Planning for a Paver Patio: Ideas and Inspiration

Three years ago we had our garden pond installed in the backyard. After adding it, the plan was to incorporate a deck, a new privacy fence, a gravel patio for a dining area, and another patio just outside the back door. We’ve managed to get all those ideas implemented over the years except for the patio off the back door. Today I’m happy to report that I put a deposit on the patio and am now waiting for it to be installed sometime in June. Once that happens, our backyard will be complete! I looked at a variety of paver patio options and here are some inspirational ideas that caught my eye that you might enjoy, too.

The flagstone patio above is gorgeous, and also expensive. It’s bordered by pavers and a partial stone wall. I love the flowing lines – it looks more natural than straight lines. I also like that there’s a mix of river rock, large boulders, and mulch just beyond its boundaries. It’s so beautiful.

The cozy patio below is smaller and obviously less expensive. The hardscape is softened with lots of nearby plantings, creating an intimate corner for alfresco dining.

When you start looking through design books for paver options, the choice can be overwhelming. For me, I stuck to a budget (in other words, on the economical side of the spectrum) which immediately narrowed my choices. Then I looked at color – I knew I wanted something to blend in with the stain of our pondside deck and surrounding mulch.

What do you think of this paver patio area with messy flower gardens growing all around it? It’s a different vibe from the first photo which has a cleaner appearance to it. I’m leaving a space near our new patio to plant perennials to look similar to this one. I think it goes with our house better than a formal look.

 

This natural type patio with flagstone is perhaps my favorite of all of the patios I’m sharing today. It almost looks like Mother Nature created it. You have a winding path that crosses the patio and dry streambed. It feels earthy and organic to me, plus I love all the plantings.

Photo by In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes

 

Here’s a casual patio near a grand home. A bit of groundcover grows up between stones helping to naturalize the area. 

Photo by Carpenter & MacNeille

 

And then there’s this pretty patio that incorporates gray pavers with crushed red granite. After seeing this I now want to add some paver areas to our gravel patio by the pond. It adds more interest to the space and provides stability for the furniture.

Photo by Van Zelst Inc

 

After looking through an inspiration book, I settled on Mega Dublin pavers in Ashbury Haze by Belgard. The stone has a bit of a worn look to it, which is perfect for our circa 1875 house. I’ll take before and after photos of the patio area, even though the before photos will embarrass me. LOL. What plans do you have for your outdoor spaces this year?

 

See More Outdoor Living Inspiration:

8 Patio Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining

Outdoor Dining Ideas and Inspiration

Summer Patio Decorating Ideas