We transformed this two-level urban space with a modern checkerboard patio made of concrete and Thyme squares, an on-grade freeform deck, a shade structure, and a built-in grill.

This outdoor swimming pool includes a circular hot tub and a mix of natural stones in the pool decking at a home in Vienna, VA.
Large trendy backyard stone and custom-shaped hot tub photo in DC Metro

Heather Cooper Photography
Large transitional backyard deck photo in Atlanta with a roof extension

Heather Cooper Photography
Example of a large transitional backyard deck design in Atlanta with a roof extension

Bi-Level Deck Cedar Lumber Cedar Pergola Custom Bench Fire Pit Integral Lighting Outdoor Dining
Deck - mid-sized traditional backyard deck idea in Columbus with a pergola

View of screened gazebo from the lower deck. Photo by Garth Woodruff
Patio - large traditional backyard patio idea in Other with decking and a gazebo

Quigleydecks.com
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard deck design in Other with no cover

Originally a nearly three-story tall 1920’s European-styled home was turned into a modern villa for work and home. A series of low concrete retaining wall planters and steps gradually takes you up to the second level entry, grounding or anchoring the house into the site, as does a new wrap around veranda and trellis. Large eave overhangs on the upper roof were designed to give the home presence and were accented with a Mid-century orange color. The new master bedroom addition white box creates a better sense of entry and opens to the wrap around veranda at the opposite side. Inside the owners live on the lower floor and work on the upper floor with the garage basement for storage, archives and a ceramics studio. New windows and open spaces were created for the graphic designer owners; displaying their mid-century modern furnishings collection. A lot of effort went into attempting to lower the house visually by bringing the ground plane higher with the concrete retaining wall planters, steps, wrap around veranda and trellis, and the prominent roof with exaggerated overhangs. That the eaves were painted orange is a cool reflection of the owner’s Dutch heritage. Budget was a driver for the project and it was determined that the footprint of the home should have minimal extensions and that the new windows remain in the same relative locations as the old ones. Wall removal was utilized versus moving and building new walls where possible. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography.

This low-to-grade Charlotte Trex deck not only blends into the yard but the multiple levels delineate different outdoor living areas. Adding levels of outdoor spaces is popular because it creates the effect of different outdoor rooms.

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

The patio really comes to life at night. the modern storefront windows open up the interior to help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The firepit along with the lantern lighting make you feel as though you were on a beautiful camping ground. The ipe wood used in the deck and benches add a smooth finish to the space photographed by david degendt

Originally a nearly three-story tall 1920’s European-styled home was turned into a modern villa for work and home. A series of low concrete retaining wall planters and steps gradually takes you up to the second level entry, grounding or anchoring the house into the site, as does a new wrap around veranda and trellis. Large eave overhangs on the upper roof were designed to give the home presence and were accented with a Mid-century orange color. The new master bedroom addition white box creates a better sense of entry and opens to the wrap around veranda at the opposite side. Inside the owners live on the lower floor and work on the upper floor with the garage basement for storage, archives and a ceramics studio. New windows and open spaces were created for the graphic designer owners; displaying their mid-century modern furnishings collection. A lot of effort went into attempting to lower the house visually by bringing the ground plane higher with the concrete retaining wall planters, steps, wrap around veranda and trellis, and the prominent roof with exaggerated overhangs. That the eaves were painted orange is a cool reflection of the owner’s Dutch heritage. Budget was a driver for the project and it was determined that the footprint of the home should have minimal extensions and that the new windows remain in the same relative locations as the old ones. Wall removal was utilized versus moving and building new walls where possible. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography.

Large Trex Transcend "island mist" curved deck with fire table and palm trees.
Patio - huge modern backyard patio idea in Vancouver with a fire pit, no cover and decking

Located on a narrow site between a local access road and Lake Washington, this three-level home is designed to take full advantage its lakefront views. Built on an undersized lot, quality of space was a priority over a large footprint. With an integrated garage, living, dining, master suite, guestrooms and office areas are compact into one-half floors. Most of the third level is designed to be multi-use. The ground floor level contains storage and a mother-in-law suite. Modern in style, with touches of traditional forms and materials of Tuscany, the home features a double height living/dining with a slide-fold door allowing the exterior deck to become an extension of the interior living room. A custom designed interior tile floor inlaid with re-claimed wood creates a warm, well-crafted feel to the interior. Owner designed and built barn doors extends that same sensibility to the upper level. Exterior landscape design incorporates a large outdoor ground level patio with a beautiful pervious paver system, plantings designed to enhance the shoreline, integrates existing access to the boat dock and lake.

This old farmhouse (ca. late 18th century) has undergone many renovations over the years. Spring Creek Design added its stamp in 2008, with a small mudroom addition and a complete interior renovation. The addition encompasses a 1st floor mudroom with extensive cabinetry and closetry. Upon entering the space from the driveway, cabinet and countertop space is provided to accommodate incoming grocery bags. Next in line are a series of “lockers” and cubbies - just right for coats, hats and book bags. Further inside is a wrap-around window seat with cedar shoe racks beneath. A stainless steel dog feeding station rounds out the amenities - all built atop a natural Vermont slate floor. On the lower level, the addition features a full bathroom and a “Dude Pod” - a compact work and play space for the resident code monkey. Outfitted with a stand-up desk and an electronic drum kit, one needs only emerge for Mountain Dew refills and familial visits. Within the existing space, we added an ensuite bathroom for the third floor bedroom. The second floor bathroom and first floor powder room were also gutted and remodeled. The master bedroom was extensively remodeled - given a vaulted ceiling and a wall of floor-to-roof built-ins accessed with a rolling ladder. An extensive, multi-level deck and screen house was added to provide outdoor living space, with secure, dry storage below. Design Criteria: - Update house with a high sustainability standard. - Provide bathroom for daughters’ third floor bedroom. - Update remaining bathrooms - Update cramped, low ceilinged master bedroom - Provide mudroom/entryway solutions. - Provide a window seating space with good visibility of back and side yards – to keep an eye on the kids at play. - Replace old deck with a updated deck/screen porch combination. - Update sitting room with a wood stove and mantle. Special Features: - Insulated Concrete Forms used for Dude Pod foundation. - Soy-based spray foam insulation used in the addition and master bedroom. - Paperstone countertops in mudroom. - Zero-VOC paints and finishes used throughout the project. - All decking and trim for the deck/screen porch is made from 100% recycled HDPE (milk jugs, soda, water bottles) - High efficiency combination washer/dryer.

Beautiful multi-level curved composite deck. The various seating arrangements and the space allow the deck to be used for different purposes. Each area has a great view of the lake and overlooks the backyard. The deck also features two colors of Trex Transcend, which is a form of maintenance free composite decking.

Heather Cooper Photography
Elegant backyard mixed material railing deck photo in Atlanta with no cover and a fireplace

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. - Architect: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. - Interior Design: Martha O’Hara Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Example of a classic backyard deck design in DC Metro with a fire pit