Home » Misc » Design a patio garden

Design a patio garden


How to design a patio: expert advice on patio design

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

We have come to expect so much from our gardens, so designing a patio well is vital. After all, they must simultaneously act as vibrant social hubs furnished for dining and entertaining, and areas for quiet moments of reflection to escape the stresses of the day. 

Striking such a balance in your backyard takes careful consideration. Finding the perfect location is an important step when designing a patio; a spot that catches the light at the right time of day, but that is also conveniently situated close to the house or sufficiently equipped to provide everything you need. 

The intended function of the space will ultimately dictate the outcome of the design. 

This expert guide brings you all the tips you need to find out how to design a patio perfectly, with advice, inspiration and a ton of patio ideas for you to consider.

Use this step-by-step guide to find out how to design a patio like a pro.

How do I plan a patio layout?

Designing a patio layout should be determined by how you want to use it – and therefore the furniture it will house. So, if you plan to entertain regularly, you will want to consider various patio furniture ideas – a dining set, a lounging set, or both – that will help you make the most of the space. You'll also want to consider how big you need the furniture to be – in other words, how many people you might want to regularly host on it – and whether you need to incorporate patio cover ideas such as pergolas.

Then you need to plan for the negative space on the patio – or, the gaps and spaces between the different furniture, and between the furniture and the edges of the patio. Ideally, you want these negative spaces to be 3ft or 1m wide. 

This gives you space to comfortably move around the patio without it feeling or looking cluttered and, especially if your patio is raised or terraced and doesn't have railings, means furniture – and those seated on it – are unlikely to topple off it.

The simplest way to design a patio that suits your needs exactly is to draw it out to scale. That way, you can plan in patio planting ideas such as beds, borders and pot positions right from the start, and even factor in space for any outdoor kitchen ideas you may have. 

Using rope, you can create the boundary of your patio in your existing yard, too, to double check its dimensions.

(Image credit: Little Greene)

What is a good size for a patio?

This largely depends on the size of your backyard. If you're considering apartment patio ideas or you have a small space to work with, you'll be confined to certain perimeters. If you have a large yard, you'll need to decide whether you want the patio to be an element or the dominant feature of its design. 

But as a general rule, you should again plan a patio's size for how many people it might regularly host – and usually, that means around 25 sq ft of space per person. So, if you are a family of five, that's a 125 sq ft patio.

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Just as you would indoors, it is vital to plan the different zones for your patio right at the beginning of your patio's conception. If, for example, the outdoor dining area is best placed near your kitchen doors and you need to plan shade into the design, the time to work this into your plans is right now.

Similarly, you may want to create a lounging zone, surrounded by pots or scent-led flower bed ideas such as beds filled with aromatic herbs or fragrant climbers.

Zoning a patio is less important if you are happy to use it flexibly – but if you are designing a patio that's fixed, perhaps because it's a series of smaller patios on different levels, you need to consider its zones carefully from the outset.

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Where to position a patio

There are three factors that will influence this choice: how you want to use your patio; where it will look best in your garden's design overall; and whether it is overlooked or not.

How you want to use the patio: if it's only for dining, a shady spot will suit, but if you are a sun worshipper, then you will want to position your patio in a sunny spot. Conversely, if your entire backyard is sunny and you want to create a dining area in a particular area of it, you can use clever garden shade ideas to perfect the space.

Where it will look best: traditionally, patios are just outside the door to your backyard for convenience – but there is no reason, especially in a large space, not to have more than one. And, of course, if your only sunny space is at the end of the garden, and you can plant around the patio sympathetically to create a lovely view of it from the house, this may be your best option.

Patio positioning for privacy: patios need to feel private but that doesn't mean that you have to position it for privacy in your backyard as it is – there are plenty of garden privacy ideas you can employ to create a new, secluded space.  

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Choosing patio materials

While keeping an eye on garden trends for the latest looks is something we would always advise, it's important that how you design your patio reflects the style of the interior of your home and the exterior materials it is built with.

So, modern homes will suit contemporary materials and design tricks, while more traditional homes will need period-style or authentic materials sourcing. 

