Patio Ideas: Before & After Patio Makeovers

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.

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.

Brick pavers, a large outdoor fireplace with a hefty concrete surround, and a cozy seating area transformed this nothing-special patio into a stylish outdoor space. A simple gazebo attracts attention toward the dining area and a small outdoor kitchen adds function and convenience.

Brick pavers, a large outdoor fireplace with a hefty concrete surround, and a cozy seating area transformed this nothing-special patio into a stylish outdoor space. A simple gazebo attracts attention toward the dining area and a small outdoor kitchen adds function and convenience.

This once-disheveled 1953 ranch had just one thing going for it: a great view. To take advantage of it, the owners designed a poolside patio, accessible from multiple rooms in the house. The updated patio features variegated brick pavers that offer a slip-resistant surface for the poolside setting.

This once-disheveled 1953 ranch had just one thing going for it: a great view. To take advantage of it, the owners designed a poolside patio, accessible from multiple rooms in the house. The updated patio features variegated brick pavers that offer a slip-resistant surface for the poolside setting.

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.

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.

A rectangular terrace spans the rear elevation of this coastal home and has 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.

A rectangular terrace spans the rear elevation of this coastal home and has 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

This patio proves that small changes can reap big rewards. Salvaged French doors and windows improve indoor/outdoor flow, and a new covered section of the patio includes plush built-in seating at the water's edge. A modest-size deck in front of the guesthouse offers easy access to the pool.

This patio proves that small changes can reap big rewards. Salvaged French doors and windows improve indoor/outdoor flow, and a new covered section of the patio includes plush built-in seating at the water's edge. A modest-size deck in front of the guesthouse offers easy access to the pool.

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 that poolside 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.

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 that poolside 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.