Italian kitchen and mid century modern home

Example of a 1950s backyard concrete patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Large 1960s side yard concrete patio photo in San Diego with a fireplace and a pergola

San Carlos Mid-Century Modern Remodel

Klopf Architecture

Patio - mid-sized mid-century modern backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a roof extension

Browse By Color

Explore Colors

Mid-Mod Oasis in the City

Lifescape Colorado.

Mid-century modern backyard concrete patio photo in Denver with a pergola

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.

Devis - Purdy House

C. W. Howe Partners Inc.

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

San Carlos Mid-Century Modern Remodel

Klopf Architecture

Mariko Reed
Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern backyard concrete patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and a roof extension

Gates Residence

KRDB

Mid-century modern concrete patio photo in Austin with no cover

Outdoor Living

Connie Anderson Photography

Connie Anderson Photography
Inspiration for a mid-century modern backyard concrete patio remodel in Houston with a roof extension

Campton Residence

Colectivo Creative

Dorian Quiroga
Inspiration for a 1950s backyard concrete patio remodel in Austin with a fire pit and no cover

Bellevue Mid-Modern

Lane Williams Architects

Spacious rear yard is closely coupled to the house with generous outdoor living spaces, fireplace, and sliding glass doors that disappear into wall pockets.

Montecito

Tracy Lynn Studio

Photography: Ryan Garvin
Patio - 1950s courtyard concrete patio idea in Phoenix with a roof extension

Mid-Century Modern

Designs by Sundown

Example of a mid-sized 1950s backyard concrete patio design in Denver with a fire pit and no cover

Mondrian Mid-Century

Moderne Builders

1950s backyard concrete patio photo in Other with a fire pit and a roof extension

Austin Modern Home

Foursquare Builders

This indoor-outdoor living room is capped off by two automatic screen walls. This living room also provides separation from the guest suite and the main house while remaining under one roof. Photo by Paul Bardagjy

3 Palms - Outdoor Dining

Real Estate Judge

Peak Photography
Example of a mid-sized 1960s side yard concrete patio design in Phoenix with a fire pit and a roof extension

Lanai Doors in Huntington Beach, CA

Lanai Doors

Open up your wall to literally Bring The Outdoors In with a Lanai Doors bifolding door. Making your exterior part of your living space.
Inspiration for a large mid-century modern backyard concrete patio remodel in Orange County

Highland's Eichler Home Tour May 2017

DRACO

Amy Vogel
Large 1950s backyard concrete patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Palm Springs, CA

Teserra Outdoors

Patio - 1950s backyard concrete patio idea in Orange County with a roof extension

Mid-Century Modern Concrete Patio Ideas

Outdoor patios are frequently viewed as an extension of indoor living space. Whether it's comprised of stone, brick or concrete, this paved area is often used as a socializing location, especially when there’s a grill or fire pit present. Throw in an outdoor dining set and some mid-century modern patio decor, and it can also become your favorite eating spot! As you browse 1950s outdoor patio ideas, keep in mind the follows tips and tricks to get the most out of yours.

How do I plan a proper 1960s patio design?

Planning out your mid-century modern patio design before your remodel is crucial. When perusing patio ideas, keep in mind that people use 1950s patios for different things, but they primarily use it as a space for entertaining and relaxing. Because of this, figure out what you want this area’s overall functionality to be. Will you have large groups over or a few intimate gatherings? Will you be serving food or are you more of a cocktail hour type? Secondly, take time to figure out what materials will work best for your remodel — different patio designs call for different materials, some of which might not work for your budget and space limitations. Then, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area; think about any weather (rain or sun) that you want to protect yourself from. Next, determine what amenities are important to you; is an outdoor fireplace essential, or would a smaller scale fire pit work just as well? Do you need a big grill or will a smaller barbecue work for you? Lastly, much like any other room in your home, decorate the space to ensure that it's welcoming, interesting and aligned with your home’s style.

What materials can 1960s patios be made from?

As with any outdoor space, materials dictate the overall style and feel, so make sure your choices accurately reflect the vibe of your home. Stone and terra-cotta tile are common with mediterranean houses, while brick is most often seen in traditional homes. Concrete works well with almost any space and style, so it's always a great option when you're choosing patio materials. After you figure out your foundation, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area. You can always add a pergola, arbor, awning or trellis for some shade, or you can let the sun shine down on your mid-century modern patio. As you look through pictures and compile your favorite patio design ideas, note which materials you’re drawn to and try to incorporate those into your own design.

What should I incorporate in my 1950s patio design?

Even though 1960s patios can be nothing more than paved slabs outside your house, they can also be so much more if you add the right touches. Fire pits and fireplaces are great for cooler nights, while an outdoor kitchen and bar make it an ideal party mecca. Regardless of what you do, a spot to grill and eat is a must for al fresco dining, and you need good furniture to truly enjoy even the most basic outdoor space. Depending on your budget and maintenance threshold, you can even splurge on a few additional patio ideas, like a hot tub or pool to warm up or cool down all year round.

How should I incorporate mid-century modern patio decor?

You won’t have to look far for retro patio decorating ideas, since every little thing can double as decor outside, including plants and flowers. You should make sure that everything you do place outdoors, like furniture, is weatherproof. That doesn't mean your mod patio can't look as good as any indoor living room! Rugs, throw pillows and chair cushions all come in waterproof fabrics, while coffee tables, side tables, sofas, sectionals and armchairs often come together in sets. Rope or string lighting are popular patio decorating ideas (as well as mood setters), as are candles, which can also keep bugs away if you get the right kind. Put together some flower or succulent arrangements in pretty containers and place those around your space to liven it up. Fun little accessories, like a garden gnome, tiki torch, bird feeder or umbrella can add more personality where it's lacking — keep your eyes peeled when looking at mid-century modern patio pictures to see what decor you can draw inspiration from. Learn more about the cost to install pavers

Glen Lake Mid-Century Addition

Environment Architects

Large mid-century modern side yard concrete patio photo in Other with a fire pit and an awning