- Garden & Outdoor
- Patio
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 78,807 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including StuartBarr Construction Design Renovation and Noushka Design Ltd. 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.
Anna Stathaki
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with natural stone paving.
I love the flood of like it allows. - webuser_39653757
A33SOME
Photo of a contemporary patio in West Midlands with a pergola.
Fake green wall - suzy_howlett
Aralia 2018
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary patio in Hertfordshire with a living wall and no cover.
the setup is so beautiful and colours - webuser_390848446
Pro Colour Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary back patio in London with a living wall and natural stone paving.
Garden idea of creating a little forest that is also classy - webuser_268037412
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary back patio in Buckinghamshire with natural stone paving and no cover.
Bifold doors pulled back. - webuser_192100442
Design ideas for a small contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
horizontal lines of the fence visually widen the space and make a pleasing contrasst to the tall slim planting in front - webuser_167095984
Lorenz Ferla
View from garden
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London with a pergola.
I like the top so that vines could grow - webuser_800401636
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with concrete paving and no cover.
The mix of materials and the red cedar - richard_campbell22
Garden Designer - www.sarahnaybour.co.uk
This is an example of a contemporary back patio in Oxfordshire with no cover.
Flamed silver granite from Hardscape - rogerwebster
Photo of a contemporary patio in Other with no cover.
Perfect for restrictive garden areas. - patsy_morris39
Single storey rear extension in Surbiton, with flat roof and white pebbles, an aluminium double glazed sliding door and side window.
Photography by Chris Snook
Hard area for table outside room - kmsm2199
Photo of a medium sized contemporary back patio in London with a water feature, tiled flooring and no cover.
Patio bench and walls in the garden kids could play hide n seek - andrew_cragg54
The finished garden, an abundance of plants compliment the design of this garden.
This is an example of a contemporary patio in London.
Tiles - can we do the same tiles inside and outside to make the connection between the indoor space and the outdoor space? - arzielinski77
Small contemporary back patio in Other with a fire feature and no cover.
possible firepit in garden - yes - careynemeth
Contemporary back patio in London with no cover.
Simple and hopefully durable . - tony_gospel
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in London.
Hanging box balls - cheryl_ellis27
Design ideas for a contemporary back patio in Berkshire with natural stone paving.
Wide steps alternative to stone wall - webuser_610780681
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