A new deck at the front of the house creates a courtyard effect. The cut out may hold a fire feature in the future. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Noyack Sloped Natural Garden

Hotbotany

Seating areas under pergola and fire pit surrounded by Russian Sage and perennials.

Checked Terrace Backyard

ARTO

One of the many things that Armen and Vod were taught growing up is to work before relaxing, what great motivation to finish up the labors of the day and get to relax in this haven.

Forestvale Residence

Gelderman Landscape Services

Jeff McNeill

Canyon Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Canyon Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Modern English Farmhouse | Hillsboro, Oregon

Westlake Development Group, LLC

Justin Krug Photography

Traditional Plantation Style Custom Home in Richmond, Texas

Purser Architectural

Purser Architectural Custom Home Design built by CAM Builders LLC

Pergolas & Arbors

KD Landscape

Entering the back gardens, guests are greeted by an expansive, two-tiered pergola made from rough-sawn cedar. Limestone columns provide a solid visual base for the posts. Look closely and you'll see one of the two swings at the end of the pergola. Landscape design by John Algozzini.

Outdoor Living in Las Colinas

Compass Outdoor Design

These clients spent the majority of their time outside and entertained frequently, but their existing patio space didn't allow for larger gatherings. We added nearly 500 square feet to the already 225 square feet existing to create this expansive outdoor living room. The outdoor fireplace is see-thru and can fully convert to wood burning should the clients desire. Beyond the fireplace is a spa built in on two sides with a composite deck, LED step lighting, and outdoor rated TV, and additional counter space. The outdoor grilling area mimics the interior of the clients home with a kitchen island and space for dining. Heaters were added in ceiling and mounted to walls to create additional heat sources. To capture the best lighting, our clients enhanced their space with lighting in the overhangs, underneath the benches adjacent the fireplace, and recessed cans throughout. Audio/Visual details include an outdoor rated TV by the spa, Sonos surround sound in the main sitting area, the grilling area, and another landscape zone by the spa. The lighting and audio/visual in this project is also fully automated. To bring their existing area and new area together for ultimate entertaining, the clients remodeled their exterior breakfast room wall by removing three windows and adding an accordion door with a custom retractable screen to keep bugs out of the home. For landscape, the existing sod was removed and synthetic turf installed around the entirety of the backyard area along with a small putting green. Selections: Flooring - 2cm porcelain paver Kitchen/island: Fascia is ipe. Counters are 3cm quartzite Dry Bar: Fascia is stacked stone panels. Counter is 3cm granite. Ceiling: Painted tongue and groove pine with decorative stained cedar beams. Additional Paint: Exterior beams painted accent color (do not match existing house colors) Roof: Slate Tile Benches: Tile back, stone (bullnose edge) seat and cap

SoCal Outdoor Remodel: Pavers, Turf, and Elements

System Pavers

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

Ma Residence- Aluminum Patio Cover

So Cal Builders & Design

Remove grass in the backyard, pour cement and build aluminum patio cover.

Custom Coastal Cottage

Naples Bay Builders, Inc.

1209 Harbor Drive | delray Beach, Florida

Judi Lukens & Kim Lekas

Patio

Coachella Valley Oasis - Fire Pit

Bradshaw Construction

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

Atlantic Beach Modern Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This modern outdoor living space mere blocks from the beach is replete with all of the best staycation features. There is a cozy, yet refined screened patio space with a glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) wrapped spa that is situated opposite a Wolf-equipped outdoor dining and seating area. A custom GFRC fireplace with GFRC mantel connects the areas, while providing a touch of privacy. Through the retractable screens, a pair of Restoration Hardware chaise lounge chairs call for a sunning session. To beat the heat our clients can retreat to the pool and recline on the end-to-end sun shelf. Artificial turf and a stretch of Mexican beach pebble frame the pool and generous porcelain coping. Aloe, hibiscus, bamboo muhly, cabbage palms and other tropical landscaping enhance the modern beach aesthetic. Photos by Craig O'Neal

Firepit Ambiance

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

a more disciplined look to this wood-burning fire pit and matching stone wall, mixed stone and brick pavers

Cantabrica Estates

Vicki Kaplan, Arizona Best Real Estate

Cantabrica Estates is a private gated community located in North Scottsdale. Spec home available along with build-to-suit and incredible view lots. For more information contact Vicki Kaplan at Arizona Best Real Estate Spec Home Built By: LaBlonde Homes Photography by: Leland Gebhardt

Inviting Patio Spaces

Exscape Designs

Saint Helena Modern Farmhouse

James McCalligan Architect

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!