The bench curves around the space and connects with the kitchen area. The fire bowl, which nestles in the circular part of the bench, is oversized as not to be overwhelmed by the open space. Photo by Marcus Teply,

Flint Hills Modern Prairie - Andover, KS

Nies Homes

Shane Organ Photo

Completed Homes

Johnson Development Co.

Transitional Farmhouse

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

This welcoming and unique property is adjacent to the Diablo Country Club golf course, nestled at the foot of Mt. Diablo. The grounds needed updating to compliment the home's transitional farmhouse-style remodel. We designed a new pavilion for a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The pavilion houses a cozy kitchen & grill, sleek bar, TV, ceiling fan, heaters, wall speakers, and inviting dining area. A pergola and trellis flank the modernized swimming pool and spa, the larger pergola featuring a square fire pit. To the expansive lawn we added two natural stone patios, clean gravel and stone pathways, retaining walls and fresh plantings.

Seat Wall and Fire Pit, Glen Rock, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

Boulder Cooler/Fire Pit

Kaibab Landscaping

This project allowed us the opportunity to think outside the box and put a unique twist on a cooler. Along with the homeowner, we careful chose a boulder that we felt complimented the esthetic style of the mountain landscape. Once the rock was chosen, we carved and filed stone down to look like a rustic cooler. This is the perfect addition and attention grabber to any outdoor seating area.

Upper East Side Townhouse

VGC NYC Inc.

Euclid Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

Similar to the water feature, the outdoor kitchen is veneered with the ledgstone and has the leuders limestone top and sides.

Back Yard Sanctuary

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Louvered panel cupola with copper cap on rustic pergola. Trimmed out heavy Cedar posts.

Oohla Bean Modern B&B

TREX Pergolas can look just like wood but perform much better for a maintenance free experience for years. Although there are standard kits like 12' x 16' (etc), we can also custom design something totally unique to you!

Dry Stone Walled Garden

Llama Architects

A once over grown area, boggy part of the curtilage of this replacement dwelling development. Implementing extensive drainage, tree planting and dry stone walling, the walled garden is now maturing into a beautiful private garden area of this soon to be stunning home development. With sunken dry stone walled private seating area, Box hedging, pleached Hornbeam, oak cleft gates, dry stone walling and wild life loving planting and views over rolling hills and countryside, this garden is a beautiful addition to this developments Landscape Architecture design.

Modern Geometric Pool with Fire Features and Sun Shelf

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

View from the fire pit looking out over the glass tile sun shelf, pool, fire pots and glass tile spa. Design and construction by Caviness Landscape Design Photography by KO Rinearson

Professional photos

Power Concrete Construction & Design Center

The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Modern Backyard Remodel

Cascade Outdoor Design

Seating area with modern gas fire feature. Surrounding walls of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) with integrated custom aluminum lighting. Outdoor kitchen constructed of GFRC with 4" double waterfall countertop. Kitchen includes seating with pendant lights overhead, decorative niche, teppanyaki grill, sink, gas grill and refrigerator. Privacy wall featuring wood-look porcelain tile, floating shelves and television and accent lighting. Screen enclosure with mansard roofFurniture and fire feature by Restoration Hardware. Photo by Vania Hardtle

Project of the Month: April 2016

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images

Old World Mountain Landscape

Terry T. King Landscape Architecture

Fire Features

Markham Landscape Products, Inc.

Traditional Style Fire Feature - Custom fire pit using Techo-Bloc's Mini-Creta wall & Portofino cap.

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!