River Rock path through patio of irregular flagstone lead the eye to Japanese Maple 'Calico' as focal point of shade garden. Photo: Tomi Landis

Victorian Workers Cottage Addition

Danny Broe Architect

Photography: Karina Illovska The garden now includes a carspace but to soften its impact and to create texture we used the recycled bricks from the original house as paving.

Outdoor Dining Room

Mary Kirk Menefee, Landscape Designer

The finished patio and garden features dry-laid flagstone with a hand-cut circular border. A base of arborvitae and boxwood create the bones of the formal garden and provide screening. The door at the back remains accessible but is hidden by large camellias in blue and white ceramic pots. Designed by Mary Kirk Menefee; installed and styled by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

Beverly Dr.

Pasetta Studios

Photo projet Terrasse Nord-Ouest Vert Céladon

Duval&Bossennec - Paysagiste concepteur

Subtropical Oasis

Landwell Design + Build Co.

photography by Joslyn Amato

Leucadia Raingarden

Falling Waters Landscape

Photo Cred. Dustin Ortiz

Kensington

Garden Society

Pavilion & Custom Screen

Benchmark Building Services Inc.

Gazebo, Decks and Patios

the watts garden

Landscape Design by James Brunton-Smith Limited

James Brunton-Smith

Orchid Wall

Beth H. :

this is the actual courtyard area of the front patio. Beneath the cobalt blue wall is the koi pond. This was the 1st (we have 3 in total) pond we attempted. Although, this final version was completed about 5 years ago. We enlarged it, coated the inside w/concrete (instead of a liner) and did the stonework around the waterfall and outside area.

Shaw sunroom and deck

Outback Construction

Craig H. Wilson

Modern Small Orinda Garden

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Small Patio Spaces

Marilyn's Garden Design

patio garden with low water design Designer and photographer Marilyn Guidroz

Front Entry Patio Beloit WI

Terra Yard Creations

Front Entry Patio

Park Slope Backyard Garden II

Staghorn NYC

The clients of the Brooklyn Brownstone backyard requested a serene, open, contemporary design for their space. We kept the color palette simple with greens, grays, and small pops of color from white and pink flowers and a neutral wooden tile. The two comfy lounge chairs and ottomans are from West Elm, and the table belonged to the owners prior to the installation.

Cottage Patio/Landscaping - Essex, MA

Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC

A granite patio provides a comfortable setting for outdoor entertaining around a fire pit. Rue Sherwood Landscape Design

The Ted

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA This 3,800 sf. modern farmhouse on Roosevelt Ave. in Louisville is lovingly called "Teddy Homesevelt" (AKA “The Ted”) by its owners. The ground floor is a simple, sunny open concept plan revolving around a gourmet kitchen, featuring a large island with a waterfall edge counter. The dining room is anchored by a bespoke Walnut, stone and raw steel dining room storage and display wall. The Great room is perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining, and flows out to a large covered porch and firepit. The homeowner’s love their photogenic pooch and the custom dog wash station in the mudroom makes it a delight to take care of her. In the basement there’s a state-of-the art media room, starring a uniquely stunning celestial ceiling and perfectly tuned acoustics. The rest of the basement includes a modern glass wine room, a large family room and a giant stepped window well to bring the daylight in. The Ted includes two home offices: one sunny study by the foyer and a second larger one that doubles as a guest suite in the ADU above the detached garage. The home is filled with custom touches: the wide plank White Oak floors merge artfully with the octagonal slate tile in the mudroom; the fireplace mantel and the Great Room’s center support column are both raw steel I-beams; beautiful Doug Fir solid timbers define the welcoming traditional front porch and delineate the main social spaces; and a cozy built-in Walnut breakfast booth is the perfect spot for a Sunday morning cup of coffee. The two-story custom floating tread stair wraps sinuously around a signature chandelier, and is flooded with light from the giant windows. It arrives on the second floor at a covered front balcony overlooking a beautiful public park. The master bedroom features a fireplace, coffered ceilings, and its own private balcony. Each of the 3-1/2 bathrooms feature gorgeous finishes, but none shines like the master bathroom. With a vaulted ceiling, a stunningly tiled floor, a clean modern floating double vanity, and a glass enclosed “wet room” for the tub and shower, this room is a private spa paradise. This near Net-Zero home also features a robust energy-efficiency package with a large solar PV array on the roof, a tight envelope, Energy Star windows, electric heat-pump HVAC and EV car chargers.

Small Green 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!