Contemporary Patio Ideas and Designs
How should I position my patio?
If you are designing your contemporary patio as a space for entertaining then make sure it’s wide enough for the garden furniture you want so you haven’t got guests tipping over into the flowerbeds. Don’t be wedded to the idea of having your contemporary patio attached to the house; think about positioning yours elsewhere in the garden if that space doesn’t offer the best aspect or lighting position. Consider the position of the sun through the course of the day and depending on whether you are most likely to want to dine outside at breakfast, have lunch on your patio or host dinner outside, you may want to position your patio differently. You can connect patios to your house with a footpath or stepping stones to allow easy transportation of food and drink.
How should I design and lay my contemporary patio?
Rectangles are the classic shape for patios, not least because they make the most efficient use of space and can be softened with garden edging. However, a rounded patio or a paving circle can perfectly complement a garden which isn’t linear in design. Paving slabs come in an extensive range of materials and are the most practical surface for patios. Yorkstone has the most traditional appeal, whereas concrete blocks, granite and slate patio slabs have a great texture and colour for modern gardens. Natural stones such as limestone, travertine and Indian sandstone vary in colour and finish and are a great way to add shade and texture to your patio. For some patio ideas that offer an alternative to block paving, loose material such as crushed stone and wood chippings have a rustic and more casual feel; if there are specific materials that re-occur elsewhere in the garden, you could repeat this in your choice of patio materials for consistency. Finally, it’s not a British summer without the great British barbeque, so look at patio ideas that incorporate barbeques and think about how you could accommodate one on your patio.
What garden furniture does my patio need?
Rattan garden furniture is a patio favourite, offering a durable, attractive finish that blends well into natural surroundings. Metal garden furniture and wooden garden furniture are sturdy alternatives available in many styles. Weight is a good feature in garden furniture to stop it from being blown away, but if you want to be able to move your furniture around the patio and garden to follow the sun you won’t want to go too heavy. Browse the various contemporary patio ideas that include garden furniture to see what styles of furniture go with different types of patios. If you find a particular patio set you like, you may be able to ask the designer where the furniture is from so you can look at buying the same set for your patio.
Good, outdoor patio furniture crafted in high-quality materials should withstand bad weather, but cold, wet British winters followed by strong sun in the summer will be enough to weather even the best furniture, so it’s important to have somewhere, such as a shed, to store it when not in use for long periods of time. If you don’t have the space to store patio furniture, make sure that at least the cushions and umbrellas are stowed away out of the elements, and consider investing in a waterproof cover. One piece of furniture that might be able to stay out for a bit longer is a patio heater; it will warm any brave patio users and most modern designs are built to survive the cold weather. If you prefer something a bit more rustic than a patio heater, look at fire pits instead which will add warmth and an attractive centrepiece to your patio. If privacy or shade is an issue, then covering patio furniture with a parasol or sheltering patios with a gazebo or pergola are both smart patio ideas – these can be covered in climbing flowers or even wound with outdoor fairy lights for romantic evening lighting.
Whether you want inspiration for planning a contemporary patio renovation or are building a designer patio from scratch, Houzz has 76,442 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Ian Green Residential and Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design. Look through patio photos in different colours and styles and when you find a contemporary patio design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful contemporary patio ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
Photo of a contemporary back patio in London with no cover.
It would probably look better with a finish before the grass - francesca_grant89
Fine House Photography
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with a potted garden, natural stone paving and no cover.
small yard decor and liming - lindagokool
Paul Craig ©Paul Craig 2014 All Rights Reserved. Architect: Charles Barclay Architects
Inspiration for a contemporary back patio in London with no cover.
This is a good design for terrace - feature wall creating privacy. Canopy over outdoor area - 6uyc
Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. Contemporary London garden with raised limestone terrace, water rill, layered hedging and fireplace garden.
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in London.
your paving modern finish tradiionalised with type of containers and planting - gwspadey
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Photography by Steve Lancefield
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London with no cover and a water feature.
Interesting idea for a garden space that feels natural (wood) but without a lawn or much shrubbery. - robyung66
The fireplace is a unique addition to this outside living space, complementing the limestone patio tiles and luxury outdoor sofa upholstery perfectly.
Love the idea of a fireplace outside - with a lovely mantle like this - andracchio
One-point perspective (dating back to Renaissance design) was used to create a strong visual effect. The overlapping of "semi-transparent-shapes" in the form of Birch, Oak and Honey Locust trees, draws the onlooker's gaze up the garden (like a stage set - low in the foreground and "climbing - level by level") into the distance.
The dynamic use of water adds impact and dramatic perspective : The reflective pond, an impressive central element - cuts it's way through the levels of the garden, providing continuity, tranquility and calming sound. Water bubbles-up from its source at the highest level (midway in the garden) running "downstream" towards the main living area - the heart of the house, creating an air of serenity.
A sense of flow is achieved through the use of a sequence of cascades, utilising and enhancing the changes in level within the garden.
Photography : Steven Wooster
Love the little conversation areas and the pretty throw pillow.. also the water - greenpoyo
Photo of a contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
Colour of door frame - mccranor
This is an example of a contemporary back patio in London with decking and no cover.
like the lighting, large grass area, large dining area. - jill_mcmaster
The bifold doors open directly onto this seating area creating a seamless flow from interior to exterior. Photographed by Nathalie Priem
Inspiration for a small contemporary front patio in London.
Rock climb wall, tree-shrub mix, shaded sitout - s_nitya
Nathalie Priem Photography
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with concrete slabs and no cover.
love the split levels and use of space. - jaygentle
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
Good idea to give the effect of more space - katy_gonzalez_garcia
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in London with brick paving.
the stone floor
round shaped greenery
potted plants
lush green walls
soft grey
spots of purple
I might add a climbing beauty, such as a purple clematis. - linda_graflund
Courtyard Garden: Central London:
Materials: Cedar wood slatted trellis to the dress the walling, cedar wood smooth decking to the rear with built-in seating framed by bamboo planters. Childrens play sand pit built into the decking showing the cedar top closed to create an adult space. Portland limestone, sawn, all units at the same size adjacent to 2 specimen Acer palmatum. The stems have been pruned to show the sculptural essence of the branch form. Up lighter concealed within a pebble dressing.
Simple colour palette of white, green and wood - elbmow
Ben Robert - Blooming Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving, no cover and a fireplace.
I like the way the walls are mixed materials - stone used with render. I also like the beige coloured render - webuser_161584246
Design ideas for a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
I like the fencing and the raised beds - webuser_161584246
Ricardo at Luger Media
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with no cover.
Plnters in brick, linking inside to outside - anne_pugh