There has been a big shift in both materials and finishes used in patio design over the past few years, with maintenance and patio cost all factors to consider when selecting a material. 

Porcelain is becoming increasingly popular, 
according to Cassandra Crouch, a member of the Society of Garden Designers (MSGD), primarily 
due to its low-maintenance requirements and 
the wide variety of colors and finishes available. ‘Porcelain can provide a clean, more contemporary look,’ she says. ‘To avoid designs feeling cold or 
hard, I use planting to soften this. ’

Renowned garden designer Butter Wakefield offers this advice to make the best patio material choices:

1. Be sympathetic to locality

Butter Wakefield Garden Designs

(Image credit: Butter Wakefield)

'At my garden design studio, we tend to choose a paving material that directly reflects either aspects of the architecture of the house, or elements of the interior design,' she says.  'We also like to create pattern within the paving, so we often specify a smaller paving unit, sett or brick to use in conjunction with a larger format. The more interest and pattern we can create in the paving, the more visually pleasing the overall scheme.'

2. Choose hardwood for decked patios

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If you are considering deck ideas for your patio, Wakefield advises: 'It is 
worth spending a bit more on hardwood decking, sustainably sourced, as this produces the best and most long-lasting results. We prefer ipe, iroko or teak, in as wide a board as possible, which is usually around 140mm.  

'We tend to specify concealed milled joints; this means the boards slot together side to side, avoiding the need for surface-mounted screws.'  

3. Pick brick for character and style

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Considering cottage patio ideas or a patio for a historic home? Try brick. 'We love Belgian Vande Moortel bricks, and have created quite a few patio schemes recently using these. The Ancienne Belgique range is a particular favorite as they are the most delightful size, full of character and charm. 

'We also often choose Durlston Driveway and Stableyard cobbles and setts from Allgreen Group 
to add interest and pattern in paving.'  

4. Choose locally sourced, real stone

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Stone sourced and supplied locally is certainly more environmentally friendly than a granite sourced and shipped from China, for instance. 

Going to a local stone yard or talking to your garden designer about this early in the process can help you find local stone that should complement your gardening landscaping overall too, like the rustic patio paving used in this small garden design.

(Image credit: Oliver Bond MSGD)

Pockets of planting around the edges of the patio or as a division between different zones will soften your design. Take inspiration from your existing backyard ideas and choose a planting scheme for your patio that reflects the planting that's successful in the rest of your backyard. However, consider a few stand-out plants, such as specimen trees in containers, to create a stylish finish.

Planting for privacy and scent are both important elements when designing a patio, too. When composing a planting scheme for a patio, work 
with the characteristics of the plants to optimize 
the space. 

Landscape architect Oliver Bond MSGD 
uses tall plants to frame the area and screen at 
the rear of beds, and short or creeping varieties 
that overhang the hard edges of paving to soften 
the division between the two. 

‘I incorporate a planting palette that provides form, structure, color, aromas and sounds, along with tactile and edible elements,’ he explains.  ‘It’s important to provide stimuli for all the senses throughout the year, to allow the patio space to inspire and entice.’

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Raised beds and attractive garden fence ideas are important finishing elements of patio design that need to be planned in right from the start. 

Walls, whether built from stone or cheaper rendered materials will give your patio a more stylish finish, especially if they echo the exterior materials of your home. 

However, you can also finish your patio design with beds and boundaries built from wood, which can be cheaper and quicker to construct.

Garden design by Cassandra Crouch MSGD

(Image credit: Cassandra Crouch MSGD)

Form follows function for garden designer Peter Reader MSGD. He recommends a shelter only if the client needs 
or wants it, or if the site or aspect demands it. 

Incorporate pergola ideas to add height, structure and atmosphere to a patio space and create a dappled shade rather than a full sun block. Pergolas are also perfect for weaving in patio lighting ideas, such as hanging string lights, or training scented climbers up, which will give your patio a sense of secluded serenity.

Garden design by Cassandra Crouch

(Image credit: Cassandra Crouch)

‘Water features are in high demand,’ says Bond, 'mainly as a focal point, but also because the sound of water or the calmness of a still mirror pool will transform a garden into a tranquil space. 

