Patio - 1960s side yard patio idea in Austin with a pergola

Midcentury Patio

Inspiration for a large mid-century modern backyard patio remodel in Other with a fireplace and a roof extension

Italian kitchen and mid century modern home

Lucile Glessner Design

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

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Hillside MCM Residence

Studio Bergtraun AIA

Treve Johnson
Example of a large mid-century modern backyard concrete paver patio design in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

Leucadia Mid Century

DZN Partners

PixelProFoto
Inspiration for a large 1960s side yard concrete patio remodel in San Diego 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, 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.

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Kitchen

Tongue & Groove Design + Build

Joshua Curry Photography, Rick Ricozzi Photography
Mid-sized 1960s backyard stone patio kitchen photo in Wilmington with a roof extension

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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).

Malibu Crest

Studio Bracket

Example of a large 1950s backyard tile patio design in Los Angeles with 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-Mod Oasis in the City

Lifescape Colorado.

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

Oakpass

Dressed Design

Patio - 1950s courtyard patio idea in Other with 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

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Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

Large mid-century modern backyard patio photo in Other with a fireplace and a roof extension

505 N Ivanhoe

E2 Homes

Inspiration for a mid-century modern patio remodel in Orlando

Greater Avenues Mid-Century Modern

Kyle Aiken

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

Mesa Modern Residence Entry Patio

McAuliffe & Co. Architects

Entry courtyard view into the Mesa Modern compound. View of the casita's glass corner.
Example of a 1950s patio design in Los Angeles

Mid-Century Modern 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