At IKON Landscape, we believe your backyard should be an extension of your home—an inviting, functional space where family and friends gather, memories are made, and relaxation comes easy. Whether you're planning to host outdoor dinners, cozy up by the fire pit, or simply unwind with family, the right patio design can completely transform your outdoor space.

We've put together five unique patio design ideas that blend the best of function, style, and comfort. From natural stone hardscapes to multi-level seating areas, these designs can turn your yard into a personal retreat. Best of all, we’re here to help you every step of the way, ensuring your vision comes to life beautifully and seamlessly.

1. Natural Stone: Pavers and Flagstone

There’s nothing quite like the timeless appeal of natural stone. Whether you prefer the clean lines of pavers or the organic shapes of flagstone, stone hardscapes bring a sense of elegance and permanence to any patio. With Utah’s diverse seasons, having a durable, low-maintenance patio is essential. Pavers and flagstone are not only beautiful but also designed to stand up to weather changes, providing you with a long-lasting outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round.

Pavers for a Polished Look: If you're aiming for a modern, polished aesthetic, pavers are the way to go. Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, pavers can be arranged in intricate patterns to create a customized design that fits your home’s style. Whether you're envisioning a sleek contemporary space or something more traditional, pavers offer endless possibilities.

Flagstone for a Rustic Feel: On the other hand, if you're going for a more natural, earthy look, flagstone is perfect. The irregular shapes and rough texture of flagstone give your patio a unique, handcrafted feel. It’s great for creating a cozy, rustic vibe that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape.

At IKON Landscape, our hardscape installation services ensure that your stone patio is installed with precision and attention to detail. We don’t just focus on beauty—we make sure your patio is built to last, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

2. Water Feature Oasis

There’s something magical about the sound of water flowing in your backyard. Whether you want to create a peaceful retreat or a playful splash zone for your kids, integrating a water feature into your patio design adds an extra layer of tranquility and charm. Water features can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, from small fountains to elaborate cascading waterfalls.

Benefits of a Water Feature:

Relaxation & Serenity: The sound of water has a naturally calming effect, making your patio the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Visual Appeal: A water feature instantly elevates the look of your patio, adding movement, sound, and visual interest.
Customizable Design: Whether you want a modern, sleek look or something more natural and rustic, water features can be tailored to fit your aesthetic.

At IKON, we’re experts at designing and installing water features that complement your patio. We work with you to create a space that’s not only functional but also enhances your backyard’s overall atmosphere.

3. Multi-Level Patio Seating

If you’re working with a sloped yard or simply want to create a more dynamic outdoor space, a multi-level patio could be the perfect solution. This design divides your outdoor space into distinct zones, perfect for entertaining, dining, or lounging. A multi-level patio also adds depth and dimension to your yard, making it more visually interesting.

Imagine having one level of your patio dedicated to dining with an outdoor kitchen, while the next level features a cozy seating area surrounding a fire pit. Multi-level patios are great for creating different "rooms" in your outdoor space, allowing you to maximize functionality.

Built-In Seating for Versatility: One of the best features of a multi-level patio is the ability to incorporate built-in seating. Not only does it save space, but it also gives your patio a polished, cohesive look. Built-in benches along retaining walls offer practical seating for gatherings while maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance.

At IKON Landscape, we specialize in designing and constructing multi-level patios that fit your lifestyle and enhance the natural flow of your yard. We consider every detail, from materials and transitions between levels to seating arrangements and lighting.

4. Cozy Fire Pit Lounge

Nothing says “family time” quite like gathering around a fire pit. Whether it’s for roasting marshmallows with the kids or enjoying conversation with friends, a fire pit creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes your patio usable even on cooler evenings. Fire pits can be either built-in or portable, depending on your needs.

At IKON Landscape, we specialize in custom-built fire pits that are tailored to your space and your style. Imagine a stone fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating, making your patio the ultimate hangout spot year-round.

5. Pergola

A pergola is the perfect way to add structure and style to your patio while offering some much-needed shade. Whether you want a sleek, modern pergola or a more traditional wooden structure, a pergola adds dimension and definition to your outdoor space.

