This custom fireplace creates a closed off area, yet allows for views to the other side. The stone hearth also serves as a seat wall. The mantle is the same stone as the hearth.

Irvington Deck + Patio

Howells Architecture + Design

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and a stained concrete fountain adds privacy and atmosphere at the dining area. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Polished Modern

Bartone Interiors

A conversation area that can communicate with guests inside the kitchen (through the accordion doors to the right) or the pool deck beyond!

Puzzle Box

Amrish Maharaj Architecture

A seamless indoor-outdoor alfresco and raised garden

Modern Seating

Conscious Environments Inc.

Custom metal and cedar privacy screen

Metamorphic Design

Screen pattern is custom laser cut powder-coated aluminum, framed in clear cedar

Yountville Contemporary

Land Studio C

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

A functional herb garden created with floating planters, framed with a gorgeous lime plant in a blue planter and lime green accent table.

modern beach cottage / lantern village, dana point

Moss Yaw Design studio

ample seating allows for dining, gathering, and play at the versatile rear yard space, which can be directly accessed from the interior study/office

Balmain

Think Outside Gardens

This small courtyard is a carefully designed combination of materials that allows the new and old structures to sit comfortably together and brings the whole garden up to date. The cedar bench top provides warmth to the outdoor space which is dominated by the restrained colours of the walls and flooring. While the consistent mid green colour of the planting provides structure to this garden the combination of varying leaf shapes and textures provides depth and interest. An offset layout to the bench seating allows for depth in the garden whilst the introduction of screen planting creates privacy. The result is a calming and relaxed garden in an urban setting.

DUPLEX COURTYARD

Wilkinson Brochier Interior Design

Making the most of a small courtyard new planting started to cover bare walls, a built in banquette provided permanent seating. Lots of fun ethnic eclectic print cushions can easily be scooped up and stored away in rainy weather. Floor lanterns add the right lighting touch for early evening drinks.

Twickenham

London Urban | Design & Build

Seattle Cozy Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Maylands Small Block Eco-Home

Ecovision Homes

Crib Creative: https://www.facebook.com/cribcreativeperth/

Mustang Park, Carrollton

AquaTerra Outdoors

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Transitional Courtyard Garden

Jay Sifford Garden Design

We redesigned this walled courtyard space to reflect an updated sense of the clients' traditional aesthetic with some contemporary lines and accents. Stone planks create rhythm, draw the eye to the focal point, the fountain, and spread the eye out to make the space feel wider. Swaths of low perennials create a colorful and textural pattern while round boxwood provide structure, height and rhythm. Shrubs soften the brick wall, while espaliered magnolias frame the fountain. Tree-form hydrangeas placed in front of the magnolias will provide seasonal color. Photo taken just after installation, March, 2017 by Jay Sifford.

Overhanging roof with timber soffits and ashlar stone side walls

Lacey Architecture

Ashlar stone plinth and side walls with timber cladding and bi-fold doors.

Waterfront Deck Living - the Grotto - Retaining Wall with a Purpose

Decks & Patio Covers

This space (called the Grotto) below the upper deck provides a place to relax and entertain friends. Move the table under the cover for a waterfront dining experience. The lumber is tight knot cedar with a Penofin finish.

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

Westmoreland Terrace

Ardesia Design

Richard Chivers

Small 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!