Erika Tamassy

IN TOWN

Fletcher Development LLC

Atherton - Modern Industrial

JPM Construction

JPM Construction offers complete support for designing, building, and renovating homes in Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and surrounding mid-peninsula areas. With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and professionalism, our clients can expect premium end-to-end service. The promise of JPM is unparalleled quality both on-site and off, where we value communication and attention to detail at every step. Onsite, we work closely with our own tradesmen, subcontractors, and other vendors to bring the highest standards to construction quality and job site safety. Off site, our management team is always ready to communicate with you about your project. The result is a beautiful, lasting home and seamless experience for you.

Fire pit

Heaven & Earth Landscape Design

Favorite Colorado Exteriors

From The Hip Photo

Urban Oasis

Modern Nest

Zeke Ruelas

Cape Cod in the Burbs

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

This was a Illinois Landscape Contractors Excellence in Landscape Awards, Gold Award wining project in 2008. This home was also featured on the Glen Ellyn Garden walk.

Inviting Patio Spaces

Exscape Designs

Enhancing a Classic Charm

Braen Supply

Enhancing the Classic Charm The experts at Braen Supply were tasked with finding materials that would enhance the character and charm of this house, which was built in 1960. The homeowner was looking to give the older, existing walkway, driveway and patio a face lift that would bring it into the twenty first century. In addition to redoing those areas, the homeowner added a large fire pit in the backyard, which is surrounded by pea gravel, where friends and family can sit and enjoy the fire on a cool night. Boulders were added to the landscaping bringing depth and texture to the flowerbeds. The changes that were made to the home made a huge difference in the overall appearance of the house. It now has a modern look while still maintaining that classic charm feeling.

Outdoor Living

King Concrete Ottawa Inc.

Historic Mosaic House

Arrow. Land + Structures

Lake Forest Mosaic House designed by prominent American architect Henry Ives Cobb, in 1882. Grounds designed and constructed by Arrow Land+Structures, in 2016.

Dana Point Mediteranean

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Our owners were looking for a garden they could share with their large family. We created multiple seating areas including a firepit set in a gravel circle, surrounded by olive trees. The creamy gravel compliments the stone veneer on the firepit and BBQ. Container plants provide accents.

Private Courtyard

Highland Homes, Inc.

Challenging Hillside Putting green and Fire pit area

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

Great hillside woodland setting, very difficult hillside to accomplish all the client needs and wants.

Outdoor Spaces 2019 - Elements Landscape

Elements Landscape

This is a custom stacked stone fire pit with a crushed slate patio. Includes boulder retaining walls and large gray slab stone steps.

Outdoor Living

Andra Martens Design Studio

Side garden becomes an outdoor living space with a floating bench, crushed limestone ground cover, concrete fire table by Ernsdorf Design in Los Angeles and a copper succulent planter and art wall.

Monarch Bay

David A. Kaech & Associates, Inc.

Bob White

Heathcote

Fig Landscapes

Photos by Jessie Ann

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and Gravel

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!