This is an example of a huge contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Diego with a fire pit.

Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in San Diego

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard stone patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

For step 3 we added 5 plant sections, with groupings of Hostas, ferns, elephant ear, flowers and plants to add color to the patio, which is in an otherwise all natural wooded area.

The upper deck includes Ipe flooring, an outdoor kitchen with concrete countertops, and a custom decorative metal railing that connects to the lower deck's artificial turf area. The ground level features custom concrete pavers, fire pit, open framed pergola with day bed and under decking system.

There are an infinite number of possible designs, and outdoor fire pits no longer need to be just a round pile of rocks. I work with several basic styles of gas fed fire pits when I design outdoor gardens to enchant my clients. The popularity of fire pits and the fire effects they produce in the garden is one of fastest growing trends in outdoor design. The allure of sitting around a fire ring has been around since the beginning of mankind. Fire provides warmth, light, a cooking source and, of course relaxation. A dancing flame has a mesmerizing affect that encourages you to unwind and settle in. The popularity of fire pits, or conversation pits as they are commonly called, has grown rapidly in recent years. Proper design and construction will ensure a safe and enjoyable feature that will last several decades This fully equipped outdoor kitchen is separate from the rest of the living space, allowing the two areas to be utilized entirely on their own. outdoor kitchens are most efficient when it's zoned into logical uses. your cook space should have plenty of prep space, room to set down utensils and stage ingredients, and a comfortable buffer from the seating island to keep guests protected from the heat.

Inspiration for a small craftsman backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Lindsey Denny
Large trendy backyard deck photo in Kansas City with a fire pit and no cover

Lindsey Denny
Example of a large trendy backyard stamped concrete patio kitchen design in Kansas City with a pergola

Bruce Saunders, Connectivity Group, LLC
Example of a mid-sized mountain style backyard concrete paver patio design in Charlotte with a fire pit

Custom Residence Naples, Florida
Patio - tropical backyard patio idea in Miami with a fire pit

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard stamped concrete patio kitchen photo in Dallas with a gazebo

Large transitional backyard concrete paver patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Small trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit

The deck steps, with built in recessed lighting, span the entire width of the Trex deck and were designed to define the different outdoor rooms and to provide additional seating options when entertaining. Light brown custom cedar screen walls provide privacy along the landscaped terrace and compliment the warm hues of the decking.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

The clients requested a fire pit so we designed one to comfortably tuck between the pool and an adjacent meadow. It's the perfect place to relax on a cool day.

photos by Jennifer Greco
Photo of a small coastal drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Miami with a fire pit for winter.