25 Before-and-After Patio Makeovers to Inspire Your Design

poolside lounge area
Photo: 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.

01 of 25

Modern Patio Makeover Before

before photo Beltran backyard small patio
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.

02 of 25

Modern Patio Makeover After

After photo Beltran backyard with gas fire pit
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 a cozy ambiance in the evenings.

03 of 25

DIY Desert Oasis Before

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

The owners of this desert home bought it in an unlivable state. Intending to turn it into an Airbnb destination, they had to make the backyard feel like an escape. Their work was cut out for them, but the results are remarkable.

04 of 25

DIY Desert Oasis After

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

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

05 of 25

Concrete Patio Makeover Before

Concrete Jungle outdoor lounge
Seth Smoot

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

06 of 25

Concrete Patio Makeover After

poolside lounge area
Seth Smoot

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

07 of 25

Backyard Patio Ideas

A backyard and patio 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.

08 of 25

Multi-Purpose Patio Before

patio backyard makeover
Courtesy of Chris Fenmore

This bland backyard needed a good patio 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.

09 of 25

Multi-Purpose Patio After

outdoor fireplace
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 to the dining area while offering shelter from the sun or rain. A small outdoor kitchen adds function and convenience.

10 of 25

Patio, Pergola, and Pool Before

traditional american patio
Courtesy of the homeowner

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

11 of 25

Patio, Pergola, and Pool After

deck gray cedar shake siding
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 surrounded by the house's walls and pergolas offer shelter and charm.

12 of 25

Bungalow Patio Redo Before

Bungalow outdoor
Courtesy of the homeowner

This backyard space was usable, but new outdoor patio ideas made it much more appealing. See what central 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!

13 of 25

Bungalow Patio Redo After

stucco bungalow Craftsman
Hedrich Blessing

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

14 of 25

Stone Patio Makeover Before

screened porch
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 primarily indoor space to an outdoor oasis. See what this blue house looks like with a pool.

15 of 25

Stone Patio Makeover After

limestone patio pool fireplace
Matthew Benson

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

16 of 25

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Before

garden trellis Outdoor Kitchen Bar
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.

17 of 25

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar After

pavilion Outdoor Kitchen Bar
Courtesy of the homeowner

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

18 of 25

Small Patio Addition Before

old exterior backyard
Courtesy of the homeowner

There's not much to this old backyard with no patio or deck. 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.

19 of 25

Small Patio Addition After

Flagstone pavers backyard
Tim Murphy

A previously useless backyard now has 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.

20 of 25

Seaside Patio Makeover Before

dated brick patio
Courtesy of the homeowner

This dated patio doesn't have much open space. However, tearing down the brick wall removed an eyesore and made it much more inviting. Check out the backyard patio ideas that helped transform this space.

21 of 25

Seaside Patio Makeover After

coastal terrace windows
Jeff Mcnamara

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

22 of 25

Patio with Outdoor Fireplace Before

backyard pool fence
Courtesy of the homeowner

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

23 of 25

Patio with Outdoor Fireplace After

brick house shady backyard fireplace
Grey Crawford

A bland backyard is revitalized with a spacious brick patio leading to multiple rooms in the home. 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 bit of landscaping now frames the patio, contributing to the inviting look.

24 of 25

Pavilion and Shed Before

pool cover backyard
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.)

25 of 25

Pavilion and Shed After

luxury poolsode pavilion
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. The owners chose similar materials for the pavilion, including cedar shakes, copper gutters, and custom iron window grilles. A large outdoor fireplace anchors the space.

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