Hawaiian Plantation Retreat Outdoor Shower

This 28,0000-square-foot, 11-bedroom luxury estate sits atop a manmade beach bordered by six acres of canals and lakes. The main house and detached guest casitas blend a light-color palette with rich wood accents—white walls, white marble floors with walnut inlays, and stained Douglas fir ceilings. Structural steel allows the vaulted ceilings to peak at 37 feet. Glass pocket doors provide uninterrupted access to outdoor living areas which include an outdoor dining table, two outdoor bars, a firepit bordered by an infinity edge pool, golf course, tennis courts and more. Construction on this 37 acre project was completed in just under a year. Builder: Bradshaw Construction Architect: Uberion Design Interior Design: Willetts Design & Associates Landscape: Attinger Landscape Architects Photography: Sam Frost

Front Courtyard Pergola

Fratantoni Interior Designers

This courtyard features cement pavers with grass in between. A seated patio area in front of the custom built-in fireplace with two black wall trellis' on both sides of the fireplace. Decorated with four white wingback armchairs with black trim detailing and a stone coffee table in the center. A French-inspired fountain sits across from the patio space. A wood gate acts as the entrance into the courtyard.

Limestone Paving Add's Finishing Touch to Stunning Cotswold House

FlagstonesDirect

This extensive Cotswold stone style patio features 270 square metres of Raj Beige limestone flagstones. Designers, Rixon Architects, have made clever use of child friendly water features and planting to create different areas within the garden. Photographed by Tony Mitchell, facestudios.net

Outdoor Structures

Elise Landscapes & Nursery, LLC

Outdoor Kitchen

Broward Landscape, Inc.

broward landscape

Concrete BBQ Island

User

Custom concrete countertop bbq surround.

Multi-Level Patio with Hot Tub and Outdoor Bar in Vernon Hills, IL

Archadeck of Chicagoland

With two different levels uniquely designed, this beautiful multi-level patio creates four different outdoor living spaces that blend together smoothly. The lower level consists of a dining area with space for a table and chairs as well as a section for entertaining at their new custom limestone bar. The second level has a space for grilling and a peaceful area for relaxing in the hot tub. The patio was created with Lafitt Pavers. A Holland Stone soldier’s course and circle inset add an attractive detail, and the Belair walls create a stunning effect while helping to define the different outdoor living spaces.

LIONSHEAD

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

Bygone elegance was artfully renewed with this stately Lake Harriett renovation. The custom lion, fountain feature, and verandas are crafted from ORIJIN STONE's Ardeo™ Limestone. Our premium Bluestone Blue Select thermal paving provides a pretty contrast detail. Landscape Architecture & Install by Keenan & Sveiven. Photography by Alto Aerials

Patio Seating

Fratantoni Interior Designers

This backyard retreat features a large pool and spa, hanging sofas for some comfortable lounge seating, and the ability to see the entire back of the property. We love the live-edge coffee tables and the patio furniture as well.

On The Bay

User

Meditation and Hammock Pad

Talianko Design Group, LLC

Come, relax, and enjoy a cold drink while swaying in the breeze. A solid teak freestanding hammock stand resembles the hull of a boat. Its heavy cushioned hammock is the perfect compliment. In the background is the meditation pad. Curved teak benches and chairs in steel and teak surround a teak cocktail table. Navy pillows abound for comfort and luxury. Photography By: Grey Crawford

Brick and Limestone Fireplace

Krugel Cobbles, Inc.

Landscape Architect: Douglas Hoerr, FASLA; Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan

Outdoor Entertainment

Cashman Landscape Mgt & Design Inc.

Outdoor Living - Homearama Stone Fireplace & Seating Walls

Master Stone Design, LLC

This one of a kind custom designed fireplace was a huge hit at Homearama a few years ago. It blends a wonderful rose garden on the outside ring of the fireplace, a water feature, a lighting element and amazing seating walls to produce that classic blend of hard and soft lines that make this a spectacular outdoor living area.

Garden Fire Pit

Jane Ellison

Jane uses outdoor fabric pillows to repeat the colors of the garden. Each season has its own colors. Come on down and have a seat before the metal fire pit when it gets cool from the winds off the San Francisco Bay.

Saratoga

HWH Home and Garden

Outdoor firepit with natural gas. Calstone pavers and Roman Stone custom built with 24" gas ring in 36" pit.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Spurwink Retreat

Whitten Architects

Trent Bell Photography

Architect New Build Project

Tiles & Baths

Large format porcelain tiles for external use including steps and risers

Expansive Patio Design Ideas with No Cover

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!