When choosing pavers, I always begin with the material because it affects both the function and the overall look of the space. Travertine and limestone are favorites because they stay cooler underfoot, and I also like light-colored porcelain or concrete pavers for the same reason. Dark materials such as slate or deeper-toned concrete tend to hold more heat.
Then I look at pattern. Herringbone gives a more classic feel, while a straight brick lay or a three-piece pattern reads cleaner and more modern. When they’re chosen well, both the material and the pattern should reflect the style of the home so that the patio feels like a natural extension of it.
—Lisa Santoro, ASID Associate, LJS Interiors, Morristown; ljsinteriors.com