Backyard Ideas to Inspire a Summer Outdoors
These five patio designs make the most out of Toronto’s warmer weather
From the Designlines archive, we’ve rounded up some of the ultimate backyard ideas, from stylish seating to lush greenery, that will inspire you to elevate your outdoor space into a serene retreat. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a compact urban yard, these designs offer a wealth of inspiration for creating your outdoor haven.
Photography by Riley Snelling; design and architecture, Jennifer Turner Architect.
Incorporating the Elements in a Whitby Oasis
With soothing sounds from a custom tiered water feature, this Whitby, Ontario, garden bubbles with life. Designed by Jennifer Turner Architect, this project inspires backyard ideas that blend modern structure with natural serenity. Beyond the lush landscaping and water feature, a thoughtful integration of materials such as granite, dark bronze aluminum, and Brazilian wood fencing adds a timeless, evolving beauty. This project showcases how to transform a plain yard into a serene, cottage-like escape just outside the city.
An Outdoor Shower by Studio HA/WA
A standout feature of Erin Hannon-Watkinson’s West End backyard renovation is the sleek outdoor shower, tucked beside the new in-ground pool. Designed as both a functional amenity and a moment of everyday luxury, it reflects the Studio HA/WA founder’s talent for elevating routine experiences. The addition complements a larger transformation that includes a dining pavilion, outdoor kitchen, and fireplace—turning the west-end backyard into a seamless extension of the home.
This Muskoka Lake House Pulls Inspiration From Resort Living
There are plenty of cottages in Muskoka—the infamous northern getaway for wistful city-dwellers. However, while this project by Toronto’s Ashley Botten Design shares the same postcode as those classic retreats, its luxurious back deck is unmistakably distinct.
Photography by Arash Moallemi; architecture and design by Kilogram Studio.
Glimmer House Makes Backyards Cool Again
Connecting indoor with outdoor was a must in the renovation of this Parkdale home. A once under-utilized backyard with no patio is now a functional and open-air oasis equipped with a dining/lounge area, a second-floor balcony that doubles as a pergola, and even an outdoor shower. In this design by Kilogram Studio, simplicity is key—with minimal patio furniture and a uniform palette.
Photography by Doublespace Photography; architecture and design by Reign Architects.
Gallery Garden is the Gift that Keeps on Giving
Wood elements play a significant role in the redesign of this REIGN Architects-design backyard in Little Italy, with sleek wooden decking and modern furniture providing stylish areas for relaxation and entertainment. Raised wooden garden beds offer tons of ideas for urban farmers, enhancing functionality in even the tightest quarters. A small water feature adds a soothing ambiance, while strategic lighting highlights the garden’s beauty after dark. This thoughtful redesign not only improves the backyard’s aesthetics but also creates a well-organized, inviting space for enjoying the outdoors.
Photography by Doublespace Photography.
When They Go Low, Batay-Csorba Architects Goes High
While this creative vision from local design and architecture firm Batay-Csorba isn’t exactly a backyard design, they do make a case for reimagining your outdoor space. At the top of a three-storey volume behind the kitchen of this West End family home is a semi-enclosed balcony featuring a Japanese soaking tub and panoramic views of the river. This innovative use of vertical space soaks up sun and prioritizes rest and relaxation.
A High Park Home‘s Wonderful Walk-Out
Tucked below grade in a High Park home, this concrete walkout was cleverly transformed from a utilitarian exit into a meditative courtyard. As part of a larger renovation, the space was optimized with thoughtful plantings and clean sightlines, offering a surprising pocket of calm that filters natural light into the adjacent lower-level living area. What could have been overlooked is now a private, minimalist retreat that reflects the home’s refined material palette and connection to nature.
Photography by A/Frame Photography; design and architecture by Paul Raff Studio.
Paul Raff’s Escape-Style Reno
The homeowners of the Glen Park backyard project were craving a closer relationship between home and garden. This renovation by Paul Raff Studio reimagines outdoor living with resort-style elegance and luxe appeal. A modern pergola anchors the space, offering shade and a defined area for relaxation and social gatherings. Sleek, built-in benches with hidden storage maximize utility while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The strategic use of wood decking and concrete pavers introduces texture and sophistication—one of our top backyard ideas for 2024.
