Ideas
Elevate Your Outdoors | 15 Trending Paver Ideas
So, you want to upgrade your exterior space but need a little bit of inspiration before you get started? We've got you covered! We're diving into the outdoor paver ideas the interior design industry is currently loving. These paver ideas can help to completely elevate your outdoor space with everything from modern minimalist marble to textured travertine. Plus, we're also discussing paver sizes to help you discover exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
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What Paver Size Should You Pick for Your Outdoor Space?
The size of your pavers plays an important role in the overall appearance and feel of your outdoor space. Large-format pavers create a modern, spacious look, making areas appear bigger and more open. They especially work well in minimalist style homes, where the focus is on clean lines and uncluttered space.
On the other hand, smaller pavers are perfect for creating intricate patterns and designs, such as herringbone. They can add a touch of classic character and detail to your landscape, making them perfect for traditional outdoor areas. Mixing paver sizes is also an option that works to add depth and interior to your design, leading to endless creative possibilities.
Discover 10 Types of Exterior Wall Cladding | A Complete Guide for Your Next Project.
Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
1. Travertine Pavers
Travertine is a classic option for tiles, but have you considered it for your pavers? Travertine pavers bring a touch of natural beauty and timeless elegance to your outdoor space. Their distinctive porous texture and earthy tones create a ground ambiance that’s perfect for luxurious outdoor settings. Travertine’s natural coolness and non-slip texture also make it perfect for spots that are exposed to the elements. Travertine pavers will also suit most outdoor styles including classic, farmhouse, contemporary, and even coastal.
Mood board created by Hatti Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
Mood board created by Interiors By Grace on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
2. Warm-Toned Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are already a winner, but we just love them when they’re featured in a warm tone. This creates an inviting, cosy outdoor area, perfect for every season. They offer a durable surface that ages beautifully over time, adding character to your exterior space. We love warm-toned brick pavers used in alfrescos, pathways, and in featured spots around your backyard.
Looking for more paver ideas? Head to Brickworks for Tips & Tricks for Selecting Pavers for Your Outdoor Living Area.
Image credit: Brickworks | Maher Design | Andy Macpherson
3. Modern Minimalist Pavers
We mentioned before that those who favour a minimalist aesthetic should opt for large-format pavers to achieve a sleek, contemporary look. But due to the popularity of this interior design style, we just had to give you a few more options. One of the most popular ways to add to your modern minimalist aesthetic is through marble pavers. These luxurious products are the epitome of adding opulence to your outdoor area. They’re soft and smooth, featuring unique patterns thanks to their quality natural origin.
Image credit: SMUB Studio | Rex Whiticker
4. Sleek and Smooth Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are an incredibly popular choice for their modern look, smooth surfaces, and consistent shape. They’re ideal for creating a clean, contemporary look, providing an abundance of options for your outdoor space. Plus, they’re usually a good option for budget-friendly projects and won’t require the same amount of maintenance as other paver options.
Tip: If you don't want pavers for your external area, concrete is still a classic, low maintenance option to consider.
Image credit: Evoque Interiors | Kristian van der Beek
Image credit: Evoque Interiors | Kristian van der Beek
5. Terracotta Pavers
Terracotta pavers exude a warm, Mediterranean vibe, perfect for creating a sunny, inviting outdoor area. Their rich, earthy colour provides a natural, rustic charm that pairs beautifully with lush greenery and other natural materials like wood and stone.
Mood board created on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
Mood board created by Black Koi Design Studio on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
6. Crazy Pave
Crazy paving offers a playful, artistic approach to landscaping, where irregularly shaped pavers are laid in a mosaic-like pattern, creating a unique, eye-catching surface. This method allows for creative expression and can be tailored to fit any space, no matter how irregular. Crazy paving works well with natural stone, providing a rustic, organic look that complements any home. For a modern twist, consider using slabs of varying shades, which will work to add drama and interest to your outdoor space.
Image credit: AM Interior Studio | Mitchell Guy Kemp Photographer
7. Mixing Paver Materials
Combining different paver materials can result in a truly unique outdoor space. Mix and match colours, textures, and materials to create an eye-catching design that reflects your personal style and complements your home's exterior.
Image Credit: MATI HQ | Elizabeth Weyer
8. Geometric Paving Patterns
From triangles to hexagons, geometric paving patterns offer a modern, artistic touch to your outdoor area. These patterns can be used to create visual interest, define different zones, and add a contemporary edge to your exterior space. We’re forecasting that Geometric patterns will be everywhere in 2024, and this certainly isn’t limited to your interiors.
