Small Contemporary Patio Ideas
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Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design Exterior Worlds Landscape, Pool & Patio Design & Installation Case HistoryExterior Worlds was recently involved in collaboration with renowned Houston architect Gary Chandler.
Mr. Chandler was hired to remodel a home for a resident who spent considerable time entertaining business clients at his residents. The new space was intended to function as a dining terrace and lounging for clients.
Mr. Chandler designed this terrace as a grotto with a distinctively classical tone.
It consisted of the dining space itself, a fireplace, and seating areas. Exterior Worlds was contracted to develop the surrounding outdoor space with a landscape and garden design that would support the vision and structure of the grotto.
The primary support element we created was a garden.
Its design was abstract, being characterized by only a few elements distinguished by very simple forms. Gravel was used profusely throughout in order to provide plenty of walking space. Vegetation was kept to a minimum to ensure low maintenance.
Antiques were then placed in the garden as decorative focal points. This created a color scheme that alternately complimented and contrasted that of the grotto. To ensure the privacy of visiting clients, we screened the garden off from the neighboring residence by planting an alley of trees.
The near side of the alley functions as a walkway that provides visiting guests with a sweeping tour of the garden. The backside of the trees presents an attractive, albeit impenetrable screen that prevents anyone outside the property from looking into its interior.
Our team further developed the landscape as a whole by planting a backdrop of trees.
These trees, when illuminated with artificial moonlight, created silhouettes that bathed the surrounding yard, and the garden within it, in an ambient blend of light and shadow.
Transition in and out of space was another important support element in this project.
In order for guests to comfortably enjoy the dining area, and then move with ease into the landscape at will, it was necessary to create simple and inviting transition areas. We decided that gravel would be the best material to use in building pathways through the garden.
We based this on several factors. Gravel has a Zen-like quality to it that makes it very calming to the mind. Guests walking through the garden in the evening would feel more relaxed and comfortable discussing business.
The aesthetic of gravel is also a curious blend of classical and modern tones, so it is the ideal complement to anything with classical architectural elements. It is also an excellent material to use for planting trees in the hardscape because it facilitates irrigation and drainage. One of the pathways we built in this project, in fact, doubled as a concealed drain.
Additional visual interest was created with sculpture and dwarf mondo mounds.
The irregularity of green forms and pottery contrasted with the rectilinear forms of the classical hardscape. When viewed in its entirety, the final scene took on the dimensions of a painting.
Landscape lighting was done by a partner company, Illuminations Lighting and Design.
ILD uplit the trees and feature lit the sculptures. They also created functional, artificial moonlight with mercury vapor tree lamps. Transition spaces throughout the property were illuminated with path lighting.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest ArchitectsLower level cabana. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Patio kitchen - small contemporary backyard concrete patio kitchen idea in Seattle with a roof extension
Patio kitchen - small contemporary backyard concrete patio kitchen idea in Seattle with a roof extension
Formation Landscapes Pty LtdDylan Lark
Example of a small trendy backyard tile patio design in Melbourne with no cover
Example of a small trendy backyard tile patio design in Melbourne with no cover
The Next LevelView of the roof terrace in this ultra prime duplex apartment. Bowers & Wilkins AM1 outdoor speakers provide the entertainment.
Patio - small contemporary courtyard patio idea in London with no cover
Patio - small contemporary courtyard patio idea in London with no cover
Elite Pool DesignContemporary backyard space includes and in ground spa, fire feature, water feature, gardens and outdoor living space. Designed and built exclusively by Elite Pool Design.
Charles Rose Architects Inc.Exterior; Photo Credit: Bruce Martin
Outdoor patio shower - small contemporary side yard outdoor patio shower idea in Boston with decking and a roof extension
Outdoor patio shower - small contemporary side yard outdoor patio shower idea in Boston with decking and a roof extension
JWT AssociatesA small backyard was transformed into several outdoor rooms for cooking, dining, lounging, and playing bocce. The arbor is powder-coated steel. Lee Manning Photography
Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.This new build downtown Toronto created different challenges than what we are normally faced with. The contemporary style of the home called for a minimalist design to match. A large wish list paired with the aesthetic of the space meant the feature pieces in this project needed to shine. Less was more in this case, top of the line materials such as concrete and sleek, single sized flagstone was used throughout the front and back to create an overall cohesive design between the landscape and the home. A concrete linear pool is anchored by the hot tub that doubles as a water feature, over flowing by spout into the deep end. Patio space at the back of the property is perfect for lounge and dining areas, covered by retractable pavilions purchased by the client.
