A derelict yard transformed into a private resort.

“The homeowners of this gorgeous plot wanted intimate spaces that were comfortable enough for the family, but stylish and elegant enough for entertaining,” says Maureen Sedran of Mark Hartley Landscape Architects. To that end, the team designed and installed a 12-by-35-foot saltwater pool, as well as a multilevel yard that gradually descends in stages from the house. The pool’s deep, shimmering blue gives the whole yard a tropical feel.

Take a video tour of this backyard, plus see more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

A serene backyard lounging area.

Designer and homeowner Tara Fingold landscaped her back garden herself, shuffling around existing paving stones and reusing her beloved garden furniture from her previous home.

Take a video tour of another home designed by Tara Fingold, plus see more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

Entertaining space for a busy young family.

These homeowners wanted to turn their overrun English garden into an effortless escape, so they actually swapped their lawn for a flagstone patio. Meredyth Hilton of Artistic Gardens raised the hot tub so its edging could provide extra seating. Its warm water flows into the pool — an economical way to heat it — in a waterfall effect. Hilton chose local Credit Valley flagstone for the pool surround and patio because it has a slightly gritty finish to prevent slipping. The pool’s Indiana limestone coping was carved into smooth, bathing-suit-bottom-friendly edging. Jets, operated by remote control, provide hours of amusement for kids, and a soothing water fountain sound for adults.

See more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

An expansive lakefront yard.

This gorgeous escape in Magog, Quebec, is home to a family of six. Homeowner and interior designer Alyson Wood wanted a nautical, Ralph Lauren-inspired look. Surrounded by bluestone pavers, the large, elegant pool balances the size of the house and echoes its classical style.

See more homes from Quebec’s Eastern Townships, plus see more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

Create flow from indoors to outdoors with a similar colour palette.

Designed by architects David Zacharko and David Yustin, this home with a modern, cedar-shake exterior possesses an unmistakably West Coast sensibility. A concrete bench with graphic pillows comes in handy for extra seating while entertaining.

See more homes from David Zacharko and David Yustin, plus see more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

Red bricks are an easy way to add colour to a mostly-green yard.

Homeowners Philip Mitchell and Mark Narsansky returned this classic Chester, Nova Scotia home to its former glory so they could enjoy as a weekend home. Mark likes to garden on the reclaimed-brick terrace, which includes outdoor dining and living areas. An herb garden provides cooking essentials.

See more of Philip Mitchell’s designs, plus see more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

A beautiful restored home in Erin, Ontario.

This lush garden has a symbiosis between formal and natural elements — symmetrical planters and a casual mix of flowers work in perfect harmony. Boxwood-enclosed gardens are filled with foxglove, allium and roses, adding colour to the stone exterior of the home.

See the interior of this home in our photo gallery, plus see more inspiring backyards in this photo gallery.

Instead of a cottage, splurge on a backyard.

The fences in this urban backyard have latticed panels to encourage the growth of climbing flowers between classically detailed pilasters. Teak benches are reproductions of a design by the British architect Edwin Lutyens. The raised stone terrace is planted with graceful linden trees, forming a hedge on stilts and a backdrop to the view from the terrace. Clipped boxwood shrubs and climbing hydrangea bushes bring structure to the space.

See more of this yard in our Gorgeous Gardens photo gallery, plus see more Inspiring Backyards.

A resort-like pool and lounge area.

New glass doors overlooking the pool and deck, modern sconces, potted fronds and many coats of white paint helped transform a former garage into a pool house. Brightly coloured cushions and a pair of large umbrellas lend a hotel vibe.

Take a video tour of this yard, plus see more Tropical-Inspired Outdoor Spaces and Inspiring Backyards.

Let moss grow between loosely spaced pavers to soften the stone and give it a sense of age and permanence.

Varying heights of plants and trees creates a secluded outdoor room. An open, grid-like fence allows for glimpses of mature trees on the other side, adding even more greenery and height to the overall design. Neatly clipped boxwood edges the pathway.

For more inspiring backyards, visit our photo gallery.

A raised platform becomes a stage for children’s performances.

Create room to play by keeping furniture minimal on a backyard deck. The cedar backdrop in architect John Tong’s yard is used for plays and as a screen for projecting movies. The lattice wall on the far left is painted out in cobalt, adding some unexpected colour. Use patches of sod and concrete pavers for a low-maintenance and cost-effective landscape.

For more inspiring backyards, visit our photo gallery.

