A unique outdoor umbrella (by Tuuci) over the dining area serves as a focal point of the patio. At the other end, the fire bowl can be seen. Westhauser Photography

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. A bright tiled planter anchors an otherwise neutral space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

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).

This front yard overhaul in Shell Beach, CA included the installation of concrete walkway and patio slabs with Mexican pebble joints, a raised concrete patio and steps for enjoying ocean-side sunset views, a horizontal board ipe privacy screen and gate to create a courtyard with raised steel planters and a custom gas fire pit, landscape lighting, and minimal planting for a modern aesthetic.

Martin Mann
Trendy patio photo in San Diego

Chip Riegel
Transitional concrete paver patio photo in Providence with no cover

The gas fire pit is a cast concrete bowl filled with spheres made of the same material as faux logs in fireplaces. A unique take on a fire pit. Westhauser Photography

Beach pebble inlays break the concrete patio into smaller "rooms," while still making it feel like one large space. Plantings around the patio reinforce the linear theme. Westhauser Photography

A view from the house to the perimeter of the back yard. Westhauser Photography
Mid-sized minimalist backyard concrete patio photo in Milwaukee with a fire pit

West Los Angeles
Example of a trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in Los Angeles

Built-in custom polished concrete fire -pit with surrounding brick bench with a bluestone cap. Bluestone patio paving with slot of gray beach pebbles. Fire-pit has natural gas with an electric spark starter. Bench seating has a wood screen wall that includes lighting & supports vine growth.

A contemporary, cast concrete fire bowl is centered on the living room doors, surrounded by beach pebble mulch. Bluestone inlays in the concrete mark the centerline of the bowl in both directions and continues into the thermal finish, full range bluestone patio. Erickson Digital Studio

This is a beautiful contemporary and organic design. An outdoor private shower with pebble stone inspired by a feeling of nature. Design by Luz Marina Selles. Photos by Mike Small Photography.

This front yard overhaul in Shell Beach, CA included the installation of concrete walkway and patio slabs with Mexican pebble joints, a raised concrete patio and steps for enjoying ocean-side sunset views, a horizontal board ipe privacy screen and gate to create a courtyard with raised steel planters and a custom gas fire pit, landscape lighting, and minimal planting for a modern aesthetic.

Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete patio fountain design in Las Vegas with no cover

A modern concrete hardscape with Mexican beach pebble bands is featured, along with the concrete fire pit and built-in bench seating made of cumaru wood.

Mid-sized 1960s backyard concrete patio photo in Los Angeles

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).

Crossing inlays of beach pebbles within the concrete patio. Westhauser Photography
Patio - mid-sized modern backyard concrete patio idea in Milwaukee with a fire pit