Patios bridge private space and the environment.
You can improve your backyard over a weekend by constructing a small patio of pavers over gravel. Alternatively, you can spend several thousand dollars to create a large landscaped patio area surrounded by a barrier garden that defines the border of private space and a large wine country valley. These California patio designs are featured in national media for their design excellence. Each illustrates the importance of a strong and appropriate relation between private space and public space. Does this Spark an idea?
Contemporary Spanish
A young California couple wanted to transform a small backyard into something suitable for their young children yet keep it pleasant for outdoor dining and evening relaxation. They balanced three areas: a nearly square patio area,; a lush perimeter garden with a focus on desert plants and a few trees; and a mix of grass and short walkways between the patio and the perimeter garden. The walkways, although only a few feet long, give users a sense of movement toward a destination. Strategically placed short stucco walls enhance the sense of destinations, provide seating and tie the backyard area to the Mission style architecture of the house (see References for photos).
Organic Patio
A larger property in Northern California's Alexander Valley takes almost the opposite approach to patio design. Where the Contemporary Spanish patio emphasizes the strict geometry of the urban lot by placing all the elements on a rectangular grid, this wine country patio emphasizes the organic irregularity of the surrounding valley with a curving 20-inch high patio wall. The area inside the wall has only a single planting: a large sycamore tree in the middle of a gold-hued gravel area perfect for both family relaxation and entertaining. The surrounding patio wall provides seating for 20 or 30 guests. Immediately beyond the wall, the owners have landscaped a lush barrier between the patio and the valley featuring Boston ivy and a selected vocabulary of desert plants. (see References for photos).
Budget Patchwork Patio
A young couple landscaped their Santa Monica backyard for a minute cost. They dug out a worn-down lawn and replaced it with a clever patchwork of inexpensive patio pavers that the wife, a professional scenery designer, stained with custom colors she created. He patchwork design replicates the pattern of a 1950's tile wall close to their house. They kept existing trees and shrubs at the perimeter of the yard and placed a few terracotta pots on the edges of the patio. (see Reference for photos).
Tags: private space, between patio, Contemporary Spanish, desert plants, patio area