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  1. Garden & Outdoor
  2. Patio
  3. Space Location: Back Garden

Contemporary Back Patio Ideas and Designs

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Contemporary Pergola + Hot Tub
Contemporary Pergola + Hot Tub
BonaVista LeisureScapesBonaVista LeisureScapes
Delray Beach Custom Home
Delray Beach Custom Home
Ocean Blue Custom HomesOcean Blue Custom Homes
Intimate Patio Retreat
Intimate Patio Retreat
Rooftopia, LLCRooftopia, LLC
This small backyard landscape sandwiched between home and garage, was transformed from a drab weed patch into a stunning outdoor breakfast nook! Porcelain patio pavers were carefully installed for improved drainage to move water away from the home. A new cedar fence was installed between neighboring lots. A custom cedar trellis was installed over the garage facade, to draw attention away from the garage siding, framing windows and foliage. Pretty white planters, large hydrangea blooms, crisp lime green hostas and purple pansies add color and brightness to this shaded retreat. LED lighting and irrigation systems were also integrated into the landscape.
Modern Exterior Finishes
Modern Exterior Finishes
Janet Patterson Interior Design (JPID)Janet Patterson Interior Design (JPID)
Transitional
Transitional
Sturdy Home Improvement, Inc.Sturdy Home Improvement, Inc.
EAST FREMANTLE OLD MEETS NEW
EAST FREMANTLE OLD MEETS NEW
Cultivart Landscape DesignCultivart Landscape Design
Peta North
Clay Street
Clay Street
LANDIBLE | landscape architectureLANDIBLE | landscape architecture
Photo by Mary Muszynski
Booher Residence
Booher Residence
The New Leaf Landscaping CompanyThe New Leaf Landscaping Company
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
Naperville Fire Pit with River Rock
Naperville Fire Pit with River Rock
Chicago Gas LinesChicago Gas Lines
Trinity Place
Trinity Place
UserUser
Matt Clayton Photography
Summer Circle
Summer Circle
V.I.Photography & DesignV.I.Photography & Design
Vincent Ivicevic
North Lakes Pool & Entertainment Area
North Lakes Pool & Entertainment Area
Dion Seminara ArchitectureDion Seminara Architecture
The main issues that were identified in this home were a lack of light in the kitchen and a lack of connection to the outdoor area. There was no direct line of sight to the pool area, and there was a very harsh western aspect coming into the terrace area. To combat these problems, a skylight was added to the kitchen area and an internal wall was removed which opened up the internal living spaces. Some large doors were added to connect the outdoor area with the kitchen and allowing a view line to open up to the pool area. This new outdoor area was designed to be split up into two areas, a lounging area and a dining area with a barbeque connection. As the existing home was a project home, the styling for the outdoor area was to be cutting edge, modern contemporary. The interesting roof line with the charcoal roof sheeting was streamlined at the back to add contemporary lines to the new structure. The result is of this styling is an exceptionally warm and inviting outdoor entertainment space. The outdoor entertainment area design provides a relaxing yet luxurious space for the family to gather, whilst offering the opportunity for entertaining friends from within the same space. This dual purpose approach to the design catered specifically to the lifestyle requirements of the occupants.
Twin Oaks Outdoor Kitchen
Twin Oaks Outdoor Kitchen
Luxurious Spaces by Leslie SipesLuxurious Spaces by Leslie Sipes
Les Hastings
Coastal Contemporary
Coastal Contemporary
Joy R. Dabill Interior DesignJoy R. Dabill Interior Design
Ron Rosenzweig
North Melbourne
North Melbourne
Normark LandscapesNormark Landscapes
Enclosed Patio with Outdoor Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters
Enclosed Patio with Outdoor Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters
Blinds BrothersBlinds Brothers
Outdoor Kitchen with Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters. Outdoor Shutters provide privacy and protection from wind. Allowing owners to enjoy their Outdoor Kitchen! Blinds Brothers is a Premier Dealer of Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters | Dallas \ Fort Worth
Single storey rear extension in Surbiton
Single storey rear extension in Surbiton
VORBILD ArchitectureVORBILD Architecture
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
Water feature at night
Water feature at night
Legacy Landscape Design, LLCLegacy Landscape Design, LLC
These clients had a small back yard. They wanted to maximize the space for entertaining and relaxing. We created a walled courtyard with veneer limestone walls, a three fountain wall water feature, and a fire feature. It's lit at night with gas lanterns, which are from New Orleans.
Homearama #1 The John Candle Estate
Homearama #1 The John Candle Estate
John Candle Homes, LLCJohn Candle Homes, LLC

Contemporary Back 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.
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