The design for this formerly cramped, unattractive and unprogrammed roof terrace was approached as an opportunity to create a lush, sophisticated outdoor room. The worn decking was replaced with lightweight slate roof pavers and the preimeter was provided with a fully customized installation of ipe planters, benches, screens and an outdoor kitchen, all precisely tailored to the space. Scott Carman

Lakefront Living

White Cloud Design

Chief cliff rock walls terrace the hillside creating livable patio spaces in a challenging, steep-sloped backyard.

Private residence - Darien, Connecticut

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The architect specified three, commercial grade, side by side full cassette lateral folding arm awnings - two units at 12’2” wide x 10’2” projection and one unit at 15’0” wide x 10’2” projection. Each unit was requested with a manual override Somfy RTS Sunea torque sensing motor so that units would always close tightly regardless of any stretch in the fabric. The system frames specified are made entirely of aluminum which is powder coated using the Qualicoat® powder coating process. Also requested were German Flexon brand non rusting stainless steel chains in the arms of the awnings. Our original contact was from the architect who requested three retractable awnings that would attach to the wall of his client’s home. The architect wanted a contemporary and very “clean” appearance and a product that did not have a valance. The architect also wanted a product where no hardware including roller tubes were visible. A full cassette folding lateral arm awning was thus the perfect choice!

Decks, Pergola, Arbors, Etc.

Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture

This custom wood gate provides the perfect entry into this Bay Area contemporary garden space. photo by Tom Minczeski Vineyard Landscape Construction

Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone Paving

Nustone

Transform your garden or patio with one of the most popular options of grey Indian stone available! The medley of natural tones found within our Kandla Grey Sandstone provides a neutral and tasteful backdrop to any garden or patio. This choice of garden paving offers the charm and appeal that only Indian sandstone can offer with each paver featuring its own unique tones formed naturally over thousands of years, promising your garden or patio a finish filled with character! Choose from a naturally riven surface texture or a smooth, sawn & honed option to find the right style of garden paving for you! Grey Indian sandstone paving slabs will stand the test of time even in harsh weather and are suited to the British climate to offer a robust and long-lasting paving option which will last for decades. All of our products are designed for exterior use and riven surface textures will help to retain extra grip underfoot. Our sandstone paving is also frost-resistant, helping to keep your paving looking it’s best all year round If you have any questions or would like a free quote, one of our experts would be happy to help! Speak to a member of our team on 01206 700 599 or email us at support@nustone.co.uk.

Proctor Terrace Backyard

Austin Parnow Landscape Design

Sandstone paving in the Grapevine garden in Surbiton

Helen Williams Garden Design

Helen Williams

Small Townhouse Modern Outdoor Entertainment Space

A Small Green Space

Megan Maloy

Garden Ponds

Matthew Giampietro Garden Design

lily pond flower in Manalapan, Florida. Fountain lily pond design and installation by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

South End Townhouse

Jacalyn Gould Landscape Architect

Newton Contemporary

Sage Builders LLC

Ipe, exterior stairs, patio, covered patio, terrace, balcony, deck, landscaping

Backyard Pavilion

Mosby Building Arts

This 22’x20’ pavilion is, essentially, a screen porch turned into an elegant structure sited deep into a verdant backyard. Pavilions are classically an open-air structure, but in this case screens in the expansive openings and door bring in the breeze while keeping pests at bay. It is also the perfect place to spend a rainy spring day! The pavilion is composed of a 4” thick concrete slab with a flooring of natural stone veneer. Four tumbled stone piers with limestone bases are in each corner, connected by carpentry framing and topped with a vaulted truss ceiling and 40-year roofing shingles. A gutter and downspout system assures the building – and occupants – stay dry. Inside, there is full electric and a plumbing hookup, which makes this a flexible space. The family takes full advantage of it as a quiet retreat, their home away from home. But many times throughout the year, it easily transforms into a party room, with guests inside and spread out upon the lawn and at various seating areas along the winding path that leads from the home to the pavilion.

Issaquah Highlands

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Backyard Landscaping with patio, firepit, playground, water feature and more

Park Ave Terrace Design: Roof Garden, Bluestone Paver Patio, Deck, Planter Box,

Amber Freda Garden Design

Blue ceramic pots and a matching blue tile backsplash bring a touch of the Mediterranean to this rooftop terrace in the heart of New York City. This Park Avenue residence actually features three separate rooftop terraces. One terrace is made for entertaining and features a built-in fireplace, inset jacuzzi, bluestone patio, custom-built wood planters, an outdoor kitchen, and ceramic pots filled with boxwoods and flowers. The upstairs terrace feels like a private oasis surrounded by lush birch trees and roses that soften the view on all sides. Another smaller terrace off the master bedroom is charmingly intimate and features a mix of serene evergreens and comfortable lounge chairs. Read more about this garden on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

Los Gatos Urban Contemporary

Design Focus International

Oakleigh East

Intrinsic Landscapes

A well-planned design was instrumental to achieving this stunning landscape in Oakleigh East, combined with bespoke materials and a top-of-the-line spa. Individual elements were carefully constructed to complete the ultimate outdoor entertainment area, but a strong native theme runs throughout the project to pull it all together. The sprawling ironbark deck overlooks a gum tree filled reserve and boasts an impressive bar bench custom made from a reclaimed 1920’s ironbark beam with original posts and fittings. A large ironbark shelter has been constructed for the BBQ/smoker and is clad in leaf patterned laser cut screens. More screens are found behind the outdoor shower and throughout the garden which illustrate stencils of flora and even a playful platypus. Two outstanding features of the entertainment area are the custom round hydrotherapy mineral plunge pool and mirroring stone paved fire pit seating area. They sit next to each other like yin and yang, capturing the complementary beauty of natural elements – fire, water, stone, wood. Steps lead down to a pretty kitchen garden, set within steppers, pebbles and creeping plants in the lower area which is concealed from most other areas of the landscape. A strategic garden lighting system brings the project to life at night. It highlights the features in the garden and creates a beautiful and inviting view from inside the house, tempting you out to enjoy the space all year long.

Perimeter Overflow Spa, Custom Pool and Outdoor Living Space

Premier Paradise, Inc.

Railings

Memories in Metal Inc.

Wicker Park Oasis

Brent Riechers Landscape (BRL LANDesign)

Brent A. Riechers

Contemporary 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, 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!