Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Eastern Henrico Project

Glen Allen Grounds Management, LLC

Residential Firepit & Seating Wall
Inspiration for a small transitional backyard brick patio remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and no cover

Backyard

Krystina Hollenbeck for HiLuXeLifestyle

Example of a small transitional backyard concrete paver patio design in Las Vegas with a pergola

West Coast English Retreat

Verde Fine Gardens

Photo by Samantha Robison
Small transitional backyard stone patio photo with a pergola

Trellis & Firepit Area - North View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Small trendy backyard patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Sandy House- Outdoor Shower

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: 41 Degrees North Construction, Inc. Landscape Architect: Wild Violets (Landscape and Garden Design on Martha's Vineyard) Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio remodel in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Thigpen Residence

Chris Corbett Design

Neil Michael - Axiom Photography
Inspiration for a small modern courtyard shade patio remodel in Sacramento

Green Island Design

Cambridge Paver Patio Bluestone Blend
Small trendy backyard concrete paver patio kitchen photo in New York

Contemporary Patio

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago with a fire pit and a pergola

Zelkind Residence

Revive Landscape Design

Copyright Protected by: Lori Brookes Photography
Patio kitchen - small contemporary backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in San Diego with no cover

Outdoor Kitchen

DeGoey Designs

Patio kitchen - small industrial backyard brick patio kitchen idea

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Small backyard stone patio fountain photo in DC Metro with no cover

Oriflamme Gas Fire Table with Outdoor Furniture

Heikke Nielsen

The Oriflamme Hammered Copper gas fire pit includes a metal lid, fire glass and a propane tank. Not only is this gas fire table beautiful, it is also functional with its unique height and burner style that allows this table to sit at standard coffee table height and burn up to 64,000 btus with the hidden propane tank or up to 90,000 BTUs with natural gas. This gas fire pit is truly unique and sets itself apart from the rest.

Fire Pit Patio

Elan Landscape Development Inc.

This patio uses 'one of a kind' pavers. They were salvaged from a Lake Bluff street demolition and probably date back to the 1930's. Dan Wells
Patio - small traditional backyard brick patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover

Mustang Park, Carrollton

AquaTerra Outdoors

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Laurelhurst Garden

Howells Architecture + Design

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. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Brookhaven Plunge Pool & Outdoor Living Oasis

Boyce Design + Build

This contemporary backyard oasis offers our clients indoor-outdoor living for year-round relaxation and entertaining. The custom rectilinear swimming pool and stacked stone raised spa were designed to maximize the tight lot coverage restrictions while the cascading waterfalls and natural stone water feature add tranquility to the space. Panoramic doors create a beautiful transition between the interior and exterior spaces allowing for more entertaining options and increased natural light. The covered porch features retractable screens, ceiling-mounted infrared heaters, T&G ceiling and a stacked stone fireplace

Kalorama Contemporary

Horn & Co. (Previously JHLA)

Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

West Chelsea Townhouse

Suk Design Group LLP

Jeffrey Kilmer
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard patio remodel in New York with no cover

Small Patio Ideas

Having a small patio doesn’t have to be a negative — a compact area is ideal for creating a cozy and intimate outdoor retreat. Of course, you’ll have to use space wisely, but with carefully selected furniture, plants and decor, your small backyard will be full of charm. While you search for small patio ideas for your home, keep the following design tips and guidelines in mind.

1. Pick One Function and Run With It

When considering your patio design, it’s often best to choose one purpose for your backyard, whether it’s planting a garden, having a dining space or a spot to read and lounge.

2. Hang a Hammock or Swing Chair

Even if your patio is on the very small side, you can hang a hammock or swing chair and create your own private nook.

3. Potted Plants Galore

If you live in an apartment, you may not be able to plant your own garden. Not to worry — simply arrange as many potted and hanging plants around your patio as possible for a lush garden escape.

4. French Bistro Dining Set

You can still dine in your small outdoor patio with a petit bistro-style dining set. Whether you’re having a summer breakfast or some evening drinks, you’re sure to enjoy the old-fashioned charm.

5. Add Some Shade

One of the easiest ways to add a cover to your patio is with a shade sail, which can be attached to your roof, a tree or a fence to create a cool spot. Alternatively, you can plant lush and leafy vines around a wooden pergola or arbor.

6. Hang String Lights

Good lighting is key in a small backyard, and will make the space inviting for intimate get-togethers in the evening. Set a festive mood by hanging string lights across your yard.

7. Install a Water Feature

Adding a fountain, bird bath or trickling water feature is an ideal small patio decorating move, as it doesn’t have to take up much room, but goes a long way in creating a serene and relaxing backyard.

8. Add a Fire Pit

Ambiance, warmth, backyard s’mores — with all this a fire pit can add quite a lot to any outdoor space.

9. Incorporate Color

If you’re in need of some budget-friendly small patio ideas, simply add comfort and color to your yard with vibrant throw pillows or an outdoor rug.

10. Enjoy a Cozy Couch

Having an outdoor sofa in your yard will instantly make the space feel more inviting. If you have limited room, opt for an outdoor loveseat and a lounge chair or two.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a small patio renovation or are building a designer patio from scratch, Houzz has 10,831 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including LDa Architecture & Interiors and Howells Architecture + Design. Look through patio pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a small patio design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful small patio photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.