Side Yard and Courtyard Patio Design Ideas

Hood House
Hood House
Mihaly SlocombeMihaly Slocombe
Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.
Surry Hills Courtyard
Surry Hills Courtyard
inovasis designinovasis design
An inner city sanctuary in Surry Hills providing cantilevered concrete benches, innovative planting solutions and an outdoor log fireplace for year round entertaining. True indoor/outdoor living with our second landscape design for this young family.
Sunrise Vista
Sunrise Vista
Lane Williams ArchitectsLane Williams Architects
We began with a structurally sound 1950’s home. The owners sought to capture views of mountains and lake with a new second story, along with a complete rethinking of the plan. Basement walls and three fireplaces were saved, along with the main floor deck. The new second story provides a master suite, and professional home office for him. A small office for her is on the main floor, near three children’s bedrooms. The oldest daughter is in college; her room also functions as a guest bedroom. A second guest room, plus another bath, is in the lower level, along with a media/playroom and an exercise room. The original carport is down there, too, and just inside there is room for the family to remove shoes, hang up coats, and drop their stuff. The focal point of the home is the flowing living/dining/family/kitchen/terrace area. The living room may be separated via a large rolling door. Pocketing, sliding glass doors open the family and dining area to the terrace, with the original outdoor fireplace/barbeque. When slid into adjacent wall pockets, the combined opening is 28 feet wide.
Thigpen Residence
Thigpen Residence
Chris Corbett DesignChris Corbett Design
Neil Michael - Axiom Photography
Quince Reverse Shed Eichler
Quince Reverse Shed Eichler
Guy Ayers, ArchitectGuy 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).
A Modern Lake Cabin
A Modern Lake Cabin
MB Builders and DevelopmentMB Builders and Development
A beautiful and modern take on a lake cabin for a sweet family to make wonderful memories.
Lot 40
Lot 40
Marmiro Stones, IncMarmiro Stones, Inc
Deep Blue® sandblasted pavers create a relaxing side patio for the family to gather and enjoy each other's company. The natural whites and gray of the stone compliment the natural elements of the area, as well as the multi-color outdoor fireplace.
Sea Glass House
Sea Glass House
Amy Martin Landscape DesignAmy Martin Landscape Design
Location: Hingham, MA, USA This newly constructed home in Hingham, MA was designed to openly embrace the seashore landscape surrounding it. The front entrance has a relaxed elegance with a classic plant theme of boxwood, hydrangea and grasses. The back opens to beautiful views of the harbor, with a terraced patio running the length of the house. The infinity pool blends seamlessly with the water landscape and splashes over the wall into the weir below. Planting beds break up the expanse of paving and soften the outdoor living spaces. The sculpture, made by a personal friend of the family, creates a stunning focal point with the open sky and sea behind. One side of the property was densely planted with large Spruce, Juniper and Birch on top of a 7' berm to provide instant privacy. Hokonechloa grass weaves its way around Annabelle Hydrangeas and Flower Carpet Roses. The other side had an existing stone stairway which was enhanced with a grove of Birch, hydrangea and Hakone grass. The Limelight Tree Hydrangeas and Boxwood offer a fresh welcome, while the Miscanthus grasses add a casual touch. The Stone wall and patio create a resting spot between rounds of tennis. The granite steps in the lawn allow for a comfortable transition up a steeper slope.
A French Courtyard
A French Courtyard
Mariani LandscapeMariani Landscape
A city courtyard reminiscent of the French countryside, an oasis right in the middle of the city. A harmony of details combine to perfect the space, a dramatic change making this space inviting. The character of the home is carried into the courtyard design, the tones of the clay pavers complementing the stone and brick surrounding the courtyard, offering a natural and weathered atmosphere. Around the edge of the pavers is a french drain for functionality, without taking anything away from the design. The arbor over the middle doorway is a custom built addition and it serves more than one purpose; it will be home to climbing vines, it frames the doorway with its placement, and it balances the space with its size and color. A significant addition that integrates and unifies the space. The plantings are all shade lovers, chosen to thrive in this space. There are evergreens and perennials that give the gardens structure throughout the year, and annuals added for seasonal color.
Colorful Pots
Colorful Pots
Casa Smith Designs, LLCCasa Smith Designs, LLC
A cluster of pots can soften what might otherwise be severe architecture - plus add a pop of color. Photo Credit: Mark Pinkerton, vi360
Patio
Patio
ODS ArchitectureODS Architecture
In the evening the garden walls are dramatically lit and the low planting wall transitions into a stone plinth for a soothing stone fountain. Photo Credit: J. Michael Tucker
Small Courtyard Garden, Wimbledon
Small Courtyard Garden, Wimbledon
Luxury Garden DesignLuxury Garden Design
This courtyard garden is perfect for adults and provides an escape from everyday life with luxury finishes, such as the bespoke kitchen and planters.
Small Courtyard Garden, Wimbledon
Small Courtyard Garden, Wimbledon
Luxury Garden DesignLuxury Garden Design
The small courtyard garden is modern and contemporary, featuring a Venetian fence crafted from light wood to provide privacy while allowing plenty of light to filter through the small gaps. The surrounding paving is constructed using clay pavers from Chelmer Valley for a visually striking textural contrast. A large corten planter houses a collection of Agapanthus and a small Acer, which is perfect for the garden space.

Side Yard and Courtyard Patio Design Ideas

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