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  1. Garden & Outdoor
  2. Patio
  3. Size: Compact

Small Modern Patio Ideas and Designs

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Golfview
Golfview
Ryan Begley PhotographyRyan Begley Photography
Ryan Begley Photography
Small modern back patio in Austin with an outdoor shower, concrete slabs and no cover.
Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
Design to SellDesign to Sell
This is an example of a small modern back patio in Los Angeles with concrete paving and a roof extension.
Turtle Ridge Remodel
Turtle Ridge Remodel
Studio H Landscape ArchitectureStudio H Landscape Architecture
Studio H Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Design ideas for a small modern patio in Orange County.
Merivale Retreat
Merivale Retreat
XteriorscapesXteriorscapes
Photo of a small modern side patio in Christchurch with a fireplace, tiled flooring and no cover.
Truly Tiny
Truly Tiny
Texas Tiny PoolsTexas Tiny Pools
Photo of a small modern back patio in Austin.
Inner City Sanctuary
Inner City Sanctuary
Zones Landscaping Auckland Central Kate RyanZones Landscaping Auckland Central Kate Ryan
Lounging space
Inspiration for a small modern courtyard patio in Auckland with a fireplace, natural stone paving and a pergola.
Modern Small Orinda Garden
Modern Small Orinda Garden
Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.
This is an example of a small modern front patio in San Francisco with concrete slabs.
Irvington Deck + Patio
Irvington Deck + Patio
Howells Architecture + DesignHowells Architecture + Design
We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.
2019 Pasadena Showcase House of Design
2019 Pasadena Showcase House of Design
Pacific Outdoor LivingPacific Outdoor Living
Patio with outdoor furniture with pondless waterfall, fountains and drought tolerant landscaping
This is an example of a small modern back patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete paving and no cover.
Parade of Homes 2019
Parade of Homes 2019
Modern LandscapeModern Landscape
This gorgeous custom outdoor water feature was featured in the 2019 Parade of Homes. With a poured concrete base, this fountain is completely self-contained, so you can enjoy the soothing sound of bubbling water without the maintenance of a pond.
Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors
Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors
Ian Moore DesignIan Moore Design
The hot tub patio is designed to provide flexible furnishing options. When open or unfurnished the ground plane details and lighting bring the space alive. This area can also accommodate chaise lounge chairs or larger dining assemblies. The plantings envelop and calm the space.
Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors
Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors
Ian Moore DesignIan Moore Design
The hot tub patio is designed to provide flexible furnishing options. When open or unfurnished the ground plane details and lighting bring the space alive. This area can also accommodate chaise lounge chairs or larger dining assemblies. The plantings envelop and calm the space.
East Hampton House- exterior barbeque and pool area
East Hampton House- exterior barbeque and pool area
Marjorie Goldberg AIA ArchitectMarjorie Goldberg AIA Architect
Built in barbeque porcelain pavers, revegetated border, gunite pool with set-in spa.. Liz Glasgow photographer
Photo of a small modern patio in New York.
Uptown Beauty
Uptown Beauty
Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.
Pro-Land was hired to manage and construct this secluded backyard in the core of Toronto. Working in conjunction with multiple trades and Eden Tree Design Inc., we were able to create this modern space, utilizing every corner of the property to it's fullest potential. Landscape Design: Eden Tree Design Inc. Photographer: McNeill Photography
Sunday Social
Sunday Social
Seed Studio Landscape DesignSeed Studio Landscape Design
images by: Travis Rhoads Photography
Inspiration for a small modern back patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete paving.
A small Modern Marvel
A small Modern Marvel
Zier PoolsZier Pools
Photo of a small modern back patio in San Diego with natural stone paving.
Modern Pool with Fire Feature Citadel Drive
Modern Pool with Fire Feature Citadel Drive
Thrasher Pool and SpaThrasher Pool and Spa
Galina Juliana
Design ideas for a small modern courtyard patio in Atlanta with decomposed granite.
Taking The Inside Outdoors
Taking The Inside Outdoors
Mile High LandscapingMile High Landscaping
Custom concrete and steel water feature with LED lighting in the basin of the feature.
This is an example of a small modern back patio in Denver with a water feature and concrete slabs.
Southlake, TX - Brownstone Spa - Modern Outdoor Living
Southlake, TX - Brownstone Spa - Modern Outdoor Living
One Specialty Landscape Design, Pools & HardscapeOne Specialty Landscape Design, Pools & Hardscape
Another small back yard design challenge One Specialty was happy to take on. Our clients wished to remove a large planter bed against the wall and create a covered seating area in place of it. For the decking, we used Trex materials for lasting durability and easy maintenance and added new steps with lighting. The metal cantilevered pergola custom designed with shade panels provides the needed shade during the hot Texas summers. And to add more luxury, we suggested a vent-less fireplace ensuring the family could enjoy their backyard all year and our clients loved the idea!
Modern Courtyard Garden
Modern Courtyard Garden
Unique Landscapes LtdUnique Landscapes Ltd
Small modern courtyard patio in West Midlands with a water feature and natural stone paving.

Small Modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.
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