20 Modern Outdoor Patio Ideas and Designs

A well-designed patio does so much for your home — it's the difference between an unused outdoor area and a space you use daily. We've put together 20 practical patio ideas that work for all homes and climates. These tips will help you create an outdoor area that suits your lifestyle, with smart solutions for furniture, shade and styling.

How to plan your perfect patio design

Good patio designs balance three key elements: your lifestyle needs, the natural environment and how the space flows from your home.

1. Lifestyle

Your lifestyle shapes many design choices. A family needs room for kids to play and adults to socialise. Someone working from home might want a quiet spot for laptop time and client meetings. Write down your must-haves and nice-to-haves before you start planning.

2. Climate

Work with, not against, your local environment. Watch how the sun moves across your yard — morning sun might be nice for coffee, but afternoon heat can make spaces unusable without shade. 

Also think about materials. Look for fade-resistant materials and sturdy frames that can handle changing weather. If you live somewhere that gets lots of rain, plan for covered areas.

3. Home design

The connection between inside and out can impact how (and how much) you'll use your patio. Think about where people will walk, what they'll carry (like plates of food or drinks), and what they'll see from both inside and out.

20 backyard outdoor patio ideas

Your patio should fit the way you live and entertain. Here are 20 practical ideas to help you create an outdoor space you'll use all year round.

1. Set up a dining space

All you need are a table and chairs, bench seating or stools . Larger patios can fit a long table for entertaining, but even tight spaces can hold a small, round table for casual outdoor dining. 

2. Create an outdoor living room

Want to keep it casual? Bring indoor comfort outside with patio living furniture. Choose fabrics made to be outside with weather-resistant wicker or aluminium frames.

3. Add shade with pergolas

A pergola creates much-needed shade without blocking too much light. Train climbing plants over the top for extra coverage and greenery.

4. Design for your climate

In hot climates like Australia, patios should be designed with sun protection and comfort in mind. Position seating where there’s the most shade and breeze.

5. Install outdoor tiles or pavers

Outdoor pavers or tiles can create a Pinterest-worthy patio. Our outdoor tiles, including the Clovelly Stone Look Crazy Paving Tile, look great and are designed to withstand harsh Australian weather. Not to mention these tiles do not require sealing or any maintenance and upkeep other than a regular clean. 

6. Choose versatile furniture

If you love to entertain, pick pieces that work in different arrangements. Lightweight chairs move easily between dining and lounging areas. Look for stackable options if storage is tight. 

7. Build-in bench seating

Built-in benches save space and make your patio look intentional. Use weather-resistant hardwoods or composite materials like concrete. Add cushions and pillows for comfort.

8. Use good lighting

Layer your lighting for different moods. You’ll need task lighting near cooking areas, ambient lighting for hanging and accent lights to light up walkways or landscaping.

9. Create an outdoor kitchen

Take entertainment outside with a dedicated BBQ and prep area. Include storage and a small fridge or sink to limit trips between your patio and indoor kitchen. 

10. Install a retractable awning

Awnings give you shade when you need it and tuck away in bad weather. Motorised versions are easy and quick to put down when it starts to rain. 

11. Make a container garden

Plants aren’t just for the garden. Put potted plants in corners or lining your walkway in different sizes and heights for a bit of interest.

12. Use outdoor art

Art isn’t just for living rooms — garden sculptures and weather-resistant wall art are perfect for patios. Consider how pieces will look from inside your house, too.

13. Add a patio bar

It’s hard to beat summer drinks on the patio. Your family and friends will love a patio bar with storage for glasses and a mini fridge.

14. Include easy-care materials

Choose materials that don’t fade easily and are easy to clean and maintain. Some of our favourite patio materials are treated wood, wicker, stone, concrete and aluminium.

15. Create levels with decking

Patios don’t have to be ground-level — even small changes in height can create zones in your backyard. Do it safely with non-slip materials and stairs between levels.

16. Include storage 

Hidden storage keeps your patio tidy. Choose furniture with built-in storage or add a weatherproof cabinet to tuck away outdoor cushions and gardening supplies.

17. Zone your space with rugs

Large patios work better when divided into zones. Use outdoor rugs to create different areas for dining and relaxing.

18. Add a firepit or pizza oven

Fire pits make your patio usable in the cooler months. Choose a patio-safe firepit and surround it with fire-safe seating that can be pulled close on cold nights.

19. Make a kids' corner

Keep kids entertained with a patio play area. Think about outdoor storage for toys and choose removable cushion covers so you can wash them easily.

20. Add a daybed or swing

A comfortable spot for lounging and reading makes your patio more inviting. Hang a sturdy swing or weatherproof daybed with pillows and blankets for comfort.

Making the most of your outdoor patio

Your patio is a long-term investment in your lifestyle. Start with the basics — enough shade, comfortable seating and good flooring. If you're thinking of tiles, we've got an outdoor range built for all weather conditions. 

Drop by our showroom to see how different patio tiles look in natural light or book in for an online design appointment to chat through your options.