Image credit: Nick Bell Architects | Tom Ferguson Photography
9. Round Pavers
Round pavers offer a soft, playful element to your outdoor area, breaking away from the traditional square or rectangular shapes. For a cohesive look, consider using round pavers in conjunction with other circular elements, such as round pots, to reinforce the design theme and create visual harmony in your outdoor space.
Mood board created by ambertiles.com.au on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
10. Natural Stone Pavers
In line with the rise of biophilic design, natural stone pavers, with their unique textures and hues, offer unparalleled beauty and durability. Whether you opt for sandstone, limestone, or slate, natural stone pavers can seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and elegant outdoor setting.
Image credit: Polina Radchenko Interiors | Cathy Schusler
11. Textured Pavers for Enhanced Traction
Safety meets style with textured pavers. These pavers are not only visually appealing but also provide added traction, making them ideal for pool areas and sloped paths where slip resistance is crucial. It’s always a good idea to check the slip-resistance of your tiles before they’re installed.
Image credit: Maven Home | Projection Build | The Palm Co
12. Pavers Around the Pool
Choosing the right pavers around your pool is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. Opt for pavers with a non-slip surface to ensure safety when wet. Light-coloured pavers will also work to keep the area cooler underfoot, enhancing comfort during hot summer days. Consider using pavers that complement the pool's design and the home's exterior to create a seamless transition between spaces. Incorporating borders or accent pavers can add a decorative touch, while ensuring proper drainage will maintain the area's functionality and longevity. For a resort-like feel, integrate soft landscape elements, such as umbrellas, furniture, and palm trees, to create a tranquil poolside oasis.
If you need a little more inspiration for your pool project, explore Design Ideas for Enhancing Your Pool Area.
Image credit: Paradigm New | Hap & Co | Nira Creative
13. Playful Mosaic Paver Designs
Unleash your creativity with mosaic paver designs. By combining different colours and shapes, you can create intricate patterns, and design elements within your paving, turning your outdoor area into a work of art.
Image credit: Zou Build | Villa Styling
14. Grassy Paver Grids
Grassy paver grids offer a unique blend of hardscaping and greenery. These pavers are designed with gaps for grass to grow through, creating a natural, permeable surface that's visually appealing and environmentally friendly.
15. Step Stone Pathways
Step stone pathways provide a simple yet elegant solution for connecting different areas of your garden or outdoor space. With their individual shapes and placement, step stones offer a more natural and informal path option, blending seamlessly with the landscape. The best part is that you can choose so many different types of stone pavers to add your own personal style.
Mood board created by Bone + Blanc Interior Design Studio on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
Mood board created by Sage & Cove on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.
We hope our outdoor paver ideas have left you feeling inspired for your next design project. Looking for more trend inspiration? Discover 5 Exterior Trends That Are in Right Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pavers are best for outdoors?
The best pavers for outdoor use are typically those made from concrete, natural stone, or clay brick. These materials are renowned for their durability, strength, and ability to withstand various weather conditions. Natural stone pavers, like sandstone, limestone, and granite, offer a unique aesthetic and are exceptionally hard-wearing. Concrete pavers provide versatility in design and colour, while clay brick pavers offer a classic, timeless look.
What do you put under outdoor pavers?
Underneath outdoor pavers, a base layer is essential for stability and drainage. This typically involves a sub-base layer of crushed stone or gravel, which is compacted to provide a sturdy foundation. Above this, a layer of bedding sand is applied, which helps to level the pavers and lock them in place. The proper preparation of these layers is crucial to prevent settling and shifting of the pavers over time.
How thick should outdoor pavers be?
The thickness of outdoor pavers can vary depending on their intended use. For pedestrian areas like alfrescos and walkways, pavers should be at least 25mm thick. For driveways or areas that will bear heavier loads, pavers should be thicker, typically around 50mm to 60mm, to ensure durability and resistance to cracking under the weight of vehicles.
What are the pros of pavers?
Pavers offer numerous advantages, including versatility in design, durability, and ease of maintenance. They come in various shapes, colours, and textures, allowing for customised design options to suit any outdoor space. Pavers are also known for their strength and longevity, capable of withstanding heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, if a paver becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without disturbing the surrounding area. Pavers also provide good drainage, reducing the risk of water accumulation and flooding.
Are pavers still in style?
Of course, pavers continue to be in style due to their timeless appeal and the variety of design options they offer. Their versatility ensures that they can complement any architectural style, from traditional to contemporary. Additionally, with the growing trend towards outdoor living and creating functional, stylish outdoor spaces, pavers remain a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike, offering a blend of aesthetics and functionality that is hard to beat.
