Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

The Front Door / Dwayne Carruth

photo - Mitchel Naquin

Well-Traveled Alys Beach Home

Brad Ramsey Interiors

Well-Traveled Alys Beach Home Photo: Jack Gardner

Garden Outdoor Tub

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

The master bathroom's outdoor shower is a natural garden escape. The natural stone tub is nestled in the tropical landscaping and complements the stone pavers on the floor. The wall mount shower head is a waterfall built into the lava rock privacy walls. A teak stool sits beside the tub for easy placement of towels and shampoos. The master bathroom opens to the outdoor shower through a full height glass door and the indoor shower's glass wall connect the two spaces seamlessly.

Chicago Residence 4

Handman Berry Interior Design

Red Mangaris

7 Bridges Woodridge, IL

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan

Forever Home

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

A patterned Lannonstone wall creates a private backdrop for the heated spa, featuring a sheer water weir pouring from between the wall’s mortar joints. Generous planting beds provide seasonal texture and softening between paved areas. The paving is Bluestone.

Shades of Gray

SV Design

This once modest beach cottage was slowly transformed over the years into a grand estate on one of the North Shore's best beaches. Siemasko + Verbridge designed a modest addition while reworking the entire floor plan to meet the needs of a large family. Photo Credit: Michael Rixon

NEW CANAAN - GARAGE AND POOL HOUSE ADDITION

DM A+D

Rustic Modern Outdoor Entertainment Retreat

Landwell Design + Build Co.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Dover Heights Clifftop

Think Outside Gardens

In a unique location on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, an existing pool and rear garden was transformed inline with the ‘Hamptons’ style interiors of the home. The shape of an existing pool was changed to allow for more lawn and usable space. New tiling, rendered walls, planters and salt tolerant planting brought the garden up to date. The existing undercover alfresco area in this Dover Heights family garden was opened up by lowering the tiling level to create internal height and a sense of spaciousness. The colour palette was purposely limited to match the house with white light greys, green plantings and blue in the furnishings and pool. The addition of a built in BBQ with shaker profile cupboards and marble bench top references the interior styling and brings sophistication to the outdoor space. Baby blue pool lounges and wicker furniture add to the ‘Hamptons’ feel. Contemporary planters with Bougainvillea has been used to provide a splash of colour along the roof line for most of the year. In a side courtyard synthetic lawn was added to create a children’s play area, complete with elevated fort, cubby house and climbing wall.

Potager

Adam Vetere Landscape and Garden Design

Nicola Stocken

Casual Luxe St. Martin II

Norris Furniture & Interiors

Luxurious master bath outdoor shower.

548 Riverstone Dr , Salem SC

Aaron Fine Architectural Photographer

Outdoor Shower

Eve Isenberg & Brigitte Steines

steines architecture

Highland Park Residence

Wernerfield Architecture

Charles Davis Smith

Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature and an Outdoor Shower

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!