Our clients’ goal was to add an exterior living-space to the rear of their mid-century modern home. They wanted a place to sit, relax, grill, and entertain while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Using natural materials, we created an elongated porch to provide seamless access and flow to-and-from their indoor and outdoor spaces. The shape of the angled roof, overhanging the seating area, and the tapered double-round steel columns create the essence of a timeless design that is synonymous with the existing mid-century house. The stone-filled rectangular slot, between the house and the covered porch, allows light to enter the existing interior and gives accessibility to the porch.

Past Projects

Jacklyn Curry Design

The addition of bold yet simple architectural details - a series of four "spider legs" inspired by the iconic mid-century architect, Richard Neutra, added drama and definition to the new front entry. Low ground cover softens the new concrete step pads, while colorful succulents and flowering plants replaced the thirsty lawn, providing a dynamic and easy-care front garden. (c) 2017 Jacklyn Curry Design

Street View

ADLA Studio

Articulated Design Landscape Architecture
This is an example of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Austin.

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Palo Alto Eichler

The Garden Route Company

Richard Radford
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Perry Street Rancher

Pacific Garden Design

After moving into a mid-century ranch home on Spokane's South Hill, these homeowners gave the tired landscape a dramatic makeover. The aging asphalt driveway was replaced by precast concrete pavers that coordinate with a new walkway of sandwashed concrete pads. A pared-down front lawn reduces the overall water use of the landscape, while sculptural boulders add character. A small flagstone patio creates a spot to enjoy the outdoors in the courtyard-like area between the house and the towering ponderosa pines. The backyard received a similar update, with a new garden area, water feature, and paver patio anchoring the updated space.

Mid-Century Ranch Reinvented

Knaak Design Group

Design and Built and additional patio complete with automatic insect screen, modern pool, spa, landscaping and outdoor kitchen.
Example of a large 1950s backyard stone patio kitchen design in Miami with a roof extension

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Backyard for Family & Furry Friends

Ambiance Garden Design, LLC

Backyard Renovation for family looking to share time with friends and dogs.
Photo of a mid-sized mid-century modern partial sun backyard stone and wood fence formal garden in Charlotte with a fire pit for summer.

Lynwood Mid-Century Modern

Cadence Design Studio

Photo by JC Buck
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern deck remodel in Denver with a roof extension

Mid-Century Remodel

David Henig, Architect

Eric Rorer
Mid-sized 1960s backyard deck photo in San Francisco with no cover

Malibu Crest

Studio Bracket

Example of a large 1950s backyard tile patio design in Los Angeles with a roof extension

Ratio House

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture

Deck - large 1960s deck idea in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

Flagstone Patio with Custom Garden Beds

Ecology Artisans

Five months after install, we have nearly complete coverage by silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae). Very pleased how fast and flushed this came through. Looking forward to experimenting more with the possibilities. We also built the custom garden beds around the patio to provide non-compacted growing space for the client.

Mid-Century Outdoor Sanctuary

Kraft Custom Construction

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used WORD MISSING to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Well Traveled Modern Asheville

User

This addition of a cypress and polycarbonite covered deck add 6 months to outdoor entertaining.
Mid-sized 1960s side yard deck container garden photo in Other with a pergola

Greater Avenues Mid-Century Modern

Kyle Aiken

Utah Mid-Century Modern Patio Photo - https://www.kaikenphotography.com/

Devis - Purdy House

C. W. Howe Partners Inc.

Patio - large mid-century modern backyard concrete patio idea in Los Angeles with a roof extension

Mid Century Contemporary Landscape

Emerson Outdoor Design

This modern firepit/coffee table was formed and poured in place, as were the gorgeous concrete steppers, edged with Mexican beach pebbles. Photo by Chris Clemens

Mid Century Contemporary Landscape

Emerson Outdoor Design

View of the modern firepit and surrounding gardens. Photo by Chris Clemens
Example of a mid-sized 1960s backyard concrete paver patio design in Denver with a fire pit

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your mid-century modern outdoor living area is your first chance to inspire and make an impression on neighbors and guests, so sprucing it up can give your blah house a much-needed boost. When browsing 1950s outdoor decorating ideas and remodel inspiration, keep in mind the following advice to make the most out your great outdoors: Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all 1960s outdoor ideas before delving in. Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. Research materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style, and don't forget add the plan for the final touches, like outdoor decor and furniture, to complete the space.

What are my mid-century modern outdoor design options?

When making changes to your 1950s front yard or backyard, be sure to consider what makes sense for your home and the local weather. For those in dry desert climates, avoid water-thirsty grass and opt for less-thirsty alternatives, then invest in a pool that will keep you and the neighbors cool in the heat. For more mild climates, a pool may not be the most practical of outdoor ideas, but a hot tub or unique water feature could be just the right element for you. On top of thinking about climate, consider maintenance as well. If you have the time and energy to work outdoors every weekend, a flower or vegetable garden would be a worthy investment. If all that effort isn't in your future, consider a nice rock garden, pond or intricate hardscaping instead. Finally, think about what works for your family. Some plants and flowers are poisonous for pets, and kids should have plenty of space to run around and play with friends, whether it be grass or pavement. Ultimately, yards should act as 1960s outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an mid-century modern outdoor room?

During the summer, your outdoor designs become key for entertaining and should flow like an extension of your indoor space. With a few key components, your patio, porch or deck can easily be turned into an entertainment haven; after all, when the weather is nice, most people don't want to be stuck indoors. To make your 1950s outdoor living space really feel like part of the house, create an outdoor kitchen, complete a grill, prep station, countertop and mini fridge. To become the neighborhood party house, you should also invest in a fire pit and hot tub, which are both great outdoor ideas for those cooler nights. If expensive renovations are out of your reach, new outdoor furniture and accessories are great for a cheap yet effective end result. A typical concrete patio or front porch can get a major makeover by simply implementing a few easy 1960s outdoor decorating ideas, such as new furniture cushions and string lighting, or some brightly colored pots and accent statues. Take a look at a variety of pictures and mid-century modern outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.

Airlane

Mãkena Interiors

original Palm Springs Mid century Home in the Sunmore Neighborhood Palm Springs, CA Outdoor living at its best
Example of a large 1960s backyard concrete and rectangular lap pool design in Other