Point Loma Contemporary

Charco DESIGN & BUILD Inc.

Large Wrap-around Rear and Side Extension to a Garden Flat in South West London

VORBILD Architecture

Napoleon - St. Tropez PatioFlame Table

Classic Fireplace and BBQ Store

Sunset

Sweet Smiling Landscapes

Located on a steep hill above downtown Ventura, this modern Spanish house features panoramic views of town with the ocean and Channel Islands beyond. While the views are amazing from a large front deck, the steep slope presented some constraints on the landscape design. Although the property is about a third-of-an-acre, the only useable and open garden space is a small (about 500 square feet) area to the West of the house. The house sits at the back of the property, and another steep hill on the neighboring property behind is held back by a tall retaining wall, leaving just enough room for a narrow, hardscaped patio in the back yard. Bright plantings along the back of the property delineate the home from the neighboring property, and we chose plantings to help stabilize the soil and further develop the Spanish garden look while creating a lush, inviting feel. Additionally, we added 52 pieces of pottery to soften and add interest to the back garden and patio areas. Succulents, herbs, and California natives fill the pottery along with bright, sweet-smelling, tropical-looking, and climate-appropriate plants. Slope stabilization was paramount for the front hill. Beyond that, finding plants that would thrive on the steep slope was the next obstacle. Finally, the aesthetics could be addressed, and we worked to find plants that meshed with the architecture—blending plants with white and orange to play off the red-tiled roofs and white-plastered walls that are emblematic of the Spanish style of this house as well as the predominate style of the neighborhood. The flattish area to the West was designed with the idea of creating a contemporary take on the parterre garden. Reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens, this vegetable and herb garden substitutes formal hedges with formal Corten steel planters to honor the modern Spanish architecture of the house. The citrus, herbs, and vegetables serve the foodie clients well.

Four seasons room with pizza oven

Jody Snider Homes, Inc.

If you enjoy the outdoors, this four season room closes up with storm shutters to keep it warm and toasty in the winter time, while your grilling steaks and cooking pizzas.

French Inspiration - Suburban Garden

Princeton Design Collaborative

Sustainable Garden design on tight suburban lot with new shed as focal point.

The Solisysteme Bioclimatic Pergola- Residential

PergolaHaus

Mississippi Modern

Werschay Homes

Lynnette Bauer - 360REI

Covered Patio

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Firewater Photography

Outdoor Living - Fire Pits

Bay Scenery, Inc.

right next to the house, putting an outdoor living area with fire pit and outdoor kitchen will become the entertainment center.

Mediterranean Courtyard

Prolithic Designs

Agrawal Project

Outdoor Artisan, Inc.

Bruce Saunders, Connectivity Group, LLC

Sonoma Private Residence

Salt Shed Design Build

Porch and dining area of second guest house

Entertaining Area

Bosanac Builders

Killiney CT. Louisville KY

Weddington Construction

Spanish Mission Residence, historic renovation

Indigo Diggs Architecture

Joe Nuess Photography

Jess Cooney Design Studio in Great Barrington

Jess Cooney Interiors

Outdoor Patio Area of JCI Offices. Jess with the two office mascots Roxie and Frankie

Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors

Ian Moore Design

The hot tub patio is designed to provide flexible furnishing options. When open or unfurnished the ground plane details and lighting bring the space alive. This area can also accommodate chaise lounge chairs or larger dining assemblies. The plantings envelop and calm the space.

2016 Spanish Revival

Kim Grant Design Inc

Kim Grant, Architect; Elizabeth Barkett, Interior Designer - Ross Thiele & Sons Ltd.; Theresa Clark, Landscape Architect; Gail Owens, Photographer

Side Yard 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!