Soften with Natural Materials

Incorporating teak and wicker patio furniture offers a charming contrast to concrete and helps to soften the latter’s heavy texture.

“Pairing concrete with warm, natural materials creates a balanced aesthetic,” says Nahal Sohbati, landscape designer at Topophyla. Wicker and rattan are often weather-resistant, too, making them a durable option for uncovered patios.

Opt for Textured or Colored Concrete

We usually think of concrete as a smooth strip of gray. However, there are techniques that can help it take on different aesthetics.

“Exposed aggregate, where the surface layer is removed to reveal the raw texture of the aggregates within, creates a more tactile and slip-resistant finish,” says Sohbati. “Brushed, seeded, sandblasted, or acid-washed techniques further enhance the character of concrete, adding subtle variations in texture.” Here, the designer introduced a grid of concrete squares in a textured finish.

Invite Ground Cover

When using urbanite or natural flagstone, add some ground covers in between the pavers for a soft, dreamy look. “We primarily use tough covers like dymondia, thyme, dichondra, or kurapia,” says Jenny Jones, principal designer at Terremoto.

If you’re also using gravel, Jones recommends sowing native seeds so wildflowers can spring up on the edges, softening the stones and inviting pollinators into your space.

Introduce Vertical Elements

With concrete patios, it’s easy to focus on the floor and the furniture—but don’t forget to look up. “Vertical elements, such as tree canopies or trellises, can introduce layers of greenery, provide cooling shade, and make the space feel more integrated with the landscape,” Sohbati says.

Decorative elements like patio curtains and pergolas can also provide shade. Plus, you can hang string lights, or wind chimes overhead to set the ambiance.

Use Nature-Inspired Seating

While it’s convenient to opt for pre-made patio furniture sets, seating is an opportunity to play around—especially by taking cues from the environment. “[We] always love boulders and heavy timbers as seating because they’re beautiful to look at, and when you sit on them, you feel grounded,” says Jones.

Here, Terremoto used a free-form piece of wood as the table—with a bench to match—keeping the natural grains and swirls intact to juxtapose against the concrete.

Frame with Concrete Pavers

Concrete doesn’t have to be used solely as the base of your patio.
“It can create small pathways at thresholds within a garden,” Sohbati says, “These pavers can be formed in any shape, from rigid geometries to organic forms, like flagstone.”

In this project by Topophyla, square pavers—which double as a walkway—frame a “sunken patio,” with concrete stairs leading down to the main seating area.

Add Water Features

In complete opposition to the solid, hard surface of concrete, water features can bring a much-needed dose of fluidity and flow to your patio. Plus, they’re a great way to highlight the natural wonder of outdoor spaces. “We [love] to incorporate water bowls or small fountains for birds and other wildlife,” Jones says.

Bring in Potted Plants

If you’re opting for a more traditional slab of concrete, then incorporating low-growing foliage might not be accessible. Sohabti suggests adding large potted plants for a touch of green. “Built-in planters can make the most of concrete’s structural potential,” she adds.

Create a Permeable Patio

A slab of concrete can create drainage challenges and absorb heat, so a more sustainable version of the material can be very helpful. “Our favorite move is to demolish an old concrete patio, take the broken concrete (called urbanite), and give it new life as a permeable patio,” says Jones.

You can then fill in the joints in between with gravel, decomposed granite, or plants. “What’s nice about this approach is that you can make a really beautiful, interesting patio, often with materials you already have on site,” Jones adds.

Play Into the Industrial Look

If you enjoy concrete’s brutalist nature, then play into that material palette. “Stone or metal accents can complement concrete’s industrial feel,” Sohbati says. Here, Topophyla kept it simple with geometric concrete seating wrapping around a darker fire pit. Two black metal chairs frame the other side, keeping things streamlined and on theme.

Anchor With a Fire Pit

If you’re not sure where to start with laying out your patio, a fire pit is always a smart anchoring point. Just set one at the center of your space and flank a couple of chairs or benches around it to create an easy conversation area.

Here, Topophyla used a combination of concrete and gravel as the base for a stone fire pit and black chairs. They’re surrounded by an abundance of greenery, making the patio feel enclosed and all the more intimate.