In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014.

Pool and deck area overlooking the lake from a high vantage point. Pool is aligned on axis with shaded play lawn in the backyard areas and opens up to swim up bar at the outdoor kitchen. VIews from the kitchen open up and look right out into the pool and column water features. Photo by Rachel Paul Malkowski

Stone Age fireplace, Brisa® wall system and Britton™ paving system from Anchor Block Company.
Inspiration for a small transitional backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Minneapolis with a fire pit and no cover

Concrete patio - After cleaning and staining. Tile & Stone Pro www.TileAndStonePro.com
Inspiration for a small rustic exterior home remodel in Los Angeles

Design ideas for a farmhouse backyard brick landscaping in New Orleans.

Zen Portal hand carved temple balinese stone
This is an example of a large tropical partial sun backyard stone garden path in San Francisco for summer.

Designed while at Graham Landscape Architecture.
Patio - small contemporary side yard stone patio idea in DC Metro with no cover

Smart contemporary courtyard. K Rend walls and raised planters, Evergreen planting including olive trees, box and lavanders. Corner seating and infra-red heater. Harvest Limestone paving. Pleached evergreen trees.

Freeform Pool with Cambridge Paver Patio. Crab Orchard Stacked Stone Wall with Sheer Descents and Spa Spill Over. Patio-Color Shara Chestnut Lite.
Hot tub - small traditional backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural hot tub idea in New York

Photography by ibi Designs
Island style pool photo in Miami

Photo of a small contemporary drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit and decking for fall.

In keeping with Owner’s desire for creating an inviting and comfortable space for entertaining, the new courtyard was paved with concrete tiles installed over a concrete slab. Tropical landscape beds were incorporated in the slab and a gorgeously tiled fountain provides additional seating. Photos-Frank Baptie Photography

Very small and simple paver patio on a new home construction in Winfield, IL. Photo by: Kyle
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Chicago with no cover

Design ideas for a small modern full sun front yard brick landscaping in Sydney for summer.

Soft lines were desired in a limited space surrounded by easements, building and pool setbacks. Simple architectural curves complemented the architecture of the home. This allowed the client to have a walk around the pool and provide maximum pool surface area. The spa side dry steps allowed access to the pool steps 18" lower than the patio. The spa provides a strong visual from the family room and balancing the project the fire bowl and rainfall provides a strong visual from the arbor, grill counter, bar and master bedroom. We added a door from the master bedroom to allow access directly to the fire pit on that cold winter night. The fire bow wall provides a screen for the utility transformer and location for the rainfall. Landscaping softens the lines of the hardscape fence, and house walls. The firelight along with the low voltage lighting accent the space at night. The step lights allow for safe travel over the changes in elevation to the pool. The stone veneers match the existing grill and bar counter and the flagstone coping step treads and wall caps match existing stone kitchen patio. The concrete paving pattern was selected to match the pattern of the existing stone kitchen patio as well. The trip to the city zoning board was well worth the reward of providing everything the client wanted in a limited space. Project designed by Mike Farley. Check out Mike's reference site for more info and videos at www.FarleyPoolDesigns.com.

Patio - small contemporary backyard concrete paver patio idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Built-in barbecue with fire pit lounging area and adjacent dining area. Studio H Landscape Architecture
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard stone landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit.

In a compact yard, the Endless Pool leaves space to spare! With its fully adjustable swim current, the Endless Pool lets you swim in place. Also great for aquatic exercise and family fun, the Endless Pool conserves space (and resources) so you can enjoy big-pool functionality in one easy-to-maintain installation. This Endless Pool in Austin, Texas, also functions as a reflecting pool -- on a cloudy day, you can enjoy a meditative place to unwind in peace and comfort.

A fire pit lounge area surrounded by a built-in barbecue. Studio H Landscape Architecture
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit.