The fire pit is bordered by a ring of Mexican beach pebbles, which is then surrounded by a spar dust circle. Westhauser Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized modern partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Milwaukee with a fire pit for summer.

Board formed concrete firepit at dusk. Photo by Clark Dugger
Patio - mid-sized contemporary backyard stone patio idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a contemporary courtyard concrete patio remodel in Las Vegas with a fire pit and no cover

© David Meaux Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio remodel in DC Metro with a fire pit

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.”

RIch Cox Photography
Example of a trendy patio design in Santa Barbara with a fire pit and no cover

A built in circular fire pit formed by a continuous curved stucco bench with integrated step lighting. A travertine paver floor fills the interior of the circle, centered on a raised stone fire pit base with a wood burning bowl.

Photographed by David De Gendt
Trendy backyard custom-shaped pool photo in Austin with decking

Stone patio, fire pit and mountain views at BrokenArrowLodge.info in Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe photography by Photo-tecture.com
Inspiration for a huge rustic backyard stone patio remodel in Sacramento with a fire pit

Succulents, grasses and low-water shrubs with vivid foliage give this coastal garden a rich, textured look with minimal maintenance. Exterior colors and furniture selection by Julie McMahon. Photos by Daniel Bosler

Poolside fire pit and barbecue with dining area. Stone limestone pavers with porcelain veneer throughout. Studio H Landscape Architecture
Patio - small contemporary backyard stone patio idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit

Outdoor Gas log fire pit with custom stone surround and flagstone top by Fine's Gas
Patio - large rustic courtyard stone patio idea in Other with a fire pit

Pavilion at night. At center is a wood-burning fire pit with a custom copper hood. An internal fan in the flue pulls smoke up and out of the pavilion. Octagonal fire pit and spa are on axis with the home's octagonal dining table up the slope and inside the house. At right is the bathroom, at left is the outdoor kitchen. I designed this outdoor living project when at CG&S, and it was beautifully built by their team. Photo: Paul Finkel 2012

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

Giovanni Photography
Large tuscan backyard tile patio photo in Miami with a fire pit and a roof extension

Example of a beach style patio design in New York with a fire pit and no cover

Adjacent to the television lounge is a recessed seating nook with a large stone fire pit. The uniquely designed seating delivers intimacy and comfort. with a cushioned surrounding bench adorned with custom throw pillows. The fire pit is the heart of this area providing warmth and gathering charm.

SSA Landscape Architects
Large tuscan backyard decomposed granite patio photo in San Francisco with no cover and a fire pit

Magnum CorTen steel fire pit by Fire Pit Art. Teak Adirondacks and stools by Gloster.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic backyard gravel patio remodel in Atlanta with a fire pit and no cover