Pergolas are ideal for creating a dedicated dining or lounge area, providing shelter from the sun without completely blocking the natural light.

Benefits of a Pergola:

Shade & Comfort: A pergola offers some shade on hot, summer days, making your patio more comfortable and usable throughout the year.
Stylish & Functional: Pergolas add visual interest and structure to your patio, making it feel like an outdoor room.
Custom Design: IKON Landscape can design and build a pergola that fits your style and complements the rest of your patio design.

At IKON Landscape, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and craftsmanship. From concept to completion, our team will work with you to create the outdoor space of your dreams. Whether you're looking for a simple upgrade or a complete backyard transformation, we've got you covered.

Ready to transform your patio?

The Perfect Balance: Hardscaping and Softscaping for Your Utah Landscape

Imagine stepping into a backyard that feels like an extension of your home, where pathways lead you through vibrant gardens, and cozy fire pits invite you to gather with family and friends. To create this dream space, you need more than just beautiful plants or stunning patios—you need a harmonious blend of both hardscaping and softscaping.

At IKON Landscape, we believe in designing outdoor spaces that are both functional and breathtaking. Let’s break down the differences between hardscaping and softscaping, why each is crucial, and how together, they create the perfect outdoor oasis.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your landscape—think of it as the "bones" of your outdoor space. These are the structures that provide functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Examples of hardscaping include:

Patios and Decks: Perfect for outdoor entertaining and extending your living space.

Retaining Walls: Provide support on sloped terrains and add visual interest.

Pathways and Walkways: Guide and connect you through different areas of your yard.

Water Features: Such as fountains, ponds, hot-tubs and pools that add a fun splash to your space.

Fire Pits: Create a cozy gathering spot for cool Utah evenings.

Fences and Pergolas: Offer privacy and define spaces within your yard.

Hardscaping is all about creating structure and setting the stage for the natural beauty that softscaping brings.

What is Softscaping?

Softscaping, on the other hand, refers to the living elements in your landscape—think plants, trees, and flowers. These are the elements that bring life, color, and texture to your outdoor space. Softscaping includes:

Lawn and Grass Areas: Provide a lush, green space for play or relaxation.

Flower Beds: Add color, fragrance, and visual appeal.

Shrubs and Bushes: Create natural borders and add depth to your landscape.

Trees: Offer shade, privacy, and a connection to nature.

Ground Cover Plants: Help control erosion and fill in gaps between larger plants.

Softscaping is all about enhancing the natural beauty of your landscape, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere that feels like a true retreat.

Why You Need Both Hardscaping and Softscaping

While hardscaping provides the structure and functionality of your outdoor space, softscaping brings it to life with color, texture, and movement. Here’s why you need both:

Balance: A landscape that’s all hardscape can feel sterile, while one that’s all softscape may lack functionality. The key is to find the right balance between the two.

Functionality: Hardscaping elements like patios and walkways provide the necessary infrastructure for outdoor activities, while softscaping adds the beauty and comfort that make those spaces enjoyable.

Aesthetics: Combining hardscaping with softscaping creates a visually pleasing environment that’s both structured and natural.

Year-Round Interest: Hardscaping elements provide year-round interest, even when your plants aren’t in bloom. Meanwhile, softscaping changes with the seasons, offering a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

Increased Property Value: A well-designed landscape that combines hardscaping and softscaping can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and overall value.

Don’t believe us? Hear from our happy clients!

“We recently needed some major landscaping help. We had some ideas, but didn’t have a clear vision of what to do. IKON had a fabulous landscape architect that came and measured, discussed our ideas and offered some additional ideas. Then they formulated a plan, complete with pictures and specific plants, etc. We loved the ideas and the plan they drew up! But they were also willing to tweak any part to our liking.

The workers that came to put the plan into action were hard working and good at their jobs. We were so impressed with the quality of work. They were quick to respond to any questions or issues that arose along the way. We love the finished product! Exceeded our expectations and we are very happy with the service of IKON! We would recommend IKON to anyone who is looking for efficient, quality landscaping help! Everything from concrete, pavers, sprinklers, sod, planting, garden boxes, fire pit, artificial turf-they do it all!”

5 Unique Patio Design Ideas for Your Outdoor Space