'Water features can be functional and versatile; they can provide habitats for wildlife or be used in innovative ways – I recently designed and installed a small contemporary water feature that doubles as an ice bucket for social gatherings.’

Cherry Mills Garden Design

(Image credit: Cherry Mills Garden Design)

There’s the all important matter of money. 

The hard landscaping is the most costly part of designing a patio – and while labor costs might be fixed, you can reduce or increase costs with different materials and design elements, such as railings, pergolas and walls.

Garden designer Cherry Mills MSGD advises: ‘There’s a vast range of natural stone and manufactured paving available at different prices. But remember to factor in the cost of preparing the ground for landscaping, laying the base material and the labor to install the paving.’

Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens magazine two years ago and edited it for some time. Teresa has been a Gardens Editor at Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine since 2020 and has developed close working relationships with some of the top garden designers such as Charlotte Rowe, Butter Wakefield, and has been exposed to an array of rich garden content and expertise. 

50 Gorgeous Outdoor Patio Design Ideas

Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us...

Home Designing may earn commissions for purchases made through the links on our website. See our disclosure policy.

As the weather gets warmer, we all start spending more of our time outdoors. Our attention shifts from interior design projects to our outdoor spaces. Warmer months mean the chance to sit in the sunshine and enjoy cooking and eating meals with family and friends out in the fresh air. But, is your garden up to scratch for entertaining? If your backyard looks like it’s in need of a little tender loving care - or maybe an injection of some wow factor - then you’re in the right place. This patio design collection presents 50 gorgeous ideas on how to expertly present your al fresco dining and open air lounge areas.

When considering how to design a patio, you must first map out what you aren’t able to change, like any established shrubs and trees. Rather than seeing these things as roadblocks to your patio design ideas, use these unmovable items as inspiration in the shaping or locating of your new garden area.

Warm summer days can still bring chilly winter nights. If you want to sit out long into the cooler evenings, or entertain way into the small hours, then it’s a good idea to incorporate a roaring outdoor fireplace into your backyard patio design.

Why stop at just one outdoor patio design if you have the space to enjoy several? This sprawling garden offers up multiple patio ideas. A sociable lounge, an al fresco dining area and a couple of decks at the sides are all connected by contemporary stepping stone slabs.

Once you have your patio garden design, you can have fun selecting outdoor furniture to complement it. This stunning patio has been kitted out with the Bellini Style White Outdoor Dining Chair. The white originals are available here.

A sun patio tops this multi-level garden, nestled under a pergola. It is accessed by concrete steps via a dining deck. Another set of steps lead down to a plunge pool behind glass balustrades.

This enclosed patio design is achieved with heavy planting overhead, and sheer voiles hung like banners to form a flowing wall. The voiles are knotted at their base to give them a little weight in the breeze. A romantic chandelier lights the outdoor dining table and Panton S Style chairs, as does a set of twinkling storm lanterns and table tealights. You can get the curvaceous Panton S Style Outdoor Chair here.

A half covered pergola provides areas of both light and shade around this quaint outdoor dining spot. A simple pendant light hangs at its centre.

Built-in seating can be constructed in solid concrete and dressed with cushions that are to be stowed away in winter months. The permanent seating structures can be used to create the perimeter of an outdoor room.

This covered patio design features a hanging swing seat ina natural cane finish. The flooring is a stunning geometric tile in a joyful blue colourway; orange cushions on the outdoor sofa provide a stripe of warm contrast. The fence constructed around the seating has been stained ebony black for added drama. Two decorative plates hang on the fence to make it appear like a traditional room.

Backyard patio ideas abound here: A meeting of outdoor rugs in different hues and shapes, mismatched scatter cushions and throws brighten neutral rattan furniture, colour pop accent chairs and side tables with quirky candlesticks and bowls, statement pendant lighting and a woven screen to make the whole ensemble feel cosy and complete.

If clashing multi coloured accessories just aren’t your happy place, then how about choosing just one bold statement colour. This modern patio design is a dreamy vision in purple, teamed with natural accents and lush green planting. A striped rug reflects the slat lines of the overhead pergola roof, as well as adding some smart panache.

