skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
  1. Garden & Outdoor
  2. Patio
  3. Size: Compact

Small Modern Patio Ideas and Designs

All Filters (2)
Refine by:
1 - 20 of 1,585 photos
Item 1 of 3
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
Irvington Deck + Patio
Irvington Deck + Patio
Howells Architecture + DesignHowells Architecture + Design
We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and a stained concrete fountain adds privacy and atmosphere at the dining area. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.
Small, modern Backyard with Patio, Deck, and Fences (Hemlock Ave, Toronto)
Small, modern Backyard with Patio, Deck, and Fences (Hemlock Ave, Toronto)
KT Landscape DesignKT Landscape Design
4 piece loveseat | patio sectional
4 piece loveseat | patio sectional
Yitahome Modern FurnitureYitahome Modern Furniture
1.It is loveseat outdoor wicker sofa, and you can use it as a dining table set or an outdoor sofa set. There are at least 5 different combinations to suit your needs! Transform any compact space into a cozy nook! Enjoy unprecedented comfort and relaxation with YITAHOME patio sectional!
Whittfield Residence
Whittfield Residence
One Source Outdoors/One LandscapeOne Source Outdoors/One Landscape
A modern courtyard patio area in Las Vegas, NV.
Planter Paradise
Planter Paradise
Rooftopia, LLCRooftopia, LLC
Backyard Renovations | Patio Renovations and Decking
Backyard Renovations | Patio Renovations and Decking
LUSH REMODELING & DEVELOPMENT INCLUSH REMODELING & DEVELOPMENT INC
Wood-Look Tile Outdoor BBQ Kitchen
Wood-Look Tile Outdoor BBQ Kitchen
Arcadia Outdoor KitchensArcadia Outdoor Kitchens
Arcadia Outdoor Kitchens
Custom Outdoor Kitchen
Custom Outdoor Kitchen
System PaversSystem Pavers
Celebrity Chef Sam Zien was tired of being confined to his small barbecue when filming grilling episodes for his new show. So, he came to us with a plan and we made it happen. We provided Sam with an extended L shaped pergola and L shape lounging area to match. In addition, we installed a giant built in barbecue and surrounding counter with plenty of seating for guests on or off camera. Zen vibes are important to Sam, so we were sure to keep that top of mind when finalizing even the smallest of details.
Seaside Residence
Seaside Residence
QUARTER design studioQUARTER design studio
QUARTER design studio
Compact Concrete Courtyard with COR-TEN Planters
Compact Concrete Courtyard with COR-TEN Planters
Regenesis Ecological DesignRegenesis Ecological Design
Upright COR-TEN planters bloom brightly with Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef', bringing a bit of sunshine into this small courtyard.
Walka Grange Rutherford
Walka Grange Rutherford
The Beautiful Hunter Homes GroupThe Beautiful Hunter Homes Group
outdoor living is essential in Australian homes. small spaces can also look great.
Golfview
Golfview
Ryan Begley PhotographyRyan Begley Photography
Ryan Begley Photography
Family-Friendly Modern Garden
Family-Friendly Modern Garden
Little Miracles Designs - TorontoLittle Miracles Designs - Toronto
Stone patio with Mexican beach pebbles and fire pit
Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
Design to SellDesign to Sell
Turtle Ridge Remodel
Turtle Ridge Remodel
Studio H Landscape ArchitectureStudio H Landscape Architecture
Studio H Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Merivale Retreat
Merivale Retreat
XteriorscapesXteriorscapes
Truly Tiny
Truly Tiny
Texas Tiny PoolsTexas Tiny Pools
Inner City Sanctuary
Inner City Sanctuary
Zones Landscaping Auckland Central Kate RyanZones Landscaping Auckland Central Kate Ryan
Lounging space
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.

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.
1
123456789Next Page
Ireland
Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.