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.

Shade Sails

Smart Shade Solutions Inc.

Shading the Tropical Patio
Example of a small island style backyard patio design in Miami with an awning

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Poolside Hangout

EASA Architecture

A new detached pavilion comprising an open outdoor kitchen and lounge area with fireplace and TV and a secluded 115 sf. enclosed cabana bath/changing room. Total roofed area is 411 sf.

Family Room opens to Bluestone Terrace

Stephen Rhoads Architect LLC

Inspiration for a small transitional side yard stone patio remodel in Other with a fire pit and a roof extension

Contemporary Patio

Example of a small trendy patio container garden design in DC Metro

Attached Fiberglass Black Pergola

Outdoor Living of NJ

Example of a small transitional backyard patio design in New York with decking and a pergola

Modern Small Orinda Garden

Garden Lights Landscape and Pool Development Inc.

Small minimalist front yard concrete patio photo in San Francisco

casiTa

The Ranch Mine

Photos by Roehner + Ryan
Small minimalist patio photo in Phoenix

Landscape

GCSF Pavers and Landscape

Patio - small transitional backyard patio idea in San Francisco with decking and a pergola

Westchester Fire Pit and Benching

Oslo I LA

We were contacted by a property developer to create a cozy and relaxing socializing spot for this newly remodeled Westchester home. This project was completed in 2 weeks and turned out stunning! Let us know how we can help you turn your yard into a gathering place for years to come.

modern beach cottage / lantern village, dana point

Moss Yaw Design studio

ample seating allows for dining, gathering, and play at the versatile rear yard space, which can be directly accessed from the interior study/office
Example of a small backyard concrete patio design in Orange County with no cover

Lamanda::Rio Del Mar, CA

Jon Badeaux Construction, Inc.

Photos by Kristi Zufall, www.stellamedia.com
Inspiration for a small mediterranean backyard tile patio remodel in San Francisco with a pergola

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

Small Backyard Renovation

Water & Earth Landscape Design

Before and after shot of the existing space on top with the new completed design after construction on the bottom..
Small minimalist backyard brick patio kitchen photo in Richmond with no cover

ROWHOUSE PATIO, NW

Tiger Lily Landscapes, LLC

It is possible to create stylish a welcoming outdoor space, even if your space is limited. Maximize spending time outdoor by creating a lovely patio. Photograph by Melissa Clark

Outdoor Shed/Trash Receptacle & Outdoor Shower Remodel

ROBERTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC

Inspiration for a small coastal backyard outdoor patio shower remodel in Other with a roof extension

The Wingood Project

Pratt Guys Pools and Outdoor Living

This Callahan backyard kitchen features an outdoor brick oven for baking pizza.
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Jacksonville with no cover and a fireplace

Pea Gravel Patio with Stacked Stone Wall

Land Art Design, Inc.

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Small trendy backyard gravel patio photo in DC Metro with no cover

Cozy Backyard Patio

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture - Montana

A forgotten backyard space was reimagined and transformed by SCJ Studio for outdoor living, dining, entertaining, and play. A terraced approach was needed to meet up with existing grades to the alley, new concrete stairs with integrated lighting, paving, built-in benches, a turf area, and planting were carefully thought through.

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 10,867 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Brooklinteriors and The Ranch Mine. 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.