Photo by Creative Environments

A patio isn’t just a patio anymore – it’s a movie theater, a pizza joint and a mountain lodge. 

John Waters, co-owner of Creative Environments Design, a landscape architecture firm, says Arizona’s mild climate makes it possible to spend much of the year outdoors and that local residents are finding creative ways to do so.

The bottom line, Waters says, is that creating usable outdoor space is far less expensive than interior renovations. Costs for extensive interior fixes average $125 to $150 per square foot, while backyard or courtyard updates can cost as little as $3 to $5 per square foot. Even with more elaborate designs that include outdoor fireplaces or kitchens, which can stretch the cost up to $20 per square foot, rejuvenating your patio is still a bargain.

Beyond Grass and Rocks

To create a truly livable outdoor space, change your perspective, says Nancy E. Wagner, a private landscape architect. “Your yard is the biggest room of your house,” she says.

The most popular outdoor spaces today are designed for entertaining and cooking. Many of Waters’ clients request outdoor gas fireplaces, which can be a focal point for a conversation area and a hotspot during chilly desert nights. Waters suggests purchasing a freestanding fire pit to create a similar area on a smaller budget. Other clients are bringing their living rooms, including their plasma screen TVs and plush viewing areas, outside.

These next generation patios can also feature complete kitchens, with an elaborate barbecue, sink and refrigerator. Some of Waters’ clients are even incorporating specialized cooking appliances, such as pizza ovens or flattop Asian teppanyaki grills, into their patios.

Wagner says she had another unusual request – to incorporate an antique claw-foot bathtub retrofitted with Jacuzzi jets to create an elegant outdoor bath.

Photo by Creative Environments

Photo by Creative Environments