Photo by Tina Witherspoon.
Outdoor kitchen deck - mid-sized contemporary backyard ground level outdoor kitchen deck idea in Seattle with a pergola

Inspiration for a large contemporary rooftop outdoor kitchen deck remodel in Chicago with a pergola

Betsy & Matt have a beautiful pool and patio, but an exposed location on a links golf course left nowhere to escape the afternoon sun and incessant wind. SCD was engaged to design and build an oasis of shade for lounging and entertaining as the focal point of this spectacular outdoor living space. Design Criteria: - Provide shelter from the sun and wind. - Create a light and open area – avoid creating an enveloping “building”. More like a large umbrella than a small building. - Design to harmonize with the client’s modern tastes, as expressed in the home’s interior. - Create space for soft seating, bar seating and cooking, all within the “shade footprint” during the afternoon. Special Features: - Transitional/Modern design. - Custom welded steel frame structure - Roof framed with oversized Douglas Fir timbers. - Custom fabricated sliding wind/sun screen panels. Laser-cut aluminum panels feature the work of local artist Chris Borai. - Bar and outdoor kitchen area features granite tile countertops and stainless steel appliances. - Technology features include Sunbrite outdoor televison, Apple TV & Sonos music systems. - Sunbrella fabric canopies extend the shade over the bar and grill area. Less

Creating several comfortable and functional outdoor rooms in this urban backyard was the primary goal. 1) A deck with outdoor kitchen elements and built in seating. 2) Bluestone terrace with fire pit sits 18" above the soccer-lawn. 3) The garage rooftop allows for complete separation and drinks in the garden. 4) Oh, the trampoline pad (under the tree canopy) - I believe that's what triggered this wonderful project!

Inspiration for a landscaping in San Francisco.

Showcase Photographers
Inspiration for a mid-sized country galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Backyard on Lake Minnetonka showcasing new patio and terraces. The motorized louvered pergola system that uses a remote to open and close for ultimate flexibility with the sun and rain.

Tucked beneath the wide canopy of a mature willow, Stone and Fire is an intimate backyard retreat shaped by elevation and anchored by craftsmanship. This space unfolds around a central tree, whose presence offered both inspiration and challenge. Rather than fight the varied topography, we used it—layering spaces and guiding movement with finely built stonework. A master stonemason laid every element by hand: from the outdoor fireplace that anchors the primary gathering space, to the built-in grill and custom countertops that form a quiet culinary hub. Curated hardscape materials—textured flagstone, dry-stacked retaining walls, and tailored stone edging—bring cohesion and warmth. The result is a space that feels both elemental and refined. Designed for connection, Stone and Fire balances intimacy and openness, offering a seamless blend of structure and nature. It’s a place to cook, to gather, and to slow down—where fire meets stone and the landscape holds the memory of every evening spent outdoors.

Example of a minimalist patio design in Portland

Tucked beneath the wide canopy of a mature willow, Stone and Fire is an intimate backyard retreat shaped by elevation and anchored by craftsmanship. This space unfolds around a central tree, whose presence offered both inspiration and challenge. Rather than fight the varied topography, we used it—layering spaces and guiding movement with finely built stonework. A master stonemason laid every element by hand: from the outdoor fireplace that anchors the primary gathering space, to the built-in grill and custom countertops that form a quiet culinary hub. Curated hardscape materials—textured flagstone, dry-stacked retaining walls, and tailored stone edging—bring cohesion and warmth. The result is a space that feels both elemental and refined. Designed for connection, Stone and Fire balances intimacy and openness, offering a seamless blend of structure and nature. It’s a place to cook, to gather, and to slow down—where fire meets stone and the landscape holds the memory of every evening spent outdoors.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in New York.

Known for its collaborative building process, Deacon Construction engaged ShadeFX to provide a versatile shade solution. Using a waterproof and fire-retardant fabric in Ennis Cocoa, two 10’x8’ rope-operated canopies were installed to compliment the brown steel structure.

Giovanni Photography
Example of a large island style backyard stone patio kitchen design in Miami with a roof extension

This outdoor media room and kitchen had to meet the needs of a Houston family needing kid space and adult space. The kids wanted an outdoor audio visual area watch TV and movies. The grownups wanted an outdoor kitchen, bar and grilling area where they could enjoy themselves while watching the kids. And they all wanted a covered patio with places to sit between dips in the pool. However, the family had very limited space between the back of their house and their pool, and no room for anything in either of the side yards: Stringent homeowner association rules also required that any home modifications match the existing home's architecture, color and finishing materials. The pitch of the roof also had to be such that it didn't overlap the bottom of the second-story windows above. So here's what we came up with: A 40-foot-long by 11-foot- deep roof extension off the back of the house (longer than most, but with good engineering specs and design work, we were able to preserve the structural integrity): At one end of the covered patio below is a 12-foot by 8-foot outdoor living room with a custom audio-visual cabinet. At the other is an L-shaped, 8-foot-square outdoor kitchen island with a built-in commercial-grade RCS grill, a 4-by-8-foot outdoor refrigerator and a outdoor icemaker. Keeping in line with the existing home's beige siding, white trim and brown accent façade, we helped the homeowner choose appropriate finishing materials: Austin Western limestone (mostly white with beige accents) for the TV cabinet, kitchen island and column supports; Old English travertine (beige) for the countertops) and white, fluted columns. The Old English travertine countertop has a raised back for a bar with counter seating. The diamond-pattern tile backsplash also features inset fleur de lis accents. The family is more than pleased with the results - two outdoor rooms with two different functions - all within the same covered outdoor living space!

Patio - modern patio idea in Portland

A fire and water feature with an adjoing seat wall. Veneered Eldorado stone. Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Greg, Sunset Construction

Patio - mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver patio idea in Toronto with a fireplace and a gazebo

Angela Kearney, Minglewood Designs
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard stone outdoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court in Boston.

Angela Kearney, Minglewood Designs
Mid-sized trendy backyard stone patio photo in Boston