S'mores around the fire? This backyard bluestone fire circle is perfect for creating memories together.

Transitional Style - We wanted to create a natural outdoor living space with elevation change and an open feel. The first time we met they wanted to add a small kitchen and a 200 square foot pergola to the existing concrete. This beautifully evolved into what we eventually built. By adding an elevated deck to the left of the structure it created the perfect opportunity to elevate the sitting walls. Whether you’re sitting on the deck or over by the travertine sitting wall ...it is the exact same distance off of the floor. By creating a seamless transition from one space to the other no matter where you are, you're always a part of the party. A 650 square foot cedar pergola, 92 feet of stone sitting walls, travertine flooring, composite decking and summer kitchen. With plenty of accent lighting this space lights up and highlights all of the natural materials. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Pergola: Solid Cedar Flooring: Travertine Flooring/ Composite decking Stone: Rattle Snake with 2.25” Cream limestone capping TK Images

Lake Joseph Executive Bunkie

Tamarack North

Lafayette Custom Residence

Integrated Design, llc

Camelback Mountain Contemporary | Courtyard Outdoor Living

Greey Pickett

This “Arizona Inspired” home draws on some of the couples’ favorite desert inspirations. The architecture honors the Wrightian design of The Arizona Biltmore, the courtyard raised planter beds feature labeled specimen cactus in the style of the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the expansive backyard offers a resort-style pool and cabana with plenty of entertainment space. Additional focal areas of landscape design include an outdoor living room in the front courtyard with custom steel fire trough, a shallow negative-edge fountain, and a rare “nurse tree” that was salvaged from a nearby site, sits in the corner of the courtyard – a unique conversation starter. The wash that runs on either side of the museum-glass hallway is filled with aloes, agaves and cactus. On the far end of the lot, a fire pit surrounded by desert planting offers stunning views both day and night of the Praying Monk rock formation on Camelback Mountain. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Builder: GM Hunt Builders Landscape Contractor: Benhart Landscaping Interior Designer: Kitchell Brusnighan Interior Design Photography: Ian Denker

MODERN FARMHOUSE

BLUEWAGON LANDSCAPE & DESIGN INC

Chic Backyard Haven in Long Island, NY

Above All Masonry Design, Inc

Chefs and hosting enthusiasts thrive in this state-of-the-art backyard haven on Long Island, NY. With three separate gathering spaces and a winding walkway to connect the Techo Bloc-paved patio, this family can enjoy long evenings of barbecue and conversation in the open air. The eye-catching fire pit in just one of the centerpieces of the space, welcoming guests around a fire that sparks conversations well into the evening and chillier months. And with a full-service kitchen and food prep area, passionate chefs can create their dream meal and bar setup for large groups or intimate parties. Designers utilized multiple levels throughout the yard to blend with the existing landscape, sending visitors along the softly toned stone walkway and up to the dining area and backdoor steps. Manicured patches of greenery and florals surround all those that rest in the chic backyard haven.

Seattle Cozy Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Firepit Ambiance

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

natural stone firepit with thermaled granite capstones. Square-rectangular bluestone terrace

Fishhawk Ranch

Ryan Hughes Design

Positioned on the outdoor patio to enjoy the Ryan Hughes Design Build custom fireplace focal point, the fireplace chat set by Patio Renaissance provides exceptional durability and comfort with spacious seating for up to five. Oversized cushions stand up to Florida’s warmth, sunshine, and tropical showers.

Cambridge Paver Patio

Yardville Supply Company

Condrich Project

Outdoor Artisan, Inc.

Photo by BruceSaundersPhotography.com

Modern Craftsman

Andrew Mann Architecture

photo credit: Paul Dyer

Fire Pits and Fireplaces

Signature Landscapes

Megan Sogn

Lake Elmo Sanctuary

DreamScapes Landscaping & Design, Inc.

Georgian Classic

New River Building Co.

Traditional Southern home designed by renowned architect, Stephen Fuller, marrying modern and traditional fixtures in one seamless flow.

K2 Ranch

Studio 133

David O. Marlow

Kalorama Penthouse

DANE AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN Boston & Cambridge

White metal framed seating with gray cushions and turquoise blue throw pillows placed around a fire pit form the entertainment area on the patio. A white dining table set forms the patio's dining area. The patio is surrounded by white outdoor curtains to facilitate privacy. Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/kalorama-penthouse

Ashton Woods Shumard Model

Ashton Woods

Coolwater

AquaTerra Outdoors

Wade Griffith Photography

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

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!