Joshua McHugh
Mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver partial sun patio container garden photo for summer in New York with no cover

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

Lovely little fiberglass pool is only 8' x 16' with medium blue interior, deep blue waterline tile and long pool coping. Small fibreglass pools make for a low-maintenance dream. Ample patio space and drought tolerant gardens complete this compact space. This project won an award from the Canadian Pool and Hot tub Council in 2015. Landscape design by Melanie Rekola. Pool by Blue Diamond Pools

Great room - large rustic medium tone wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Example of a trendy patio design in Phoenix

This yard was an unusable muddy lawn flanked by tall Arborvitae. We removed the hedge and replaced it will a beautiful Ipe screen that serves as the backdrop to a concrete water feature that spills into a channel that runs the length of the patio. Corten steel planters contain Equisetum plantings, as well as Bamboo that screens a trampoline for the childrens fun. Pavers and black mexican pebbles make up the new hardscape for the patio.

The sink wall features mirror image glass paneled cabinets with interiors finished in a different color for contrast. Cabinetry is finished in Truly Taupe. Hardware is un-laquered brass. Photo by Crown Point Cabinetry

ErIc Rorer
Patio - mid-sized contemporary one-story and backyard patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit

Todd Goodman
Inspiration for a large modern white two-story wood flat roof remodel in Los Angeles

Michael Hunter
Shed - small rustic gender-neutral concrete floor shed idea in Dallas

Photo: Charles Davis Smith, AIA
Small urban backyard concrete paver patio photo in Dallas with a roof extension

Example of a small trendy ceramic tile and black floor claw-foot bathtub design with an integrated sink and concrete countertops

Photo of a traditional partial sun backyard gravel garden path in Los Angeles.

Custom made headboards. Photo Credits: Reza Allah-Bakhshi
Bedroom tuscan carpeted kids' bedroom photo in Orange County with white walls

Photo © Claudia Uribe Touri
Example of an island style side yard stone and rectangular lap pool design in Miami

Photos by Kaity
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley slate floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Grand Rapids with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, orange cabinets and white walls

Island style patio photo in Miami with a fire pit and no cover

The five bay main block of the façade features a pedimented center bay. Finely detailed dormers with arch top windows sit on a graduated slate roof, anchored by limestone topped chimneys.

Custom outdoor kitchen with teak wood, waterfall concrete countertop and cement tiles. Bluestone pavers and Mexican Beach Pebble ground cover.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in San Diego with no cover