The Instant Upgrade Your Patio Needs for Summer
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Your backyard patio has infinite potential, no matter how big it is. Whether you see yourself out there lounging in the sun, dining alfresco, or grilling out, it's the bridge between your indoor space and outdoor space, and it can be as comfortable and stylish as the inside of your house, starting with its foundation. That's why we love a paver patio. Not only is a patio made of stone pavers one of the easiest kinds to install and maintain, but you can customize the design in so many ways.
For starters, there's a wide variety of paver materials to choose from. Limestone, bluestone, marble, concrete, porcelain—you can pick the one that best suits your style, climate, and budget. (To learn more about different types of paver materials, check out our guide to patio materials—it has all the information you need on aesthetics, durability, and cost.) Pavers come in different shapes and dimensions, so you can create the perfect size patio for your yard. And you can get creative: You could mix materials and shapes to create zones or space out the pavers with grass for a pristine, manicured look.
Putting in a paver patio is also a reasonable DIY project, whether you're starting from scratch or giving an existing concrete slab a new look—if you're up for a little heavy lifting. These paver patio ideas from designers will inspire your vision for your backyard. You'll be out there enjoying your backyard before you know it.
Create a Focal Point
Amanda Reynal honored this Catskills home's nearly 200-year history by taking a rustic approach on the exterior. Organically shaped paver stones fit together into a mosaic on this patio, creating a natural focal point for the outdoor seating.
Keep the Party Going
To equip his Dallas cottage for large gatherings, Javier Burkle looked to the backyard. Two intimate outdoor seating areas provide ample space for cocktail parties and seated dinners. This paver patio off the primary suite is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee.
Leave Your Mark
Noz Nozawa tapped artist Caroline Lizarraga to paint a geometric "rug" with faux tassels on this paver patio for a custom look with low-maintenance flair. Adding a design in a durable exterior paint is a great way to refresh old pavers and infuse a patio with personality.
Mix Materials
Kate Abt divided the backyard of this Washington, D.C., townhouse into distinct zones for dining and lounging by using different paver materials. The brick area speaks to the exterior facade, while the larger stone tiles have a more contemporary look.
Combine Different Shapes
For subtle variation, build a patio using pavers in the same material and two different shapes. For instance, the patio in this Florida home by Andrew Howard combines squares and rectangles. The pairing only becomes noticeable when you take a closer look, but it contributes to the relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Try a Herringbone Pattern
To add intrigue to an outdoor bistro nook—like this one by interior design firm Arent&Pyke—consider brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern. Liven up the space with greenery and comfy seating.
Form a Grid
If a manicured paver patio is what you're after, consider square stone pavers evenly separated by grass (real or faux). The combination has a clean, sleek effect—just see this sophisticated corner of Javier Burkle's backyard for proof.
Consider Unique Shapes
Stone pavers in irregular shapes bring a natural look to a patio. Romanek Design Studio surrounded this paver patio, which has a fireplace built out of complementary stone, with plenty of greenery to enhance the lush, wild feeling.
Spread It Out
Large, irregularly spaced pavers create a loose, welcoming path up onto the patio of this North Carolina home by architect James Carter and designer Jane Hawkins Hoke. The Adirondack chairs and large planters filled with flowers invite you to walk up and take a seat.
Try a Basketweave Pattern
Not only is a brick basketweave pattern classic and decorative, but it's easy to install. The popular paver patio style is a nice contrast to the black-and-white island in this outdoor kitchen designed by Studio Lifestyle.
Play With Textures
For a design that plays with texture, fill in the area between smooth pavers with pebbles set in concrete. You can get crafty with the design, as Leigh Anne Muse and Lili O'Brien did in the backyard of this Richmond, Virginia, home. Climbing vines on the exposed beams complete this enchanting setting for relaxing and chatting.
Branch Out
Yes, you can mix pavers in more than two shapes. Case in point: The patio of this Malibu ranch by Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe that uses small and large rectangles and squares to form the outdoor living room's floor. A large tree with big branches helps shade the space.
Create a Border
A brick patio with a stone border creates a distinct dining zone in this backyard. To further anchor the dining area, landscape architect Edmund Hollander surrounded it with six plane trees that provide shade during the day and shine with string lights at night.
Pair Pavers and Gravel
You can use stone pavers and gravel to form a path in a narrow space—as seen at this Hamptons home by architect Pamela Pospisil—or translate the concept into a bigger patio design. Just be aware that you may not want to place furniture you move frequently, like a dining set, on gravel, since it's an uneven surface.
Make It Cohesive
On the upper-level patio of a California home by designer Mark D. Sikes, square pavers laid in an offset pattern look cohesive and a bit more detailed than a smooth concrete slab.
Opt for a Light Color
This tile patio by design firm Carrier and Company proves a floor made of a light-colored material instantly makes an outdoor space feel even brighter and airier. Why not do the same for your patio?
Keep It Simple
Opt for a clean look with cut stone rectangles of the same size and shape. In a Texas home by Linda Hayslett, the patio style lays the foundation for a rustic outdoor kitchen, dining room, game section, and lounge area.
You Might Also Like
