6 Before-and-After Backyard Makeovers That Invite Entertaining

BEFORE: Unfinished Business

A rear addition to this humble 1926 English cottage provided an opportunity to start fresh and blur the boundaries between indoors and out.

AFTER: Cottage Charm

French doors lead to a new flagstone patio that accommodates an outdoor eating area with room to spare. Flagstone pavers draw the eye into the grassy backyard, and lush greenery invites year-round relaxation.

BEFORE: Screened In

A screened back porch consumed precious square footage in this small family bungalow.

AFTER: Stepped-Up Style

By replacing the screen porch with a new dining room, the formerly boxy bungalow gained breathing room -- and a better outdoor living space. The new patio accommodates modern family gatherings with ease yet retains the home's charming architectural character.

Give Your Backyard a Boost

Learn how to maximize your backyard's style and function with these smart, space-savvy outdoor living tips.

BEFORE: Lacking Character

Awkward structures and seating made this backyard feel like an afterthought.

AFTER: Garden Getaway

A boring backyard was recast as a lush, inviting garden. Use landscaping to give presence to a lackluster outdoor space; here, traditional garden elements like an entry arbor and a white picket fence beckon visitors. Add a touch of whimsy by changing a garden path from pea gravel to brick.

BEFORE: Plain Jane

Large trees gobbled up this small patio, making it feel too cramped to relax and entertain.

AFTER: Entertainment Central

Parties are always best with a good mix of people. Likewise, a well-designed living space relies on a good mix of materials. Retractable glass doors blur the line between inside and out, while textured, pigmented concrete flooring coordinates with the exterior color scheme. Though the entire patio is connected, one side has a lower ceiling to create an intimate space for small gatherings. An outdoor kitchen creates an informal divide between the areas.

BEFORE: Room Without a View

An enclosed porch cut the rest of the house off from beautiful bay views.

AFTER: Coastal Connection

An addition including a new deck and patio connects the family room with the backyard. Expanses of glass ensure the back of the house enjoys stunning views, while porthole windows pay homage to New England's coastal history.

BEFORE: Untapped Potential

A too-narrow patio felt more like a sidewalk than an outdoor living room.

AFTER: Roomy Retreat

Chic furnishings and space-defining features bring smart style and comfort to this revamped backyard. Stone pavers dramatically expand the patio space and complement the home's natural materials. Use structures to define zones. A large pergola defines the dining area, while a fire pit and retaining wall offer a cozy place for roasting marshmallows.

Tip: Siting the patio as close as possible to the kitchen will encourage indoor-outdoor entertaining.