A sleek, contemporary and sustainable outdoor space.

Vancouver architect Clinton Cuddington designed this sleek modern back patio, in keeping with the environmental theme of his home. A vegetable garden, indigenous plants, water-saving automatic sprinklers and permeable concrete pavers all contribute to this backyard’s eco cred.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. For more eco-friendly ideas, see our Photo Gallery: Green Design.

A romantic urban patio mimics a traditional great room.

Toronto interior designer Sharon Mimran took a formal approach when designing this ethanol-burning fireplace in her own backyard.  “I wanted the exterior to look as if it were a part of the interior design. All of the elements I used inside the house — mouldings, panelling, mirrors — I used in the yard,” she explains. A weatherproof faux-limestone resin mantel stands up to harsh weather. Take a video tour through Sharon Mimran’s home.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery.

Contemporary features update a country retreat.

Perrett Farm, nestled in a lush area of the Niagara Escarpment, is lined with perennial gardens and timeworn buildings. The owners wanted to add a modern 50-foot saltwater lap pool and entertaining patio without obstructing the views from the house. So, architect Anthony Belcher designed the pool 120 feet away from the house, buffered by a tall garden. An open pergola with slats of ipe wood keep the patio bright, while sleek and simple furnishings add drama.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery, plus see another view of this pool.

See more sheds in our photo gallery.

An Asian-inspired home carries the design to the backyard.

This tranquil oasis draws its inspiration from the Asian interiors of the home. Keeping colourful flowers to a minimum, the homeowner, filmmaker and writer Mona Zaidi, opted for a neutral outdoor palette to blend in with the fence and reed matting covering the garage. To make the small yard look larger, mirrored windows on the garage reflect the garden and sunshine. Tree-hung lanterns mimic Japanese garden lighting, and invite guests into hidden corners of the yard. For such a small, established backyard, limit patio furniture and let the trees be the focal point.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. Plus, get more landscaping and garden design ideas in our Gorgeous Gardens photo gallery.

Create an outdoor room by covering a section of a porch.

Pea gravel stone and grass are mixed to create a charming courtyard feel in the backyard of the 2009 Princess Margaret Hospital Oakville Showhouse. Doors across the back create openings to each area of the patio, which can be left open to bridge the gap between indoors and out while entertaining.

Watch video tours of the showhouse. Or, for more inspiring backyards, visit our photo gallery.

Use accent pillows and throws outside for a comfortable space.

A double-sided fireplace gets extra credit for keeping guests warm on the patio as well as inside on a cool nights. A unique herringbone pattern makes this chimney breast particularly eye-catching. A pair of arm chairs and a small table are all that’s required for complete relaxation.

See more inspiring backyards in our photo gallery.

Bring the inside out with intimate garden rooms.

This West Vancouver yard is divided into several distinct living spaces, such as this cosy sitting area. Make a vignette like this more intimate and private by adding an arbour overhead. Remember that backyards don’t always have to be swathed in grass. Instead, create an inviting terrace like this one with a Pennsylvania bluestone floor. This way, plants and flowers take centre stage without competing with green grass. Also, choose simple patio furniture to keep a garden from looking too busy.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery.

Maximize space with functional furniture.

A cramped patio or balcony can be just as usable as a large backyard. Instead of a dining set or several chairs, have guests sit side-by-side on rustic outdoor benches around a low coffee table. Add greenery with hanging plants or choose smaller floor planters to save valuable space and make the patio appear larger.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. Plus, get more design and decorating ideas in our Small Backyards photo gallery.

Divide a large backyard into kid and adult zones.

When planning out a yard, include kid-friendly spaces as well as luxe entertaining areas. A sheer-descent waterfall in the pool is a fun element for swimmers, and also adds ambiance and a soothing focal point when dining on the patio to the right of the pool. A wrought-iron fence sections off a special garden for the kids with a playhouse, butterfly bushes, and edible berry trees. To get a custom playhouse look for less, pick up a DIY unit at a big hardware retailer and use paint and accessories to personalize it.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. Plus, get more landscaping and garden design ideas in our Gorgeous Gardens photo gallery.

Create a path to an open sanctuary.

Borrow a few ideas from this gorgeous backyard in Montreal. Gardening guru Marjorie Harris loves the idea of a path that leads to an open tapis vert, or green carpet. Line the path with boxwood hedges and a mix of annuals and perennials, and surround the “carpet” with taller bushes or trees for privacy. Invest in a rustic wooden dining set and let the summer entertaining begin!

