Photography by Anthony Crisafulli
Inspiration for a small eclectic shade backyard brick retaining wall landscape in New York.

Roger Wade Studio
Mountain style patio photo with a fire pit and no cover

We needed a bridge to cross the dry creek bed, so I designed a version of a Japanese yatsuhashi, or zig zag, bridge. It is clad in concrete backer board. I wanted to simulate a granite mountain plateau with a boulder peak. The client purchased the concrete lantern which perfectly complements the entrance to this woodland garden. Photo by Jay Sifford

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

This 2014 Luxury Home was part of Midwest Home's Tour. David Kopfmann of Yardscapes, was able to lend to the architecture of the home and create some very detailed touches with different styles of stone and plant material. This image is of the backyard, where David used limestone stepper and concrete paver for the patio. He used plant material to create texture and color. Boulder walls were also used to lend some interest and retaining along the walkway and planting beds.

This is what the boaters see from the lake. A stunning beautiful boathouse and a winding granite boulder retaining wall lining the path up to the home where you will find three paver patios complete with an outdoor kitchen, firepit, hotub, infinity swimming pool and a lot of entertaining space.

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Anice Hoachlander/Hoachlander-Davis Photography
Inspiration for a large rustic backyard stone patio remodel in DC Metro with a fire pit and a roof extension

Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard rectangular pool house remodel in Santa Barbara

Patio kitchen - small industrial backyard brick patio kitchen idea

This cute backyard patio was renovated to provide an outdoor seating area with a firepit by Benintoshape, bar seating for entertaining and a cozy dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Barbara designed perennials and bulbs to be added to the existing shade garden spaces and new plantings were incorporated to provide more seasonal color and interest in the rose garden. New shade tolerant shrubs and groundcovers were added under a large Norway Maple tree that cast considerable shade in the backyard. A new stepping stone path provided access to the nearby sunny lawn and playscape in the side yard. The back and side yards were enclosed with a picket fence to keep the pets and children safe. Comfortable lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and pillows by Elaine Smith were placed in the renovated patio space. The dining area was covered with a Tuuci cantilever umbrella for additional shade in the afternoon.

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard concrete paver garden path in Seattle with a gazebo.

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Patio - large contemporary backyard stone patio idea in DC Metro with no cover

Photo of a transitional water fountain landscape in Dallas.

A small but cozy stone covered outdoor pool patio and wall fountain by Ancient Surfaces. A seating area overlooks a lovely small pool fountain covered with our antique Arcane Limestone surrounded by a lovely flower trough walled in by a basket weaved teak wood ivy wall. At the front end of the pool stands a gorgeous hand carved antique limestone wall fountain that is hundreds of years old.

The fire bowl doubles as a table during the summer months. Dimensional steppers connect one patio space to the other. Photography by Larry Huene Photography. Landscape design by John Algozzini.

Manolo Langis
Example of a classic backyard rectangular pool house design in Los Angeles

This is an example of a mid-sized modern full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in New York.

Lush plantings surround the pavers that curve and lead to the pool area. Beyond that is the lawn and tucked away in the trees are the accessory building, sport court, and outdoor shower. Throughout the landscape, we mixed formality with touches of whimsy -- spiral topiary boxwood, bright dashes of colorful flowers, contrasting textures. When we teamed up with this young family for a renovation, we created an outdoor space satisfying the needs of all the members of their family.