With a veranda stretching across the entire back of the this home, there is plenty of space for two distinct areas-conversational and dining. Three french doors lead from the living room, lounge and dining room of this home and open 180 degrees to encourage free flowing entertainment. Outdoor fabrics and furniture, are safe from the sun and weather Yes, even the upholstered chairs are outdoor safe! A simple chandelier over the dining table enhances the atmosphere of al fresco dining! Comfortable lounge seating is arranged in front of the fireplace with a reclaimed railroad tie lending a bit of rustic texture and, of course, the TV above it ensures friends a great place to gather for brunch or grilled pizza on the Big Green Egg! Photo by John Carrington

Fences

Leyrer Fence And Deck

Vibrant Hideaway

Troy Silva Design Group Inc.

Contemporary Family Retreat & Sport Court

Ground One Landscape Design + Build

This visually simple, modern solution is unique within its suburban context, and gives this family the custom landscape of their dreams. The homeowners’ wish list included a modern design and clearly defined spaces: a larger dining patio, firepit patio, hot tub, and a 4-season sport court (which gets flooded for ice hockey in the winter). Circulation and screening were key in Ground One’s landscape design. A sport court could overwhelm the entire backyard, so it was raised three feet above the primary backyard to physically separate different spaces, and minimize its visual impact. Rectangular bluestone in a running bond pattern was used in all the gathering spaces (dining, firepit, hot tub). Bluestone walls reinforce a simple material palette. A larger dining patio was installed near the house for greater entertaining flexibility. Plank paver paths connect to a private hot tub area and allow kids to don hockey gear and enter the sport court without messing up the house. The firepit patio is at the back of the property, nestled into the existing hillside under a large oak and below the sport court terrace. Plantings reinforce the geometry of each gathering space, provide focal points, and create layers of screening and separation from any given vantage point. Hardy species were selected for their low-maintenance requirements and various seasons of interest. Landscape lighting was incorporated to provide way finding between the patios, accent various hardscape elements, and highlight the trees.

Outdoor Hip Roof Wood Fired Pizza Ovens

Mugnaini

Find the perfect outdoor oven for your backyard, garden, poolside or patio. Mugnaini outdoor pizza ovens are the ideal centerpiece for alfresco dining and entertaining. Pick from a variety of shapes and sizes, and create the ultimate open-air kitchen with a Mugnaini wood fired oven. www.mugnaini.com

Mid century House

Patricia B. Warren, AIA Warren Architecture, LLC

Photo by Maggie Cole Architectural Photography. The addition of the Privacy wall at the left of the new French doors provides a very tranquil retreat for the new patio area. The geometry is strong, here rectilinear shapes are seen in the openings at the top of the wall and in the muntins of the French doors, tying into the existing house window. The diagonal of the limestone paver pattern draws the visitor from the house to the pond.

Elegant Townhome in Pasadena

Charmean Neithart Interiors

Erika Bierman Photography www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Backyard landscape design

Splendor Landscape Designs Ltd.

Milieu Design

Milieu Landscaping

Jardín Multiestancial

UN JARDIN PARA MI

Roberto Román

Summer Kitchens

Kent & Kent Residential Design

Terry Halsey Photography

Rear Elevation

Michael Lyons Architect

Ken Vaughan

Bethesda Equinox Adjustable Louvered Roof, Patio and Grill Station

Core Outdoor Living

This built-in grill station lets these homeowners cookout rain-or shine, all year round!

jeri koegel

Palisades Neighborhood NW Washington, DC

GardenWise

Michael K. Wilkinson

Mediterranean Patio

Retaining walls Spalling Repair

XYZ's

Дом в Красногорске

Архитектурная мастерская Акант

Sonoma / Sea Ranch Redux

Marcus & Willers Architects

Photos: Anthony Dimaano

Green 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!