Pool house with bluestone patio and outdoor kitchen. Photo by Charles Mayer

This beautiful 1881 Alameda Victorian cottage, wonderfully embodying the Transitional Gothic-Eastlake era, had most of its original features intact. Our clients, one of whom is a painter, wanted to preserve the beauty of the historic home while modernizing its flow and function. From several small rooms, we created a bright, open artist’s studio. We dug out the basement for a large workshop, extending a new run of stair in keeping with the existing original staircase. While keeping the bones of the house intact, we combined small spaces into large rooms, closed off doorways that were in awkward places, removed unused chimneys, changed the circulation through the house for ease and good sightlines, and made new high doorways that work gracefully with the eleven foot high ceilings. We removed inconsistent picture railings to give wall space for the clients’ art collection and to enhance the height of the rooms. From a poorly laid out kitchen and adjunct utility rooms, we made a large kitchen and family room with nine-foot-high glass doors to a new large deck. A tall wood screen at one end of the deck, fire pit, and seating give the sense of an outdoor room, overlooking the owners’ intensively planted garden. A previous mismatched addition at the side of the house was removed and a cozy outdoor living space made where morning light is received. The original house was segmented into small spaces; the new open design lends itself to the clients’ lifestyle of entertaining groups of people, working from home, and enjoying indoor-outdoor living. Photography by Kurt Manley. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/artists-victorian/

Pool Cabana

Nyhus Design Group

Designed to compliment the existing single story home in a densely wooded setting, this Pool Cabana serves as outdoor kitchen, dining, bar, bathroom/changing room, and storage. Photos by Ross Pushinaitus.

Southwest Stone Fire Pit Plaza

Clemens & Associates Inc.

A custom fire pit plaza built into the hill off the parking area of the residence provides an evening escape to admire the expansive New Mexican sky. A custom alcohol-fueled fire feature is built into a boulder. A semi-circular stonework bench with flagstone topper and custom cushions/ outdoor pillows (not shown) provide ample seating for residents and their guests. Down-lit landscape lighting provides a soft ambiance to the area while allowing guests to safely move about the space. Photo Credit: Kirk Gittings

Sunnyside Ridge

Aspen Design Room

Stone flooring and and timber set the mood with the panoramic vista of Aspen Highlands and the Colorado Rockies create the backdrop. Complete with stone hearth fireplace, built in grill, lounge area and dining table for 8 this patio is perfect summer BBQ's with family and friends.

POSH PORCELAIN

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

An inspired mix of ORIJIN STONE’s porcelain paving and custom-crafted natural stone, can be found at this striking “Modern European” Orono, MN home. Bright “sky” colored porcelain, beautifully trimmed with a warm grey Indiana Limestone, is found at the dramatic entrance, around the expansive pool and patio areas, in the luxurious pool house suite and on the rooftop deck. Also featured is ORIJIN's exclusive Alder™Limestone wall stone. Architecture: James McNeal Architecture with Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux Builder: Hendel Homes Landscape Design & Install: Topo Landscape Architecture Interior Design: VIVID Interior Interior Tile Installer: Super Set Tile & Stone Photography: Landmark Photography & Design

HHH Ranch

Katheryn Lott Architects

Marblehead Neck

Carpenter & MacNeille

Richard Mandelkorn Photography

360

Kelly and Stone Architects - Tahoe

vance fox

Transitional Patio

Irvine, CA

Altera Landscape

Photography: Jeri Koegel

Hood River Residence

Catch Architecture

Eldorado Springs Native

Bri Lehman

A flagstone patio mixing red and buff to blend into the surrounding landscape.

MENDHAM HISTORICAL RENOVATION-ADDITION

Passacantando Architects AIA

Photographer: Kevin Colquhoun

Lake Paupac Cabin Remodel

J.B. Nicholson Architecture

Ben Nicholson

Whitefish Bay Tudor

LandCrafters, LLC

A permeable bluestone paver grill patio allows water and oxygen to infiltrate the soil surrounding the Fastigiate European Hornbeam. The tree was installed to break up the large, south facade of the home. Behind it a Belden 760 paver patio is overhung with a custom cedar pergola.

Montecito Residence_Glass House Inspired

The Warner Group Architects, Inc.

Exterior shot of Glass House-Inspired Montecito Residence. Open Concept Patio, Living Room, Kitchen/Bar.

Side Yard Vignette

J. Elizabeth Interiors

Chas Metivier

Earthship Farmstead

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Brett Winter Lemon Photography

Point Loma Contemporary

Charco DESIGN & BUILD Inc.

Side Yard 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!