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  3. Contemporary

Contemporary Patio Ideas and Designs

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Bellevue Contemporary Custom Home
Bellevue Contemporary Custom Home
Lochwood-Lozier Custom HomesLochwood-Lozier Custom Homes
Contemporary back patio in Seattle with concrete paving, a roof extension and a bbq area.
Scottsdale Contemporary Remodel
Scottsdale Contemporary Remodel
Venetian OutdoorsVenetian Outdoors
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Phoenix.
Project of the Month: April 2016
Project of the Month: April 2016
TCP Custom Outdoor LivingTCP Custom Outdoor Living
This family wanted a contemporary structure that blended natural elements with with grays and blues. This is a unique structure that turned out beautifully. We went with powder coated 6x6 steel posts hiding all of the base and top plates creating a seamless transition between the structure and travertine flooring. Due to limitations on spacing we added a built-in granite table with matching powder coated steel frame. This created a unique look and practical application for dining seating. By adding a knee wall with cedar slats it created an intimate nook while keeping everything open. The modern fireplace and split style kitchen created a great use of space without making if feel crowded. Appliances: Fire Magic Diamond Echelon series 660 Grill RCS icemaker, 2 wine fridges and RCS storage doors and drawers 42” Heat Glo Dakota fireplace insert Cedar T&G ceiling clear coated with rope lighting Powder coated posts and granite table frame: Slate Gray Tile Selections: Accent Wall: Glass tile (Carisma Oceano Stick Glass Mosaic) Dark Tile: Prisma Griss Light Tile: Tessuto Linen Beige White Flooring: Light Ivory Travertine 3cm granite: Light: Santa Cecilia Dark: Midnight Grey Kitchen Appliances: 30" Fire Magic Diamond Series Echelon 660 2 - RCS wine fridges RCS storage doors and drawers Fire Place: 36" Dakota heat glo insert TK Images
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Patio
Patio
ODS ArchitectureODS Architecture
In the evening the garden walls are dramatically lit and the low planting wall transitions into a stone plinth for a soothing stone fountain. Photo Credit: J. Michael Tucker
Metal Roof Extension Outdoor Entertain Areas
Metal Roof Extension Outdoor Entertain Areas
Southwest Fence & DeckSouthwest Fence & Deck
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary back patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen and a roof extension.
Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard
Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard
Cascade Outdoor DesignCascade 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
Fire Features
Fire Features
Markham Landscape Products, Inc.Markham Landscape Products, Inc.
Rustic Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit with custom caps.
This is an example of a large contemporary back patio in Charlotte with a fire feature and concrete slabs.
Zelkind Residence
Zelkind Residence
Revive Landscape DesignRevive Landscape Design
Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in San Diego with concrete paving, no cover and an outdoor kitchen.
Brighton Home
Brighton Home
MR.MITCHELLMR.MITCHELL
Photo Andrew Wuttke
Large contemporary back patio in Melbourne with tiled flooring, a roof extension and a bbq area.
Issaquah Highlands
Issaquah Highlands
Alderwood Landscape Architecture and ConstructionAlderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction
Backyard Landscaping with patio, firepit, playground, water feature and more
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone paving and no cover.
Santa Cruz Sustainable
Santa Cruz Sustainable
K & D Landscaping, Inc.K & D Landscaping, Inc.
Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)
Malvern Courtyard
Malvern Courtyard
Formation Landscapes Pty LtdFormation Landscapes Pty Ltd
Dylan Lark
Small contemporary back patio in Melbourne with tiled flooring and no cover.
Laguna Beach - Temple Hills
Laguna Beach - Temple Hills
Corbin Reeves ConstructionCorbin Reeves Construction
Photo of an expansive contemporary back patio in Orange County with an outdoor kitchen, concrete paving and no cover.
Rooftop Refuge
Rooftop Refuge
Lifescape Colorado.Lifescape Colorado.
Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone paving and no cover.
Interior Designer Masterpiece in Palm Springs, CA
Interior Designer Masterpiece in Palm Springs, CA
ESTATE PHOTOS L.AESTATE PHOTOS L.A
Inspiration for a contemporary courtyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and no cover.
Walnut Retreat
Walnut Retreat
TRG Architecture + Interior DesignTRG Architecture + Interior Design
Bernard Andre
Large contemporary back patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone paving and no cover.
Mustang Park, Carrollton
Mustang Park, Carrollton
AquaTerra OutdoorsAquaTerra 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
Portfolio
Portfolio
Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.
Design: modernedgedesign.com Photo: Edmunds Studios Photography
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, a pergola and concrete slabs.
72 The Parade Ascot Vale Victoria Australia
72 The Parade Ascot Vale Victoria Australia
Bagnato Architecture & InteriorsBagnato Architecture & Interiors
This simple back yard has a variety of materials to add visual variety such as stone walls and pavers, timber slatted fence which is decking ad paint rusted feature walls

Contemporary Patio Ideas and Designs

Patios are the go-to solution for turning your garden, or part of it, into an outdoor living area. A well-laid patio will integrate your home seamlessly into your garden, providing a solid and level surface for garden furniture and potted plants. Well designed patios are about more than just paving slabs – its positioning and layout are crucial to how much you enjoy this space. Before you start picking out patio ideas for materials and laying your contemporary patio, ask yourself important questions such as what will you use it for? How many people should it accommodate? Which part of your garden has the best aspect and sunlight? Will the patio have enough privacy?

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.
Gathering Table
Gathering Table
Arterra Landscape ArchitectsArterra Landscape Architects
Michelle Lee Wilson Photography
Photo of a contemporary back patio in San Francisco with a fire feature.
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