This lawn-jointed patio is a shady retreat at the end of the day. We constructed both steps and retaining walls of thermal monolithic bluestone to compliment the planar qualities of the mid-century architecture. These crisp lines and planes are softened with textural plantings of grasses, native perennials and peonies, as well as the sculptural wisteria we preserved twining up the corner of the covered porch.

Wickham Point House

Arcke Pty Ltd

Concrete BBQ courtyard with concrete pavers and brick landing.

Blinds

IllumiNation Window & Door Co.

Brentwood Interiors Refresh

Usable Space Interiors, LLC

This gorgeous patio needed some color to add cohesiveness and decor to provide final touches. Keeping with the neutral and navy theme inside, USI pulled those base colors outside and the result is beautiful!

Backyard Deck - After

Realty Restoration, LLC

My Houzz: A Northwest Home Honors Its Midcentury Roots

Ellie Lillstrom Photography

Mid-Century Backyard Landscape - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

New dry-stacked lannon stone walls and steps were designed to replace the crumbling existing walls. A new concrete patio with inlaid bluestone runnels mimics the angle and materials of the larger upper patio. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Lake Paupac Cabin Remodel 2

J.B. Nicholson Architecture

Ben Nicholson

Concrete Overlay

California Concrete Overlay Inc.

Woodcliff Rd, Sherman oaks contemporary landscape

G & L DESIGN BUILDING AND LANDSCAPE, INC.

Covered Patio, Midwest Simplicity

Videre Decor

With bright outdoor upholstery fabrics, this patio on the golf course was inviting and fun. A pop of color on the exterior doors that fully opened into the interior made indoor/outdoor living a breeze.

Outdoor Island with Tasty Treats :-)

Landscape Logic

This is how every outdoor bbq island should look during a later afternoon. The colors and lighting create a relaxing ambiance.

Mid Century Modern Rancho Mirage

Horizon Builders, Inc.

Block work surround the entire perimeter is original to the house built in 1969 in Rancho Mirage, CA. Pool chairs are sitting on new concrete pads. Fire pit was painted white to give that mid century look. New grass was installed to finish off the comfortable pool area.

Lovely split-level driveway and entryway.

Beall's Nursery & Landscaping

mid-century home updated with paver driveway, steps and path.

RiverLights Mid-Century Modern 70 West Model

Mary Hannah Interiors

Kirkwood Mid-Century Renovation

Studio Lark

Mid-Century renovation of a Ralph Fournier 1953 ranch house in suburban St. Louis. View of renovated rear patio area with new soffits and siding, bluestone patio, and rock garden.

Color Theory

Modern Nest

This sofa is fun and funny. Love the legs and the lollipop umbrella.

Sherman Oaks Family Friendly Modern

Hive Home

Outdoor dining: table and bench from Eco Outdoor, Chairs from Kingsley Bate, with easy care drought tolerant plants, mid century style planters from CB2 photo by Amy Bartlam

Mid-Century Grill Island - Whitefish Bay, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

What a difference the new addition and patio make in the backyard of this 2 story mid-century home in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. The new patio we designed has spaces for dining, lounging and hanging out around the new fire bowl. A new grill island was included as part of the addition which was designed by Fein Design in Mequon, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy Fein Design

Westshire Patio

M3LD

Photographer: Kirsten Hepburn

Midcentury 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, midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!