This inviting space features a decorative concrete patio with a custom concrete fire pit and Ipe floating bench. The lush landscaping and cedar privacy fence provides a tranquil setting for city living.

Pergola with Ipe decking and outdoor kitchen. Photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com
Mid-sized beach style backyard deck photo with a pergola

Rob Bramhall
Pool fountain - huge modern courtyard concrete paver and l-shaped lap pool fountain idea in Miami

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. 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.

Michael Pring
Trendy patio photo in New York with a fire pit

Example of a mid-sized island style backyard deck design in Orange County with decking and no cover

photo courtesy of Clemens Jellema, Fine Decks, Inc. This covered outdoor living space is a true extension of the home. Not only is it wired for music, but the outdoor lighting allows you to entertain even after the sun goes down. The Fiberon composite deck overlooks a pool and landscaped grounds as well.

Deck - traditional deck idea with a fire pit and a pergola

This small but very detailed space has all the wonderful accommodations needed for an urban rooftop. Flat screen TV, grill, heat lamp, fire table, and storage. We took the pattern from the chair and recreated it in the fire table. This custom table ties it all together nicely. All while siting in a lush garden that surrounds the seating area. Making it cozy and colorful.

The cabana was placed at the end of the pool to provide opportunities for a quiet, romantic getaway. The cabana is enclosed by block wall with an ipe wood veneer. Horizontal shudders are also of ipe. They allow for privacy with air movement (notice the angle of the shudder will not allow visibility into the cabana). The double fabric cabana is grey on the exterior with a white interior. A simple ceiling fan and light illuminates the entire space. The fireplace is precast concrete. It is natural gas with an internal ventilation system. The shower, also shown, is located just to the right of the cabana.

Photo of a small modern partial sun backyard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in Chicago for summer.

Tony Soluri
Example of a trendy patio design in Chicago

Roof Deck
Beach style rooftop rooftop deck photo in Boston with a fire pit and decking

The outdoor space features Fiberon composite decking and composite railing. Fiberon 'Symmetry' rail has a flat, drink-friendly top rail profile, in a matte finish and comes in multiple colors: Tranquil White, Serene Black, and Simply Brown. The hardware is hidden, keeping the look clean and uncluttered. This sturdy rail never needs painting or staining, and is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.

Trendy concrete patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Ipe decking and cable rail photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal wooden l-shaped open staircase remodel

A typical post-1906 Noe Valley house is simultaneously restored, expanded and redesigned to keep what works and rethink what doesn’t. The front façade, is scraped and painted a crisp monochrome white—it worked. The new asymmetrical gabled rear addition takes the place of a windowless dead end box that didn’t. A “Great kitchen”, open yet formally defined living and dining rooms, a generous master suite, and kid’s rooms with nooks and crannies, all make for a newly designed house that straddles old and new. Structural Engineer: Gregory Paul Wallace SE General Contractor: Cardea Building Co. Interior Design: Ken Fulk Photographer: Open Homes Photography

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

This outdoor space epitomizes indoor/outdoor living. The roof extension creates a pavilion area built for entertaining. It's wired for music, and incorporates lighting throughout the deck, railing and stairs to illuminate the way even after the sun goes down. The deck was built with Fiberon Horizon composite decking, in the color 'Ipe'. Photo courtesy of Clemens Jellema, Fine Decks, Inc.