che diventa una sorta di salone a cielo aperto mentre la natura, vegetazione ed acqua penetrano all’interno in un continuo gioco di rimandi enfatizzato dalle riflessioni create dalla piscina e dalle vetrate. Se il piano terra costituisce il luogo dell’incontro privilegiato con natura e spazio esterno, il piano interrato è invece il rifugio sicuro, lontano dagli sguardi e dai rumori, dove ritirarsi durante la notte, protetto e caratterizzato da un inaspettato ampio patio sul lato est che diffonde la luce naturale in tutte gli spazi e le camere da letto.

Tsunami House, Resilient Design, Camano Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Entry courtyard with cabana door open. Photography by Lucas Henning.

Arash

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Contemporary front entrance with stone cap veneer, synthetic lawn, concrete steppers and Mexican pebbles.

Contemporary Front Yard 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, contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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!