An open backyard space is like a blank canvas full of opportunity for designing an inviting patio. However, all that open space can also be overwhelming, bringing up questions such as, Where do I start? What size patio should I put in? What options are there?

Award-winning landscape designer Scott Cohen shares four of his favorite patio design sketches you can use to get ideas for your backyard space.

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Concrete patios are popular spots for lounging in the sun. But it's all too easy to get too much of a good thing, which is why providing some shade is important to offer some relief from the blazing midday rays. In an ideal situation, you'd position a portion of your patio right beneath a mature shade tree. But that's not always possible, especially in newly installed landscapes. Fortunately, you have other options for creating shade, using either natural plantings or patio coverings. See these attractive ideas for making your concrete patio a cool, shady retreat.

Vine-covered patio.

1. Use natural greenery

2. Install a pergola

A column-supported pergola creates an attractive covered area on your patio that shelters you from both the sun and the rain. See how this treeless backyard was transformed with a stamped concrete patio and pergola.

Column-supported pergola.

3. Plant a 'living' roof 

A living roof over your patio can provide as much shade as a solid roof, while offering fragrance and color. Plants can actually help cool their surroundings through transpiration, as they release water through their leaves during hot weather. Good deciduous, flowering vines are wisteria because they will adapt to the seasons and add fragrance to your outdoor area. Get more eco-friendly tips for your backyard landscape.   

Outdoor rooms for sun and shade.

4. Create shaded outdoor rooms

Enjoy both the sun and the shade by zoning your concrete patio, providing umbrella-shaded areas for eating and relaxing and sunny spots for tanning. This backyard project incorporates five multi-level, circular concrete patios, with each level creating a unique outdoor room.