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  2. Patio
  3. Contemporary

Contemporary Patio Ideas and Designs

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West Coast English Retreat
West Coast English Retreat
Tierra Madre Fine GardensTierra Madre Fine Gardens
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in Other with gravel and a pergola.
Naturally Functional
Naturally Functional
Iconic by Kaitlyn WolfeIconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Phoenix with a bar area.
Sunset Square
Sunset Square
Hommes and GardensHommes and Gardens
Design ideas for a contemporary front patio in Los Angeles with gravel and no cover.
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Lafayette Woodlands
Lafayette Woodlands
ODS ArchitectureODS Architecture
In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.
Queen Anne Makeover
Queen Anne Makeover
Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLCUrban Oasis Design & Construction LLC
These Queen Anne homeowners had completely remodeled their home and were looking for a low maintenance, enjoyable yard that would accentuate their views and provide outdoor space for their dogs. Another important goal was to attract birds and pollinators to the garden, in part for photographic opportunities. A series of Corten planters create planting space along the back property line while leaving plenty of room for artificial turf that the family dogs can enjoy. A recirculating urn water feature creates a pleasant sound, a focal point and most importantly, attracts birds to the garden. Privacy screens designed using OutDeco panels create interest on both sides and focus views to the mountains in the background. Front and backyards were completely redesigned for ease of maintenance.
Barton Creek Family Room & Outdoor Living
Barton Creek Family Room & Outdoor Living
CG&S Design-BuildCG&S Design-Build
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, concrete paving and no cover.
Inside Out Pool Cabana
Inside Out Pool Cabana
THE UP STUDIOTHE UP STUDIO
Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
Inspiration for a small contemporary side patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone paving and a gazebo.
Dalkeith Renovation
Dalkeith Renovation
Moda InteriorsModa Interiors
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Perth.
Scottsdale Contemporary Remodel
Scottsdale Contemporary Remodel
Venetian OutdoorsVenetian Outdoors
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Phoenix.
Marisol Malibu Zero One
Marisol Malibu Zero One
Burdge & Associates ArchitectsBurdge & Associates Architects
Marisol Malibu Zero One home. Modern malibu estate.
Photo of a contemporary patio in Los Angeles.
Blue Black Granite Paving
Blue Black Granite Paving
NustoneNustone
As a hard-wearing natural stone, granite slabs are suitable for any areas which will see high amounts of footfall, due to their durability, non-slip and scratch-resistant properties. Well-known for being robust yet stunning, granite pavers are ideal for use on patios, paths and around pools in any domestic or commercial project. This popular paving material is available in a range of colours to suit any design needs.
Castlecrag Residence
Castlecrag Residence
Glazed Co. | Sydney's Glass Fencing SpecialistsGlazed Co. | Sydney's Glass Fencing Specialists
The beauty of the outdoors is sometimes best enjoyed from your own backyard. Taking in the views from the pool and Middle Harbour. Intentionally connecting the concept of living, swimming and lounging into one seamless element. Fifth Season Landscapes has done an amazing job in bringing this concept to reality. Glass fence balustrades by Glazed Co.
Chef's Tree-Shaded Kitchen
Chef's Tree-Shaded Kitchen
FormLA LandscapingFormLA Landscaping
This is an example of a small contemporary back patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, concrete paving and no cover.
DATO RESIDENCE
DATO RESIDENCE
Tate Studio ArchitectsTate Studio Architects
Pool view within the Dato Residence - Architect- Tate Studio Architects Interior- Anita Lang Builder- Marbella Homes, Inc. Photo- Thompson Photographic -
House rear
House rear
Inara Home ImageryInara Home Imagery
Large contemporary back patio in Berkshire.
Blue Grass Residence
Blue Grass Residence
Cornerstone ArchitectsCornerstone Architects
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Austin.
Residential
Residential
Tucson Patio StruXureTucson Patio StruXure
Our products feature pivoting louvers that can be easily activated using a smartphone, to block out the sun or allow for air flow. The louvers will also close on their own when rain is detected, or open automatically during wind storms. The sturdy pergolas are made of extruded aluminum, with a powder coating in a variety of colors, which make it easy to coordinate the structures with the design of the home. With added lights and fans, it’s easier than ever to entertain outdoors.
East Juliett
East Juliett
Sandbox Studio®Sandbox Studio®
Contemporary patio in Sydney with natural stone paving, no cover and a bbq area.
Santa Monica Minimal Spanish Villa
Santa Monica Minimal Spanish Villa
SHAPESIDESHAPESIDE
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Los Angeles.

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.
Polished Modern
Polished Modern
Bartone InteriorsBartone Interiors
A conversation area that can communicate with guests inside the kitchen (through the accordion doors to the right) or the pool deck beyond!
Inspiration for a small contemporary patio in Raleigh with concrete slabs and a roof extension.
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