Unlimited Style Photography
Small trendy backyard patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Small trendy backyard brick patio fountain photo in Philadelphia with a pergola

Small trendy backyard stone patio photo in New York with a pergola

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

Photo by Samantha Robison
Small transitional backyard stone patio photo in Other with a pergola

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.

A complete remodel of a 70s-era home re-imagines its original post-modern architecture. The new design emphasizes details such as a phoenix motif (significant to the family) that appears on a fountain as well as at the living room fireplace surround, both designed by the firm. Mahogany paneling, stone and walnut flooring, elaborate ceiling treatments, steel picture windows that frame panoramic views, and carved limestone window surrounds contribute new texture and character.

garden patio under pergola with stone slab table
Example of a small classic backyard stone patio design in Burlington with a pergola

Example of a small transitional backyard concrete paver patio design in Las Vegas with a pergola

Example of a small transitional backyard concrete paver patio design in Las Vegas with a pergola

The outdoor space is organized and defined by stone sitting walls and centered on a custom cedar pergola.
Inspiration for a small transitional backyard stone patio remodel in Providence with a fire pit and a pergola

Greg Scott Makinen
Patio - small backyard stone patio idea in Boise with a pergola

Outdoor patio on the beach. A small weekend beach resort home for a family of four with two little girls. Remodeled from a funky old house built in the 60's on Oxnard Shores. This little white cottage has the master bedroom, a playroom, guest bedroom and girls' bunk room upstairs, while downstairs there is a 1960s feel family room with an industrial modern style bar for the family's many parties and celebrations. A great room open to the dining area with a zinc dining table and rattan chairs. Fireplace features custom iron doors, and green glass tile surround. New white cabinets and bookshelves flank the real wood burning fire place. Simple clean white cabinetry in the kitchen with x designs on glass cabinet doors and peninsula ends. Durable, beautiful white quartzite counter tops and yes! porcelain planked floors for durability! The girls can run in and out without worrying about the beach sand damage!. White painted planked and beamed ceilings, natural reclaimed woods mixed with rattans and velvets for comfortable, beautiful interiors Project Location: Oxnard, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

The overhead structure was added to make the space more intimate and compliments the roof line of the home for a seamless addition. The structure lends itself to hanging artwork, living wall, or canvas application.

Inspiration for a small modern backyard concrete patio remodel in Dallas with a fire pit and a pergola

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard patio remodel in DC Metro with a pergola

Want the most unique backyard covered area in town? Your friends will be amazed by your Aluminum Louvered Roof System that OPENS and CLOSES by remote control! It’s even Solar Powered! These are not kits. We build them to your specifications for both residential and commercial, up to any size. With the Lifetime Warranty on the powder coated finish, you will enjoy this maintenance free roof for YEARS! This product will totally protect you from the SUN and RAIN! When closed all the way the roof will not leak underneath. Each louver acts as a gutter that channels all the water off into the grass or an optional gutter system. You can adjust the amount of sunlight you want coming through your roof because you can stop it in any position between open and close. This is the Cadillac of roof systems so be prepared to spend some money, but it will be one of the best investments you can ever make in your home. What good is a Florida backyard if it’s too hot or wet to enjoy it!

Ready for the reveal. Photo by VanElders Design Studio.
Patio - small modern backyard decomposed granite patio idea in Kansas City with a pergola

Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard concrete paver patio fountain remodel in San Luis Obispo with a pergola