Positioning the home as a conduit for family and togetherness, Gathering House is expanded to facilitate an open and engaging residential experience, melding both old and new within the one generous site. Taking references from the existing formal silhouette and materiality already in place, the focus became on extruding the original form while imbedding new principles of increased scale and openness throughout. Binding the interior to the larger landscape was also key, driving clear visual connections between inside and out and allowing the functions of the home to spill out into dedicated outdoor entertaining areas. The home celebrates coming together, dotted with moments of compression and release to align with varying levels of passive or active animation, retaining the familiar intimacy of home.

Creekbridge

Daniela Fulford Photography

Fiberglass pergola covering hot tub

Fine Decks Inc.

Landscaping done by Annapolis Landscaping ( www.annapolislandscaping.com) Patio done by Beautylandscaping (www.beautylandscaping.com)

Wicked Shade Projects

Willow Interiors, LLC

Edis Street

Zulufish

A Victorian terraced townhouse set over five storeys, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms on the upper two floors; a double drawing room, family room, snug, study and hall on the first and ground levels, and a utility room, nanny suite and kitchen-dining room leading to a garden on the lower level. Settling here from overseas, the owners of this house in Primrose Hill chose the area for its quintessentially English architecture and bohemian feel. They loved the property’s original features and wanted their new home to be light and spacious, with plenty of storage and an eclectic British feel. As self-confessed ‘culture vultures’, the couple’s art collection formed the basis of their home’s colour palette.

Seaside in Shell Beach

Landwell Design + Build Co.

An unsafe entry and desire for more outdoor living space motivated the homeowners of this Mediterranean style ocean view home to hire Landwell to complete a front and backyard design and renovation. A new Azek composite deck with access steps and cable railing replaced an uneven tile patio in the front courtyard, the driveway was updated, and in the backyard a new powder-coated steel pergola with louvered slats was built to cover a new bbq island, outdoor dining and lounge area, and new concrete slabs were poured leading to a cozy deck space with a gas fire pit and seating. Raised vegetable beds, site appropriate planting, low-voltage lighting and Palomino gravel finished off the outdoor spaces of this beautiful Shell Beach home.

Fire pits

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

European Relaxation

Mom's Design Build

Photography by SpaceCrafting

C-Stamped Concrete Patio

HaiJoe Stamped Concrete Patios and Decks

Stamped concrete patio with fieldstone pattern, the darker gray border, and the curves makes this patio look amazing.

CAMARGUE

T&M Shading

CAMARGUE join 2 white

Modern Concrete & Bluestone Patio - Mequon

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

A contemporary, cast concrete fire bowl is centered on the living room doors, surrounded by beach pebble mulch. Bluestone inlays in the concrete mark the centerline of the bowl in both directions and continues into the thermal finish, full range bluestone patio. Erickson Digital Studio

Hollwood Blvd.

STYLELINE™ Door and Window Systems

Urban Patio - Garden Gate. Minnesota Landscape Design

Anderson Design / ErosionZ. Minnesota Landscape.

Simple trellis-style cottage garden fence creates an effective screen between a small dining patio and an alley way in this tiny urban back yard. The gate serves as a pass-through for family members to and from garage. Credit: Tad Anderson. All rights exclusively reserved.

Seaside Pool & Patio

Anderson Landscape

Wide steps lead you out and down to the lawn or pool. Wall serves a seating around the gas firepit.

Mermaid Manor

Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd.

Bright Idea Photography

Stamped concrete brick border

Integrity Concrete, LLC

This is a stamped brick border with plain broom finished concrete in between. It looks very classy with a touch of up-scale look to it. It's done in about four different sections and took about a week to finish because of the complexity to it!

Outdoor shower

Schram Designs

Red Mangaris

Purple, Turquoise Patio Design Ideas

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!