This hot tub patio design incorporates two stunning tile patterns to make it a stand out space. Also note how the concrete walls have been painted a beautiful shade of blue to complement the tile colour. Pale blue pillows on the outdoor chaise add a finishing touch to the scheme.

Patio paver design ideas can incorporate pattern without the need for intricate and expensive tiling. You can use a combination of slabs and gravel to make patterns too.

This simplistic design patio lets the highly manicured garden topiary and large garden sculpture take the limelight.

Minimalist gardens can be created with concrete patio design ideas that are pale in tone, and provide neat built in planters around the border. Low-level low-key garden furniture completes the look.

A concrete patio design can be teamed with areas of block paving to change things up a bit.

Outdoor lighting for borders deserves a spot in our round up of patio decorating ideas too. Uplighting plants gives a dramatic and warm effect, and extends the hours you can use your garden.

Another take on the outdoor fireplace – not one for homes with young children though. This small patio design also has a substantially sized built-in bench, which proves that you don’t need a huge area to create an impressive and functional outdoor entertaining space.

One cantilevered end extends from this bespoke garden bench. A matching coffee table balances on a semi-spherical base.

The backrest of this concrete bench extends all the way to the sides of some patio steps.

Belonging to a greenfingered homeowner, this simple patio design lets the plants do all the talking.

This patio landscape design holds linear beds of grasses and a tree lined border. A couple of lanterns hang from a nearby tree to help light evening festivities along with the log fire pit.

Patio design plans can be linked to interior spaces. Select interior and exterior flooring in the same tone to create a seamless look.

This neat narrow pool and patio design is a little slice of luxury.

Water features are an ever popular part of garden design and they work superbly when combined with outdoor patio design ideas, like this triple pond creation with decked walkways.

A bit of creative planting can be all the wow factor you need. Vertical planting is a great way to inject more natural beauty into small patio design ideas.

You can take vertical planting up as high as you dare.

Covered patio ideas include solid roofs that shelter from rainfall, awnings to shade well from sun, or a pergola canopy for areas of light and shade. Open rafters mean that you can weave plants through the beams, and are solid enough to hang an outdoor light.

An Acapulco chair decorates this warm sun dappled deck, with a step stone paver patio design running off it.

For a change in texture, consider a deck over concrete patio design.

Position your patio to take advantage of the best views.

Remember to cater for the little ones too by adding a few kids chairs.

Gravel sections can be uncomfortable underfoot – especially on barefoot summer days! Add stepping stones to areas of loose chippings, you’ll thank us for it.

A natural or uneven edge adds extra character to a patio area.

Dress your new spot with an outdoor rug. You can pick up trendy geometric print designs like this for very reasonable prices in order to achieve a high-end dressed look. Add a few complementary cushions to your patio furniture for a fully cohesive scheme. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a garden statue for an expressive touch.

Placing your sitting area in a lower section of the garden can protect it from chilly breezes.

An outdoor kitchen makes a luxurious and fun add-on.

Planting can be used to create privacy screening.

Cutting away rather than building upon the existing landscape creates interesting levels.

This magical pavers patio is shrouded by trees at the end of a deck.

A circular formation makes a refreshing change from modern linear layouts.

A swing seat is reminiscent of childhood fun.

This patio cover design can be retracted to let in more sunlight.

Blur the boundaries and bring the garden up onto patios and decking by introducing mature potted plants.

An eye-catching orb lamp looks fabulous out on this luxury terrace.

This sunken seating area is surrounded by water.

A living patio roof design blends beautifully with a thriving garden.

Have fun with your patio furniture. You can buy the Bertoia Diamond Chairs here.

A dark painted wall at the far end makes the garden appear like a continuation of the interior.

Indoor-outdoor living at its most seamless.


Patio furniture ideas:
50 Modern Outdoor Chairs

Beautiful Private House Yard Design: 160+ (Photos) Decorations

A well-groomed yard allows you to favorably frame the house, provides a self-presentation and a basis for further impressions. Well thought out and organized yard design and landscaping should complement the natural setting and continue the design of the interior. About everything in more detail later in the article.

Contents: