15 inventive patio solutions—get inspired and replicate the best ideas in your garden
There is so much you can do with a patio! How about a surprisingly curved or multi-level lounge area? You can look for patio inspiration from a hotel pool area or even an amphitheater. Take a look at these solutions that work for a variety of different gardens.
1. Nestled against the rock
Sometimes the boundaries of a patio emerge naturally, as in this modern ensemble. Tucked between the house, a rocky outcrop, and a year-round pool house, the patio becomes its own distinct zone by virtue of its location and materials. The 26 cm-wide thermally treated Lunawood deck boards are finished in black with Tikkurila’s Valtti Plus patio oil. The plush furniture and a rug accentuate the living-room-like atmosphere. Check out photos of the spectacular pool house in this garden, too! [in Finnish]
2. Laid-back lounge in your own garden
Why settle for just a floor when your patio can also become furniture? Essi and Jussi originally planned to build just a walkway from the sauna to the hot tub at their second home, but the project took on a life of its own. Now the couple can lounge in their own outdoor living space, where they can spend their entire summer. The plush pillows and throws make the wooden sofas cozy. Discover more photos of this couple’s summer getaway, where they have put a lot of effort into making the garden inviting!
3. Expertly built on a slope
Built on a steep slope, this patio is a skillful blend of stairs and decking. The asymmetrically winding design lends an organic look even to rectangular shapes, and the beautifully weathered finish underscores its natural appeal.
4. Just one step to the patio
Not sure which side of the house is best for your patio? Build one on both sides and enjoy 160 square meters of space, ensuring there’s always a sunny or shady spot to relax in. The patio is always just a step away, as each room in the house opens directly outside. Made of Siberian larch, the deck does not require regular maintenance—it’s designed to weather naturally over time. Take a closer look at this carefree home here! [in Finnish]
5. Like a bridge to an island
Even a small patio can be both functional and beautiful. Built next to a wooden house, this one is just the right size for a table and four chairs. Plants and stones also play a key role in how cozy the patio is. Notice the playful walkway leading onto the deck—a dock-like structure over the stones that feels like a bridge to a tiny oasis in the garden.
Different docks, bridges, and boardwalk variations are fun ways to guide foot traffic in the garden.
6. Embrace round shapes
Forget straight lines—embrace the curves! This organically shaped patio provides a beautiful contrast to the square house. Its rounded forms make the deck feel spacious without turning it into a “dance floor”, and the tiered levels help it blend seamlessly into the surroundings, ensuring it looks great even from the waterfront. By replacing the living room windows with doors, the homeowners created a natural access route to the garden. The deck is designed by interior designer Nina Möller from BA/NG Interiors and Julia Hertell from MER Architects. Explore more photos of this enchanting 1960s waterfront villa here! [in Finnish]
7. Hotel pool at home
If you decide to invest in a swimming pool, make sure you give the patio the attention it deserves as well. The long side of this deck easily fits several sun loungers, while the ends provide space for other seating. If you plan to add a pool cover, think ahead about how the pool will visually open up and where the cover can be stored. How did this luxurious pool area come to be? Find out by checking out these progress photos!
8. Even better with a roof
Add a roof to your patio, and it becomes inviting in any weather. This outdoor kitchen-living room in the middle of this garden was built almost entirely from recycled materials. The frame boards and OSB sheets are leftover materials, and the corrugated metal roof was salvaged from an old barn. There is also a summer kitchen in the space.
9. Perfectly in the middle
Is the sunniest spot of your garden somewhere else than by your house? No problem—set up your patio wherever you like. You can turn it into an island or connect multiple patios and walkways to follow to the perfect spot. Finish the look with sunshades to protect yourself from the most intense sun.
10. Stair sofas
The main idea of an atrium house is to enjoy an outdoor area shielded by walls. This particular courtyard even features its own amphitheater, where the patio forms both steps and seating. The perfect place to relax outside!
11. Elevated experience
Much like indoors, small changes in elevation outdoors infuse the space with a sense of surprise and atmosphere. Often the terrain itself inspires different levels, but you can also reshape the land to create outdoor rooms. In gardener Lea Rauta’s garden, the patios and plantings blend together beautifully.
12. Plenty of style and space
What is the best part of a wraparound patio? You can dash around in your socks from one door to the next! In this log house, there is no shortage of square meters, and the patio begins right at the door, providing even more living space in the summer. Large double doors or an oversized sliding door work perfectly with an expansive patio like this.
Is there a tree in your favorite patio spot? Turn it into an asset by giving it its own opening in the deck.
13. Structure for the garden
Do you have a seating area in your garden that never quite works? A patio might be the solution for you. In this garden, the once problematic corner is now a cozy seating area, beautifully enclosed by greenery. Visit this garden here! [in Finnish]
14. Safe from the elements
A glass-enclosed patio is essentially an extra room. It can be chilly in winter and hot during heatwaves, but for most of the year it’s just right. Sometimes, glass walls can significantly expand a patio. Here, the glass roof and side walls nearly doubled the original space. This patio went through a renovation—see the inspiring before-and-after photos here! [in Finnish]
15. Follow the path
At first glance, you might think this is a gravel path, but on closer inspection you’ll notice it is actually a well-crafted walkway! It is part of the patio beside the house, winding elegantly among the plantings. In front of the house, the patio widens into a seating area. This pathway-like deck also cleverly defines the borders of the flower beds.
