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  5. Spectacular Before-and-After Patio Makeovers to Inspire Your Outdoor Space

Spectacular Before-and-After Patio Makeovers to Inspire Your Outdoor Space

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated April 27, 2021
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poolside lounge area
Credit: Seth Smoot
A patio makeover can add boost the living space and charm of your home. If you're thinking about revamping your patio or installing a new one, consider these before-and-after patio makeovers as fuel for ideas. These incredible transformations turned overgrown yards into stylish destinations for relaxation and fun.
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Modern Patio Makeover

before photo Beltran backyard small patio
Credit: Laura Hull

A poorly built addition on the back of this house required the homeowner to tear it off and start over, prompting a transformation that extended into the backyard. Patchy grass and mismatched fencing also had to go, but the owner wanted to preserve the yard's 80-year-old white mulberry tree for shade. The resulting patio makeover turned the drab backyard into a modern outdoor room.

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Modern Patio Makeover

After photo Beltran backyard with gas fire pit
Credit: David Tsay

Modern patio furniture and new fencing establish a color palette of soft grays and weathered wood in the revamped backyard. Around the patio, pea gravel provides a low-maintenance alternative to grass, and lush plantings surround the area with natural appeal. A gas-powered firepit lends cozy ambience in the evenings.

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DIY Desert Oasis

back exterior view of cabin before
Credit: Courtesy of Brian and Kathrin Smirke

The owners of this desert home bought it in an unlivable state. With the goal of turning it into an Airbnb destination, they had to make the backyard feel like an escape. They had their work cut out for them, but the results are remarkable.

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DIY Desert Oasis

exterior of cabin with painted wood artwork and outdoor tub
Credit: Kim Cornelison

With some concrete surfaces and a little plumbing work, their backyard makeover turned a deserted space into an outdoor spa. An orange clawfoot tub lends itself well to relaxation and the southwestern decor matches the location. Two lawn chairs make a perfect conversation area for a glass of wine at night.

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Concrete Patio Makeover

Concrete Jungle outdoor lounge
Credit: Seth Smoot

This backyard wasn't fulfilling its potential. With concrete slabs covering more than half the yard, it was a perfect spot for a pool. See how the homeowners created this concrete patio makeover.

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Concrete Patio Makeover

poolside lounge area
Credit: Seth Smoot

The result is a dreamy backyard makeover with a cozy, casual vibe. A new conversation area, pool, and bonus guest house create an inviting spot to relax or entertain family and friends. The covered patio makes it suitable for all kinds of weather.

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Backyard Patio Ideas

A backyard makeover can be an overwhelming process. We're here to help sort through all those decisions. Upgrade a basic backyard patio with these next-level decorating and design ideas.

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Multi-Purpose Patio

patio backyard makeover
Credit: Courtesy of Chris Fenmore

This bland patio was in need of a good backyard makeover. Although it had good bones, the space went largely unused. See what elements the homeowners kept and what they added to make a dream backyard patio.

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Multi-Purpose Patio

outdoor fireplace
Credit: Edmund Barr

Brick pavers, a large outdoor fireplace with a hefty concrete surround, and a cozy seating area transformed this patio into a stylish outdoor space. A simple gazebo attracts attention toward the dining area while offering shelter from the sun or rain. A small outdoor kitchen adds function and convenience.

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Patio, Pergola, and Pool

traditional american patio
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

We know it's a blurry picture, but you won't even recongize the after shot of this backyard makeover. To complement their stunning home, the homeowners created a luxurious, traditional-style backyard. You'll find some inspiring patio ideas to recreate from their end result.

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Patio, Pergola, and Pool

deck gray cedar shake siding
Credit: Steve Gray

The owners replaced their drab builder deck with a sweeping patio, multiple pergolas, and a pool. The pool's surrounding bluestone pavers match the rustic gray tone of the cedar shake siding. Two small decks cocooned by the house's walls and pergolas offer shelter and charm.

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Bungalow Patio Redo

Bungalow outdoor
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

This backyard space was usable, but new outdoor patio ideas made it so much more appealing. See what major architectural element changed the look of this backyard, and how you can do the same. The homeowners even kept the dining set as proof that you can always upcycle old furniture!

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Bungalow Patio Redo

stucco bungalow Craftsman
Credit: Hedrich Blessing

This new patio blends with its bungalow's stucco exterior and brick foundation. Concrete pavers, brick planters, and pretty landscaping help define the area, which maintains a simple, square design to complement the home's Craftsman style. They kept the outdoor decor simple to show off the new backyard entrance to the home.

