Remodel of an existing entry courtyard. We cleaned up the lines on the steps, created cantilevered steps with recessed LED tape lighting, added a water feature, built-in seating and a fire pit. There is porcelain pavers throughout with low succulents breaking up the pavers. Studio H Landscape Architecture

Small Space Garden

Christine Darnell Gardens

Kindra Clineff Photography

Traditional Naples Outdoor Kitchen

Tri County Landscape

This outdoor kitchen in Naples FL is equipped with stainless steel Cal Flame grill, a sink, and stainless steel components. The granite counter tops and backsplash is a wonderful complement to the stack stone base.

Fire Pit Focal Point

Ecoscape Environmental Design

Nestled into the back yard patio, this contemporary gas fire pit is easily and quick to startup.

Wood Firepit w/ Corten Steel Backdrop

Meg & Kennedy Landscape Design Firm

Fayerweather

Jonathan Keep Landscape Design

Pool, Spa, Patio and Fireplace

Takumi Design

Outdoor Retreat

Grace Thomas Designs

David Meaux Photography

Arbor Screen for Hot Tub

Pony Lawncare and Landscaping

We installed this arbor to shield the client from neighbors while enjoying their hot tub

Wicker Park Oasis

Brent Riechers Landscape (BRL LANDesign)

Brent A. Riechers

Outdoor Kitchens

Johnson Complete, LLC

Bluestone Patio with Snapped Bluestone seating wall and stairs

Mufson Landscape, Pool & Design

Installed bluestone patio with snapped bluestone seating wall and steps

Encino Estate

JWT Associates

A small backyard was transformed into several outdoor rooms for cooking, dining, lounging, and playing bocce. Lee Manning Photography

Napa Outdoor Kitchen

Outdora

Beautiful space in Napa. Products from Outdora include: Capitial Precision Series 40 inch Built-in Grill Pacific Living Countertop Gas Pizza Oven Kamado Ceramic Cooker/Smoker DCS Double Side Burner - Built-in Sunstone Grills Outdoor Rated Refrigerator Sunstone Grills 14 inch Flush Triple Access Drawers Neolith countertops Sunstone Grills 30 inch Double Door Dry Storage Pantry Sunstone Grills Drawer Combo Tank Tray Enclosure Sunstone Grills Vertical Dry Storage Pantry w/ Shelf Sunstone Grills 20 inch Vertical Door

Niles Residence

Ivy Street Design

Ainslie O'Neil

Collier Rd Pool and Cabana

Thrasher Pool and Spa

Cliff Finley

Back Patio

Terra Ferma Landscapes

The small backyard offers offers all of the necessities to city living: entertaining, play, and privacy.

Houston outdoor sitting area with cool arches, warm fireplace

InnovationLand

Side view of Houston outdoor sitting area shows Western Austin limestone, stucco chimney column, 10-foot-high pinewood outdoor ceiling, Rosa flagstone patio and Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture Full project description: Check out this great outdoor sitting area with a stucco and stone fireplace and the largest outdoor ceiling fan we've ever seen! Outdoor living space designs typically match the house exactly - but this one couldn't. The homeowners' association restrictions ended up shrinking the outdoor sitting area from 20-foot-square to 15-foot-square, so the arches couldn't be the same size as they were on the house. After a bit of math and an adjustment in the thickness of the arches, however, Outdoor Homescapes of Houston preserved the proper scale and proportion. Especially problematic was the half arch connecting the free-standing structure to the back of the house - since a gutter had to be added for sufficient drainage. "The wood-burning fireplace will provide heat and definitely cozy up this patio addition as we head into fall and winter - especially with vents that push the heated air directly out into the sitting area," says Franks. "But since this outdoor living space was built for all seasons, the large outdoor ceiling fan will also help keep it cool in summer. In addition to the gas fireplace featuring bench seating, this detached, covered patio also had two outdoor sofas and a coffee table from Restoration Hardware. Built at an angle that faces the back of the house at the far end of the pool and hot tub, this outdoor living space design definitely fulfills its mission to blend in with the existing house. Its light-colored stucco and Western Austin Limestone with bluish-grey accents, for instance, echoes the contemporary home's stone and stucco exterior. The 10-foot-high ceiling under the hipped roof, meanwhile, features a dark stain matching that of the existing covered patio ceiling along the back of the house. The addition's Rosa flagstone patio is also an extension of the existing patio, and the Oklahoma wister flagstone bench seating is a perfect match to the coping on the existing pool. Similarly, the black lantern light fixtures on the support columns of this outdoor sitting area are the same style as those on the house. The client wanted gas light fixtures, like they have on the house. Outdoor Homescapes could only find electric fixtures that matched, but wqw able to convert them into gas fixtures with a conversion kit from Cunningham Gas. The Restoration Hardware seating and coffee table, meanwhile, suit the client's desire to entertain guests in style after dinner while enjoying a cigar. "The project was a challenge, but it turned out beautiful," says company owner Wayne Franks. "And it really does look like it was built with the house."

St. John's Wood in London

The Garden Builders

Pro Colour Photography www.procolourphotoraphy.co.uk

Light Simplicity

Eco Outdoor AUS

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!