A lush garden pathway continues the curves, leading to a circular outdoor amenity at the far end. It comprises a half-circle mirror, a free-standing cylinder basin, a globe wall light, and an arched door. The outdoor amenity was intentionally designed to be open, with screening from climbing plants on steel wires and timber posts, with potentially a translucent fabric in the future, to create a more cost-efficient yet utilitarian space by eliminating the need for walls.

Bells Interior Styling

Kennedy and Co Interiors

Wilmington Court - Fire Pit

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

Built-in custom polished concrete fire -pit with surrounding brick bench with a bluestone cap. Bluestone patio paving with slot of gray beach pebbles. Fire-pit has natural gas with an electric spark starter. Bench seating has a wood screen wall that includes lighting & supports vine growth.

Backyard Renovation

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Photo credit: www.parkscreative.com

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This gourmet kitchen includes wood burning pizza oven, grill, side burner, egg smoker, sink, refrigerator, trash chute, serving station and more! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Outdoor Pizza Oven

Krugel Cobbles, Inc.

All photos by Linda Oyama Bryan. Home restoration by Von Dreele-Freerksen Construction

Porch

Norris Architecture

Overlooking the lake and with rollaway screens

Santa Barbara, California

KES Studio

The residence received a full gut renovation to create a modern coastal retreat vacation home. This was achieved by using a neutral color pallet of sands and blues with organic accents juxtaposed with custom furniture’s clean lines and soft textures.

Mill Valley Residence

Pedersen Associates

Front yard renovation with new waterfall and bridge and fireplace seating area. Barbara Ries Photography

Patio Rockville, MD

Design Builders, Inc.

Summary As far as unique outdoor living spaces go, this entire backyard makeover at Manor Country Club in Rockville, Maryland has the bases covered. A flagstone patio, AZEK-covered deck, cedar pergola, and hot tub were added to make this Montgomery County home stand out. The basement was also renovated and given a stone fireplace. Situated on Manor's 18th tee box, the patio and pavilion feature open views, low-maintenance plantings, and all of the amenities one needs for entertaining. The integrated hot tub is integrated into the AZEK decking for easy and safe access. We also paved the driveway and laid stone for the front path. Other features Hot tub that is half under the awning and half exposed to the sky for excellent stargazing Integrated porch lighting Stone flower boxes built into the multi-tiered patio Materials AZEK Terra Collection decking, Tahoe AZEK Harvest Collection decking, slate gray Pennsylvania flagstone patio blocks Cedar wood Pressure-treated wood Photos by Venturaphoto

Contemporary Patio

Pool House on a Georgian Estate

VanderHorn Architects

The soaring vaulted ceiling and its exposed timber framing rises from the sturdy brick arched facades. Flemish bond (above the arches), running bond (columns), and basket weave patterns (kitchen wall) differentiate distinct surfaces of the classical composition. A paddle fan suspended from the ceiling provides a comforting breeze to the seating areas below. Gus Cantavero Photography

Photo: Scott Pease

Photography by SpaceCrafting

San Roque Get-a-Way

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Naturalist, hot tub with flagstone, Stone Fire Pit, adirondack chairs make a great outdoor living space. Holly Lepere

Mountain Vista

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The bench curves around the space and connects with the kitchen area. The fire bowl, which nestles in the circular part of the bench, is oversized as not to be overwhelmed by the open space. Photo by Marcus Teply,

Fire Features

Nansemond Precast Concrete

Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.

Fire Features

Johns Building Supply

Traditional Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit.

Concord, MA country estate

Sallie Hill Design, Landscape Architect

Restoration and expansion of backyard estate patio area. Bluestone patio with capped seating wall expanded to include extensive plantings, low level lighting, and the addition of a bocce court. - Sallie Hill Design | Landscape Architecture | 339-970-9058 | salliehilldesign.com | photo ©2013 Brian Hill

Bluestone Downers Grove

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone 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!