This Project was awarded a 2013 Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence
Gary Hamer Interior DesignInterior design by Gary Hamer Interior Design
Photography by The Courier-Mail
Example of a small trendy courtyard stone patio container garden design in Brisbane with no cover
Example of a small trendy courtyard stone patio container garden design in Brisbane with no cover
Bockholt Landscape ArchitectureDoug Burke
Example of a small trendy backyard stone patio design in Salt Lake City with a fire pit and a pergola
Example of a small trendy backyard stone patio design in Salt Lake City with a fire pit and a pergola
Exterior Worlds Landscaping & DesignTen years ago, a Memorial-area couple by the names of John and Jennifer Randall contacted us. They had just bought a beautiful lot located off of Piney Point drive. Because Jennifer loved the French, and because John was Acadian from Louisiana, they had already decided to have their home built in the style of a modern French country house. The Randall’s wanted to landscape the property in accordance with a European theme, with a paver driveway and partier garden in the front, and a very large and uniquely styled pool in the back to host summer parties. However, the premier element to this landscaping project was to be a private morning garden they asked us to create in the far East corner of their yard. The Randall’s wanted this corner set apart as separate, personal space, consistent with French design elements, but with the consciousness of Zen. It was to be a place just for the two of them to relax, talk quietly, and read in the early morning and evening hours of the day.
To establish the feeling of Zen, we first built a very special kind of fountain in the center of the morning garden known as a disappearing fountain. (Another term you may have heard to describe this feature is vanishing fountain.) The fountain itself was made from a cast iron container shaped like a Louisiana sugar cauldron. This not only supported the French elements of the landscape, but also directly referenced John’s Acadian origins. The concrete water tank was concealed underground beneath the cauldron, and hidden jets filled its center to overflowing, causing it to pour over the sides and onto the steel mesh deck that was concealed under dark moon stones. There, it circulated back into the tank, to be returned to the fountain again by a silent pump. This deceptively simple design created the illusion that there was no base to the fountain, and that the water itself was mysteriously vanishing back into the Earth.
To establish geometry and symmetry in the center of the morning garden, we laid down a hardscape/softscape space in the grass that surrounded the fountain. We interspersed travertine blocks through the lawn in such a way as to form proportional, perfectly-shaped squares of green space that alternated like a checkerboard within the stonework. In a few of these places, we further ornamented the softscape with the same gravel that surrounded the vanishing fountain. This sharp contrast of light and darkness provided the ever so subtle suggestion of Yin and Yang that added the Zen element the Randall’s wanted to an otherwise European design theme.
We then planted greenery all along the wooden walls that surrounded the property, deliberately integrating curved spaces into the linear planting areas to soften the sharp right angles of both the walls and the hardscape/softscape design. Palm and bottlebrush trees worked to give the morning garden a sense of private enclosure, while azaleas, seasonal flowers, and boxwoods created gentle ornamental touches and alternating shades of light and dark ground cover that maintained the French theme of the landscape.
The project was completed with the construction of a private patio just large enough to seat two people. Here, the Randall’s could read the paper at sunrise from an elevated vantage point overlooking the fountain and greenery. While their family, friends, and neighbors instantly fell in love with the architecture of the house and the entertainment areas surrounding the pool, the Randall’s always told us that, out of all the many elements we designed in their landscape, they loved their morning garden the most.
Bender & Associates ArchitectsTamara Alvarez
Example of a small trendy front yard concrete paver patio design in Miami
Example of a small trendy front yard concrete paver patio design in Miami
Melanie Rekola Landscape DesignThis 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
Pool Table PortfolioOutdoor colorful bar stools, outdoor digital LED lighting system.
Small trendy tile patio photo in Miami
Small trendy tile patio photo in Miami
Land2c Landscape ArchitectureLand2c Photo
Chicken coop tucked under stairs to upper deck gives maximum space for roosting and nesting by developing previously unused space. Slide out feeding, nesting, and cleaning boxes are convenient. Storage for straw and feed is in the bottom drawers. Automatic watering and feeding systems were added. Access to the run cage is via a switch back ramp. The coop will be painted to match the house color.
Small Contemporary Patio Ideas
Randle SiddeleyInspiration for a small contemporary courtyard stone patio fountain remodel in London
Bockholt Landscape ArchitectureDoug Burke
Small trendy backyard stone patio photo in Salt Lake City with a fire pit and a pergola
Small trendy backyard stone patio photo in Salt Lake City with a fire pit and a pergola
Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.This new build downtown Toronto created different challenges than what we are normally faced with. The contemporary style of the home called for a minimalist design to match. A large wish list paired with the aesthetic of the space meant the feature pieces in this project needed to shine. Less was more in this case, top of the line materials such as concrete and sleek, single sized flagstone was used throughout the front and back to create an overall cohesive design between the landscape and the home. A concrete linear pool is anchored by the hot tub that doubles as a water feature, over flowing by spout into the deep end. Patio space at the back of the property is perfect for lounge and dining areas, covered by retractable pavilions purchased by the client.
This Project was awarded a 2013 Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence
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