A short wall provides a sense of enclosure.

Old-World Style within this design by Thomas Oppelt, the elegant casita provides a glimpse of the surrounding countryside. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty

Small Wonder Maintaining the historic integrity and character of this landscape was the main objective of this layout. Rustic and understated elements add character and authenticity. Style by Chad Robert

Garden Ambience A circular band inscribed within the bluestone terrace continues through the outside kitchen and around the dining room. Layout by Bob Hursthouse

Green Terrace Deeply textured stonework provides the frame to an intimate grotto decorated from the operator's distinctive orchid and fern collection. Wide stairs ascend into the adjoining terrace that is perfect for entertaining. Design by Bob Hursthouse

Hamptons Inspiration Pergolas offer poolside colour, while comfy furnishings and blue accents infuse the outside with a design all their own. Design by Debbie Talianko

Step Into Morocco Built-in seating doubles as a planter and a retaining wall to get a front lawn garden area. Design by Lori Dennis; Photo by Ken Hayden

Tranquil Courtyard A vintage bench and Susani-print blanket make a beautiful seating option in this stone courtyard. Style by Lori Dennis

Alfresco Beauty Climbing vines and vertical gardens help create a romantic courtyard setting, perfect for dining outdoors. Style by Living Green Design

Making History This gorgeous patio was created and supplied to complement the historic residence. "Rustic and understated elements include personality and authenticity," says landscape architect Chad Robert.

Relaxing Pool House The pool home is reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach cottage with soothing neutral colors and lots of natural lighting. Design by Rebecca Johnston

Secret Garden This stone cottage-style patio features a backyard, outdoor fireplace and a stunning water feature. Design by Mitch Kalamian

Dreamy Outdoor Entertaining A full sized kitchen residential window walls . a cascading fountain and a pool flank the large lawn area, which includes an in-ground trampoline, which makes this an ideal place for entertaining families. Layout by Christopher J. Grubb

One-of-a-Kind Pergola Landscape designer Jamie Durie created an Asian-style area for relaxing and dining where the "walls" of the pergola function as an enclosure in addition to a place to flaunt potted specimens.

Laid-Back Patio Sleek, modern loungers add a modern flair with this traditional terrace. Design by Lori Dennis

Totally French This stunning doorway leads to a romantic terrace with black-and-white marble tile and a beautiful vertical garden. Style by Jamie Durie

Fiesta Time An outdoor room with Puerto-Rican design sensibilities generates a household backyard haven. Traditional turned-wooden spindles that encircle the windows of the houses in Puerto Rico now break up the bright colors of the walls. Design by Jamie Durie

Colorful Hardscape inside this Sedona-inspired design by Jamie Durie, ceiling tiles produce the wall to the planter's chairs surround. A dining grotto is concealed in the rear of this beautiful patio.

Destination: Comfort This patio is situated away from the house, surrounded by vibrant landscaping and shaded by trees. A short wall provides a sense of enclosure. The walkway continues on to some potting bench and a secluded arbor swing. Style by Jamie Durie

Contemporary Classic A lovely wall with Spanish arches serves as the background for this stunning backyard lounge area. The appearance merges all the clean lines of modern style and elements of Old World design. Style by Jamie Durie

Formal Touch Boxwood Cabinets encircle the pool, fireplace and lounging areas with this patio.

Rustic Chic A rustic fence encloses the garden containing herbs, flowers and vegetables at The Swag Country Inn in Waynesville, N.C.

Gathering Area Inspired by a trip to a Native American pueblo, Jamie Durie made this circular adobe outdoor room. A traditional drying rack functions as an artistic colour structure over the new outdoor dining area.

Three Tiers of Relaxation Produced by Mitch Kalamian, this tri-level backyard features a refurbished pool on the first degree, a spa on the next plus a lighted column on the third.

Drab Entryway No A terra-cotta tile patio and rich wall colour convert front entry into a stylish waiting and relaxation area. Layout by Pamela Berstler

Sculptural Elements A sculptural element provides an artistic touch to an Asian garden filled with Sedum rupestre 'Angelina.' Design by Katharine Webste

European-Style Garden This beautiful eight-sided pavilion is the focus of a European-style garden. Layout by Keith Anderson

The Place for Pizza This new exterior kitchen's point is really a pizza oven. The 36-inch oven turned out to have a 52-inch base, therefore landscape architect Mark Schisler needed to maneuver the counters three feet to adapt it. The oven is coated with a stone veneer, instead of real rock, to save more space.

Pergola Lighting This exterior kitchen and patio, intended for entertaining, is accessible from the deck, cellar and drive of the house. The cedar pergola helps define the room and provide overhead lighting.

Outdoor Theater This patio went from a place with no place to sit into the supreme in a resort-like sofa and dining space. When day comes, the place turns into an extra-comfy place to watch films. A 3-D water feature along with a fire pit table complete the ambiance.

Extra Shade This modern kitchen space is nestled among the trees. Layout by Paul Wrona

Personal Playspace Whether it's for roasting marshmallows with the kids or grown-up fun, the fireplace often becomes the outside gathering place for the family. A new retaining wall on the steep incline provided the terrain to get this terrace and fresh lawn. A berm of cryptomeria trees will offer privacy from the neighbors. Layout by Mark Schisler

Western Outdoors An extra-large fountain and a Western-style fireplace would be the focal points of this terrace; the layout and materials make a seamless expansion of living space for your home. Layout by Scott Cohen