Custom granite seat walls and firepit with Pennsylvania bluestone cap. Random pattern square cut PA bluestone patio surface. Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple enframes the view. Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular patio remodel in Dallas with a fire pit, decking and a pergola

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean full sun backyard stone formal garden in Denver.

Photo: Patrick O'Malley
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Wrap around porch.
Elegant backyard concrete patio photo in Minneapolis with a fire pit and no cover

A fieldstone sitting wall and firepit highlight this bluestone sitting area at a Cape Cod custom home. OnSite Studios
Cottage stone patio photo in Boston

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Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard stone formal garden in DC Metro for summer.

Photo: Meghan Bob Photo
Inspiration for a large farmhouse backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Los Angeles with a roof extension

Photography by Laura Moss
Patio - coastal backyard stone patio idea in New York with no cover

Photo credit: www.parkscreative.com
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit

Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in Richmond with no cover

Michael Stadler Photographs ( http://www.stadlerstudio.com/)

Example of a classic stone and rectangular pool design in New York

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. The fence is sheathed on both sides to afford greater privacy as well as ensure the neighbors enjoy a well-made fence too. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Summary As far as unique outdoor living spaces go, this entire backyard makeover at Manor Country Club in Rockville, Maryland has the bases covered. A flagstone patio, AZEK-covered deck, cedar pergola, and hot tub were added to make this Montgomery County home stand out. The basement was also renovated and given a stone fireplace. Situated on Manor's 18th tee box, the patio and pavilion feature open views, low-maintenance plantings, and all of the amenities one needs for entertaining. The integrated hot tub is integrated into the AZEK decking for easy and safe access. We also paved the driveway and laid stone for the front path. Other features Hot tub that is half under the awning and half exposed to the sky for excellent stargazing Integrated porch lighting Stone flower boxes built into the multi-tiered patio Materials AZEK Terra Collection decking, Tahoe AZEK Harvest Collection decking, slate gray Pennsylvania flagstone patio blocks Cedar wood Pressure-treated wood Photos by Venturaphoto

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).

©Melissa Clark Photography
Mid-sized mountain style backyard stone patio photo in DC Metro with a fire pit and no cover