Patio Inspiration Just in Time for Summer and Warmer Weather

Dreamy outdoor spaces invite family and friends to gather for al fresco enjoyment

May 22, 2023

Richa Mitchell,

Photo: Audrey Hall

During the warm summer months, a comfortable, stylish outdoor living space becomes the family-favorite spot to relax and unwind. Whether used for cooking, dining, entertaining or simply relaxing, an inviting patio allows you to enjoy the extra hours of sun from the comfort of your own backyard. The patios featured on the following pages showcase chic furniture, inspired lighting and incredible views that combine to establish a gathering space where family and friends meet to enjoy the great outdoors long into the evening hours.

Open-Air Delight

Sunlight pours into the courtyard-like patio, which is perfectly positioned for maximum sun exposure. Towering aspen trees provide shade throughout the day. “The trees also bring the scale of the entire patio space down to a human scale,” says Brannon Bleggi, Principal at Verdone Landscape Architects. | Sunlight pours into the courtyard-like patio, which is perfectly positioned for maximum sun exposure. Towering aspen trees provide shade throughout the day. “The trees also bring the scale of the entire patio space down to a human scale,” says Brannon Bleggi, Principal at Verdone Landscape Architects. | Photo: Audrey Hall

A complete renovation was necessary for this expansive outdoor patio, located a mere 100 yards from bustling ski lifts in Park City, Utah. JLF Architects and Verdone Landscape Architects worked closely with the recently retired homeowners to craft an outdoor oasis featuring multiple intimate gathering spaces for summer entertaining. The homeowners enjoy endless views of the surrounding vistas while in their impressive swimming pool, which rests above a wood-planked wall with spillways. “The pool is built up above eye level so that from the main floor of the house you do not know that it is there,” explains project manager Todd Crowther of contractor Big-D Signature. “With the glass windows in the house, it looks like the pool is flowing into the water feature below.”

Strategically placed outdoor plants create a nature-inspired living space that blends seamlessly into its site. “The landscaping specifications and plant selections make a big difference,” says Crowther. “The natural sod around the patio truly makes you feel like the mountains blend perfectly into the patio space.” Steel columns, moss rock and a wainscot of bonderized metal further marry the architecture to its natural setting. “The landscape designers did an outstanding job,” says the homeowner. “The in-out flow works so well.”

“All of the landscape and hardscape is new. The homeowners spend a lot of time out there,” explains Jake Scott, principal at JLF Architects. “It’s nice to be able to go right out to the fire pit from the dining room or to the pool from the kitchen.” | Photo: Audrey Hall

Photo: Audrey Hall

ARCHITECTURE VERDONE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, verdonelandarch.com

ARCHITECT JLF ARCHITECTS, jlfarchitects.com

POOL, WATER FEATURE AND SPA ASPEN POOLS, aspenpoolsutah.com

METAL WORK META DESIGN, metadesignsslc.com

GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIG-D SIGNATURE, bigdsignature.com

LANDSCAPE ACTION LANDSCAPE, actionsnowplow.com

STONE ARTISTIC STONE MASONRY, artisticstonemasonry.com

LIGHTING KESKO ELECTRIC, parkcityelectric.com

DIGGING POOL, GRADING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM RUF EXCAVATION, rufexcavation.com

Serene Respite

A relaxing hot tub and serene splash pond are the homeowners’ favorite features of the outdoor space which offers unobstructed views of Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’Alene. | Photo: Mike McCall

The calm waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene serve as the spectacular backdrop of this thoughtfully designed patio in Harrison, Idaho. Designed for lounging and entertaining, the inviting retreat sits high above neighboring properties, allowing the sun to pour in without obstruction. A splash pond visible from one of the outdoor fire pits mirrors the surroundings, and stone bar stools built inside the pond allow for endless hours of outdoor leisure.

“The stone bar stools in the water are one of my favorite features of the patio, as well as the bar along the side of the pond lakeside,” Andy Smith of Edwards Smith Construction explains. With its many distinct lounge areas boasting comfortable and durable furnishings, the space allows family and guests to explore and linger. “The patio provides space for outdoor dining off the interior’s more formal eating area, as well as three additional spots for the owners and their guests to gather and take in the spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.”

Adding to the peaceful ambience is a bubbling water feature that flows up to a gazebo with a hot tub. The team at Edwards Smith Construction worked diligently with the homeowners to create a space that allows nature to take center stage. “The result is a project in harmony,” says Smith.

The team at Edwards Smith Construction worked closely with d’Zign Group to orient all of the exterior elements in a way that didn’t affect the views from inside the home, while maximizing the function outside. | Photo: Mike McCall