Example of a mid-century modern backyard patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Midcentury Modern Retreat - Firepit Patio With Outdoor Seating
Patio - large 1950s decomposed granite patio idea in Phoenix with a fire pit and no cover

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

Mid Century Modern Fireplace

Hendricks Construction

Patio - large 1950s backyard concrete paver patio idea in Phoenix with a fire pit and an awning

Woodside House 2

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design

Patio - large mid-century modern backyard tile patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Mid-Century Modern

Amy Martin Landscape Design

Created a multi-level outdoor living space to match the mid-century modern style of the home with upper deck and lower patio. Porcelain pavers create a clean pattern to offset the modern furniture, which is neutral in color and simple in shape to balance with the bold-colored accents.

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Inspiration for a large mid-century modern backyard gravel patio remodel in San Diego with a fire pit and no cover

Mid-Century Backyard Landscape - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Overall view of the new backyard landscape for this Leenhouts designed mid-century modern home in Fox Point, Wisconsin. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized mid-century modern full sun backyard landscaping in Milwaukee with a fire pit and decking for summer.

Mid-Century Modern Landscape Escape in Arcadia Pool, Outdoor Bar & Lush Front

Shearon Design Collective

This full-property transformation in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood blends timeless structure with refined modernism across both the front and rear yards. In front, a bold axial walkway, sculptural plantings, and breeze block walls introduce rhythm and identity while honoring the home’s mid-century roots. Out back, clean geometry and a restrained palette organize the space into distinct outdoor rooms—framed by pergolas, a custom firepit lounge, and a sleek linear pool. Plantings, paving, and vertical elements repeat with the intention to create a unified, elegant feel. Balancing contrast and control, this design delivers a sense of quiet luxury, where architecture, landscape, and everyday living flow seamlessly together

Eichler Home in Fairmeadows, Southern California

Better Living SoCal

Outdoor atrium space designed by the illustrious tram of Jones and Emmons and built in 1960 by Joseph Eichler, this is the best-sorted 1584 model to come up for sale in years and it may be years before another like it is available.

Estelle

Falling Waters Landscape

Brett Hilton
This is an example of a mid-century modern backyard gravel landscaping in Orange County with a fire pit.

Quince Reverse Shed Eichler

Guy Ayers, Architect

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Mid-Century Coastal Curb Appeal – Solana Beach Exterior Transformation

REDinterior

We created a relaxing retreat with two bowl-style firepits, poured-in-place concrete walls, and a cantilevered bench that floats above the pavers.
Patio - mid-sized 1950s backyard concrete paver patio idea in San Diego with a fire pit and an awning

Mid Century Modern - Wagoya House

Alloi Architecture + Construction

The serene side yard of this remodeled mid-century modern home includes two custom concrete benches surrounding the firepit. Drought-tolerant plants adorn the landscape, showcasing both beauty and sustainability. Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of this architectural oasis, where nature and design seamlessly coexist.

Glen Road

Risa Boyer Architecture

Example of a large 1960s side yard concrete patio design in Portland with a fire pit and a roof extension

New pool deck and seating

BE Landscape Design

Marcia Prentice
Deck - mid-sized 1960s backyard deck idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Hypoluxo Island Mid-Century Modern home

Jacki Mallick Designs, LLC.

Andy Frame
Example of a 1950s patio design in Miami with a fire pit and no cover

Mid Century Contemporary Landscape

Emerson Outdoor Design

photo by Chris Clemens
Example of a mid-sized 1950s backyard concrete paver patio design in Denver with a fire pit

The Greenhills House

Turn Design

Deck and fire pit Built Photo
Deck - mid-century modern backyard deck idea in Portland with a fire pit and no cover

Saul Zaik House

User

Example of a 1960s patio design in Portland with a fire pit and no cover

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Design Ideas with a Fire Pit

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.