Jeri Koegel

This lovely old red brick wall was too good to waste so iron pot holders were sourced and now carry clay pots with a range of useful herbs, just a step from the kitchen door.

ORCO Fireplaces & Pizza Ovens

ORCO Block & Hardscape

Along with our concrete masonry units, specialty mortars, pavingstones, and segmental retaining wall units, ORCO’s innovative product line includes Burntech fireplaces. We offer the strongest modular fireplace and pizza oven available. It is light, installer friendly, and able to be covered and veneered to your liking. Available in different styles and sizes. Photo by Robyn Navarro.

Front Entrance

User

This space was entirely transformed by this hardscape. The pavers add beautiful texture and the brick ribbon gives the space beautiful lines that draw in the eye.

Back Yard Patio

brett zamore design

Brett Zamore Design

Quince Reverse Shed Eichler

Guy Ayers, Architect

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Sears Road

Oak Hill Architects

Roof Color: Weathered Wood Siding Color: Benjamin Moore matched to C2 Paint's Wood Ash Color.

Channahon Brick Patio

KD Landscape

This two-tiered space offers lower level seating near the swimming pool and upper level seating for a view of the Illinois River. Planter boxes with annuals, perennials and container plantings warm the space. The retaining walls add additional seating space and a small grill enclosure is tucked away in the corner.

petanque court

Don Ziebell

werner segarra

Classy, Cozy and Comfortable Backyard

Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture

The lounge area features a custom-made gas fire circle with surrounding precast cap wide enough for drinks and snacks. Ledgestone veneer coordinates with the kitchen island to pull each element together purposefully. Belgard precast pavers coordinate well with all of the elements and furniture.

Backyard Paradise

Morgan Howarth Photography

Maryland Landscaping, Twilight, Pool, Pavillion, Pergola, Spa, Whirlpool, Outdoor Kitchen, Front steps by Wheats Landscaping

Cabana

Miller Design Group, Inc.

A quaint little outdoor space makes outdoor living convenient and enjoyable. The owners wished for a space in their backyard to entertain friends and escape the weather. This design allows them to entertain guests, keep warm by a fire, and be out of the weather!

North Beach Refresh

Board & Vellum

Photo by Andrew Giammarco.

Flowering Shade

FormLA Landscaping

The roof extension covering the front doorstep of the south-facing home needs help cooling the space. Western Redbud is a beautiful way to do just that.

Backyard Bliss

Shambhala Landscapes

This classic San Francisco backyard was transformed into an inviting and usable outdoor living space. New expansive double french doors open onto the custom concrete paver and Ipe wood patio. A generous L-shaped outdoor kitchen island frames the patio area and allows for ample storage and prep space.

FRONT YARD WATER FEATURE

Roy Altaras Landscape Design and Build

Flower Showhouse at Brierfield Farm

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

Patio at the Flower Showhouse // Featuring Bevolo French Quarter Yoke Hanger at the door and Rault Pool House Lanterns

Outdoor Oasis

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Backyard - Patio & Pool Makeover

Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC

This pool and backyard patio area is an entertainer's dream with plenty of conversation areas including a dining area, lounge area, fire pit, bar/outdoor kitchen seating, pool loungers and a covered gazebo with a wall mounted TV. The striking grass and concrete slab walkway design is sure to catch the eyes of all the guests.

Patio Garden Space

Orren Pickell Building Group

Patio Design Ideas with Concrete Pavers and Brick Pavers

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!