Tanner Consulting LLC- Landscape Architecture

The large rough cedar pergola provides a wonderful place for the homeowners to entertain guests. The decorative concrete patio used an integral color and release, was scored and then sealed with a glossy finish. There was plenty of seating designed into the patio space and custom cushions create a more comfortable seat along the fireplace. Jason Wallace Photography

Blue Max & Belgard

Interesting Furniture Finds

DBR Designs

The Designs by Robin Team picked up this distressed green bamboo console. added art from a local outdoor artist, and a small grouping of jugs to really complete the southern style of this back porch.

Patio Doors

A-1 Glass

Arlington Heights Outdoor Retreat Design

User

Garret Buell

Olivenhain - Remodel

ProPacific Builders, Inc.

Secondo Amore

chiara cadeddu photographer

Boot Ranch

ILLUMINARIES LIGHTING LLC

Desert Retreat at Silverleaf

Drewett Works

The genesis of design for this desert retreat was the informal dining area in which the clients, along with family and friends, would gather. Located in north Scottsdale’s prestigious Silverleaf, this ranch hacienda offers 6,500 square feet of gracious hospitality for family and friends. Focused around the informal dining area, the home’s living spaces, both indoor and outdoor, offer warmth of materials and proximity for expansion of the casual dining space that the owners envisioned for hosting gatherings to include their two grown children, parents, and many friends. The kitchen, adjacent to the informal dining, serves as the functioning heart of the home and is open to the great room, informal dining room, and office, and is mere steps away from the outdoor patio lounge and poolside guest casita. Additionally, the main house master suite enjoys spectacular vistas of the adjacent McDowell mountains and distant Phoenix city lights. The clients, who desired ample guest quarters for their visiting adult children, decided on a detached guest casita featuring two bedroom suites, a living area, and a small kitchen. The guest casita’s spectacular bedroom mountain views are surpassed only by the living area views of distant mountains seen beyond the spectacular pool and outdoor living spaces. Project Details | Desert Retreat, Silverleaf – Scottsdale, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB; Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn Featured in Phoenix Home and Garden, May 2015, “Sporting Style: Golf Enthusiast Christie Austin Earns Top Scores on the Home Front” See more of this project here: http://drewettworks.com/desert-retreat-at-silverleaf/

Private Dallas Area Residence

Southwest Fence & Deck

Custom built arbors are the first step in transforming your back yard into a useable area. A properly built arbor will provide the necessary retreat from the hot summer sun as well as creating a nice cozy feel in the evenings. Strategically placed lighting, fans, heaters and misters allow for year round use of your living area. Originally called summerhouses, cabanas have emerged as one of today’s most desired outdoor living requirements. We create structures that serve as great gathering places including grill stations, fireplaces and even that special place for the TV.

With the goal of creating a larger and more functional outdoor environment, custom made for year-round outdoor living and entertaining, this oasis was created. By substantially raising the roof, we more than doubled the usable patio space near the home, creating a warm and luxurious outdoor living space with a TV and fireplace, and a one-of-a-kind seated outdoor kitchen, that sits just underneath a custom-made 8’ x 10’ lit copper awning. The entire area is finished 16” x 24” Ankara Travertine on the floor, a Mexican Noce fireplace surround, cedar herringbone soffit, an infrared heater, canvas wind drapery, and a custom woven copper soffit vault.

Front Porch Farmhouse

Noble Classic Homes

Lake Lanier Infinity Edge

Boyce Design + Build

This custom pool and spa features an infinity edge with a tile spillover and beautiful cascading water feature. The open air gable roof cabana houses an outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances, raised bar area and a large custom stacked stone fireplace and seating area making it the ideal place for relaxing or entertaining.

Private home - Atlanta, Georgia

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area.

Padova Residence

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Large windows and open spaces enhance the home's spaces while creating fluidity between the interior and exterior.

Ideal Outdoor Living Spaces

Trinity Homes of Las Cruces

Raised Paver Deck that replaced aging redwood deck in Morada CA

Cutting Edge Pavers

We replaced an aging redwood deck and concrete pool deck with pavers.

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!