Cynthia Lynn Photography
Example of a transitional patio design in Milwaukee with a fire pit and no cover

photos by Paul Burk
Patio - traditional backyard patio idea in DC Metro with a fire pit and no cover

Built-in seating area featuring integrated lighting and Brazilian Ipe wood accents surround custom glass fire pit. Iridescent glass tiled perimeter overflow spa in background. Photographer: Christian Terry

Add style and comfort to the courtyard with options like outdoor fireplaces, water features, and a fire pit.
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

Steve Peixotto
Patio - mid-sized contemporary backyard tile patio idea in San Francisco with a roof extension

Elements Landscape LLC
Patio - traditional patio idea in Atlanta

The homeowner wanted a hill country style outdoor living space larger than their existing covered area. The main structure is now 280 sq ft with a 9-1/2 feet long kitchen complete with a grill, fridge & utensil drawers. The secondary structure is 144 sq ft with a gas fire pit lined with crushed glass. The table on the left in the main structure was a piece of granite the homeowner had and wanted it made into a table, so we made a wrought iron frame for it. There are more sentimental touches! The swing by the fire pit is a newly made replica of a swing the husband had made in wood shop in high school over 50 years ago. The flooring is stamped concrete in a wood bridge plank pattern. TK IMAGES

Inspiration for a mediterranean patio remodel in San Diego with a fire pit

Ryann Ford
Deck - small contemporary backyard deck idea in Austin with a fire pit and no cover

This beautiful home and landscape design are centered around family gatherings and luxury entertainment. The design is full of exquisite amenities such as: a large pool and spa veneered with custom tile throughout, an elaborate outdoor kitchen with swim up bar, a luxury outdoor shower, fire water features, gorgeous sunken fire pit, travertine decks, beautiful landscaping, while highlighted by amazing LED lighting throughout. Bill at White Strobe Photograhy

Inspiration for a small contemporary concrete paver patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard stamped concrete patio remodel in Santa Barbara with a fire pit

In this project we have transformed an intimate backyard into a high-end patio including: artificial grass, stepping stones, stamp concrete, custom made fire –pit with a concrete bench, Alumawood patio cover with canopy, lighting and electric outlets.

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.

Shade cloth added to cedar pergola for some extra shade. With a fire pit, columns, waterfall and seat wall. Unilock Thornberry pavers with Il Campo banding.

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

The upper level of this gorgeous Trex deck is the central entertaining and dining space and includes a beautiful concrete fire table and a custom cedar bench that floats over the deck. The dining space is defined by the stunning, cantilevered, aluminum pergola above and cable railing along the edge of the deck. Adjacent to the pergola is a covered grill and prep space. Light brown custom cedar screen walls provide privacy along the landscaped terrace and compliment the warm hues of the decking. Clean, modern light fixtures are also present in the deck steps, along the deck perimeter, and throughout the landscape making the space well-defined in the evening as well as the daytime.

Remodel of an existing entry courtyard. We cleaned up the lines on the steps, created cantilevered steps with recessed LED tape lighting, added a water feature, built-in seating and a fire pit. There is porcelain pavers throughout with low succulents breaking up the pavers. Studio H Landscape Architecture

Ethan Tweedie Photography
Pool - tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool idea in Hawaii