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. Plus, get more landscaping and garden design ideas in our Gorgeous Gardens photo gallery.

A lower elevation allows for more privacy.

Toronto landscape design/build firm Artistic Gardens created this sanctuary by sinking the yard two feet and building several limestone retaining walls. This trick also brightened up the basement level of the house by letting in more light. Dividing the space into distinct and usable areas is a great idea if space permits. Here, Artistic Gardens created two main terrace areas: a lounging zone along one end of the pool, and a more social living room sitting area near the house.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery.

Modern DWR loungers and a sparkling pool give a hotel-chic, LA vibe to this outdoor space.

Landscape architect Mark Hartley designed the flagstone deck to look rough and natural, like it had been there for years.

Watch a video tour of the house and see even more pictures in the April 2009 issue.

Designer Anna Simone created this inviting private courtyard.

Warm horizontal wood strips and a steel “urban fireplace” with candles transform a carport wall and adjoining fences into a magical outdoor room. Understated woven furniture offers comfortable but streamlined seating.

Grey slate tiles make the pool water look deep blue.

The neoclassical façade of fashion designers Joe Mimran and Kimberley Newport-Mimran’s house — designed by architect Gordon Ridgely with landscaping by Ron Holbrook — is elegantly clad in Indiana limestone. The terrace uses the same material for a seamless look.

See more photos of the Joe Fresh Style and Pink Tartan designers’ house in our gallery and in the September 2008 issue.

See more of Ron Holbrook’s landscaping projects in our photo gallery.

A private green space fit for summer soirées.

This spacious backyard is the perfect backdrop for family gatherings or posh cocktail parties. Several seating areas around the yard allow guests to move casually between each vignette. Homeowners Joe and Kimberley Mimran (of Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan fame) host as many as two parties per season, using the entire main floor of the house and backyard, moodily lit with lanterns and candles.

Get Kimberley and Joe’s entertaining tips and recipes in our August 2010 issue. Plus, see more photos of the Joe Fresh Style and Pink Tartan designers’ house in our gallery and in the September 2008 issue.

Lantern lighting creates an intimate evening atmosphere.

A mix of seating types combine for comfy, low-level entertaining. Salvaged tree stumps are painted a silvery grey and work as side tables. Simple runners bring an indoor vibe to an outdoor table setting.

Incorporate levels into a steep yard.

This Toronto home is perched on a steep grade down to the beach, so architect Sharon McKenzie designed several terrace levels to make the yard more livable. Wide, shallow steps leading down to the pool double as extra seating for summer entertaining. Separating the sitting area from the dining set and pool loungers creates the feel of an inviting, open-air extension of the home’s interior.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery.

An unused driveway is transformed into a patio.

The homeowner converted her garage into a music studio and the driveway into a sitting nook and dining area using striking furniture and bold fabrics. Yews and boxwood add texture and up the privacy. A grapevine ball filled with twinkle lights adds mood lighting for summer entertaining.

See more pools, patios and gardens in our Inspiring Backyards photo gallery. Plus, check out other unique garage conversions in our photo gallery.

A plot of paradise in West Vancouver.

This dense shade garden is accented by a Spanish stone fountain, while wax begonias add a pop of colour. Keep heights of flowers and shrubs in mind when planting along a path, so that it doesn’t become too overgrown.

A poolside stone terrace complements neat landscaping.

Hits of black are integrated into this outdoor space’s neutral palette, seen in the fencing, trellis and streamlined chaises.

Tricked out with a top notch barbecue, cooking and clean up area, this space is ideal for summer entertaining.

Perfect for hosting large outdoor parties, this backyard features a covered kitchen complete with a sink, oven and island with storage and countertop space for food prep and serving. A neutral palette with lots of teak wood and white canvas umbrellas and chairs keeps the look clean and modern.

See more indoor outdoor design inspiration in our photo gallery.

A stone Buddha provides a zen view in this contemporary design.

This backyard water feature is defined by a sandstone sculpture purchased by the homeowner in Cambodia. Rough-cut limestone pavers and pea gravel provide ground cover.

Dark, glossy doors and black-and-white striped awnings add punch to a classic white house.

“I’ve always loved black-painted doors, but lately they’ve become a serious obsession,” admits Courtney Barnes, designer and author of the popular Style Court blog. “This Hollywood house with an intimate garden is the quintessential example of that enduring look.”

See more of Barnes’ design picks in our gallery.