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Stone Patio Makeover

screened porch
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

It's hard to believe this family wanted to get rid of their screened-in porch, but once you see the results of their patio makeover, you'll understand why. It went from being a mostly indoor space to an outdoor oasis. See what this blue house looks like with a pool.

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Stone Patio Makeover

limestone patio pool fireplace
Credit: Matthew Benson

A new limestone patio, swimming pool, and outdoor fireplace transform an unkempt backyard into an elegant outdoor retreat. The fireplace surround was built from salvaged granite slabs, which complement the stone veneer used on the home's exterior. Gorgeous landscaping makes the family want to stay outdoors.

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Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

garden trellis Outdoor Kitchen Bar
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

A garden trellis and an outdoor dining set provided a solid start to this backyard. However, the space had so much more potential. See how an added bar completely transformed this backyard makeover.

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Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

pavilion Outdoor Kitchen Bar
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

Perfect for outdoor entertaining, this redesigned patio includes a colorful outdoor kitchen pavilion with bar seating for guests. Rustic brick pavers complement the bar's wood tones. The table set from before remains an inviting place to dine al fresco.

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Small Patio Addition

old exterior backyard
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

With no patio or deck, there's not much to this old backyard. To fix that, a backyard makeover completely transformed the home's exterior. See the dramatic changes that made up this patio makeover on the next slide.

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Small Patio Addition

Flagstone pavers backyard
Credit: Tim Murphy

A previously useless backyard now harbors two inviting outdoor spaces: an upstairs deck and a ground-level patio. Flagstone pavers in a reddish hue add character to the small patio, accessed through new French doors. A new exterior color scheme warms up the home.

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Seaside Patio Makeover

dated brick patio
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

This dated patio doesn't have much open space. Tearing down the brick wall removed an eyesore and made it much more inviting. See the backyard patio ideas that helped transform this space on the next slide.

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Seaside Patio Makeover

coastal terrace windows
Credit: Jeff Mcnamara

Spanning the rear elevation of this coastal home, a rectangular terrace features multiple seating areas for relaxing, dining, and sunbathing. Plenty of windows along the back of the house ensure views of the water from every room. Stacked stone pillars and railings made from steel cable add architectural interest.

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Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

backyard pool fence
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

Many people dream of a backyard pool. However, if it doesn't get much use, there's no point in keeping it. See what these homeowners did when they decided to do a patio makeover sans pool.

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Patio with Outdoor Fireplace

brick house shady backyard fireplace
Credit: Grey Crawford

A bland backyard is revitalized with a spacious brick patio that leads to multiple rooms in the house. A dining area tucks under a shady tree, while a cozy seating arrangement encourages guests to relax in front of the new brick fireplace. A little bit of landscaping now frames the patio, contributing to the inviting look.

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Pavilion and Shed

pool cover backyard
Credit: Courtesy of the homeowner

A pool is great, but a pool with a pavilion is better. See how an epic backyard makeover turned this functional space into a place you won't want to leave. (And a pavilion isn't all they added.)

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Pavilion and Shed

luxury poolsode pavilion
Credit: Emily Followill

A new pavilion and shed add an air of luxury to this poolside patio. The shed includes a Dutch door, board-and-batten siding, and a stone base for a rustic look. For the pavilion, the owners chose similar materials, including cedar shakes, copper gutters, and custom iron window grilles. A large outdoor fireplace anchors the space.

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 25 Modern Patio Makeover
    2 of 25 Modern Patio Makeover
    3 of 25 DIY Desert Oasis
    4 of 25 DIY Desert Oasis
    5 of 25 Concrete Patio Makeover
    6 of 25 Concrete Patio Makeover
    7 of 25 Backyard Patio Ideas
    8 of 25 Multi-Purpose Patio
    9 of 25 Multi-Purpose Patio
    10 of 25 Patio, Pergola, and Pool
    11 of 25 Patio, Pergola, and Pool
    12 of 25 Bungalow Patio Redo
    13 of 25 Bungalow Patio Redo
    14 of 25 Stone Patio Makeover
    15 of 25 Stone Patio Makeover
    16 of 25 Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
    17 of 25 Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
    18 of 25 Small Patio Addition
    19 of 25 Small Patio Addition
    20 of 25 Seaside Patio Makeover
    21 of 25 Seaside Patio Makeover
    22 of 25 Patio with Outdoor Fireplace
    23 of 25 Patio with Outdoor Fireplace
    24 of 25 Pavilion and Shed
    25 of 25 Pavilion and Shed

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    Spectacular Before-and-After Patio Makeovers to Inspire Your Outdoor Space
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