The Very Best Patio Makeovers We’ve Ever Seen on Apartment Therapy
Whether it’s sprucing up the backyard with a container garden or creating a cozy nook for al-fresco gatherings, patio renovation is on the rise, as many homeowners have been making the most of their outdoor space.
If you’re just starting your patio refresh this summer, you’re in luck: We have lots of inspiration for you! These are our seven all-time favorite outdoor makeovers that have been featured on Apartment Therapy. Each patio is as Instagram-worthy as the last, with a ton of design inspiration and a few budget-friendly ideas. Get ready to ooh and aah!
1. A Patio in Shambles Transforms into a Serene Outdoor Deck
- Price tag: $3,000
Homeowner Brian Bigalke turned his “unusable” backyard patio space into an outdoor sanctuary. By replacing an old crumbling stone wall and chain-link fence with new wood fencing, Bigalke can now enjoy his lush escape in complete privacy. Plus, twinkling lights, plush greenery, and two seating areas make the yard extra inviting!
See the transformation: Before and After: An “Unusable” Patio Turned Enchanting Retreat for $3000
2. A Stained, Concrete Patio Gets Gorgeous with One Big DIY Change
- Price tag: $150
Deema Lopez describes her original stained and cracked patio as a “filthy disaster.” But after painting her concrete in a bold checkerboard pattern, the new look is classic and elegant. “When I say the [paint] transformed our backyard, I mean, it really transformed the backyard,” Lopez says.
See the transformation: Before and After: A $150 Refresh Makes this 70-Year-Old Patio Look Brand New
3. A Barebones Backyard Unveils a Fresh New Look
- Price tag: $725
Stuck with drab backyard walls and peeling paint, Laura Giuliani knew she needed a patio makeover ASAP. Over one weekend, Giuliani and her three kids rolled up their sleeves and began creating the backyard of their dreams. Now, the family has a favorite hangout — complete with comfy chairs and a fire pit perfect for making s’mores.
See the transformation: Before and After: A One-Weekend, $725 Redo Turns This Mud Pit into a Stylish Outdoor Hangout
4. A Weedy Lawn Evolves into an Ultra-Modern Hangout
- Price tag: $1,000
Asa Davis’ unsightly backyard was no more than a patio area with aqua blue benches, an unpainted deck, and a long strip of grass that had seen better days. “The space made me feel like I was constricted to the inside of my home,” Davis says. With the addition of a DIY pergola, day beds, and café lights, Davis created his own super-chic backyard escape. “I absolutely love everything about the after.”
See the transformation: Before and After: An Unwelcoming Backyard Becomes a “Tropical Oasis” for $1000
5. A Dreary Patio Becomes a Stunning Outdoor Dining Area
- Price tag: $150
When Wendy Gilmour looked out into her backyard, she saw a sea of dull, gray concrete. Tired of her view, she came up with a brilliant, low-cost solution to breathe new life into her outdoor space. Painting geometric “tiles” on top of the concrete (using a stencil!), Gilmour gave her patio an instant upgrade. “I feel like this area of the patio makes a real statement now — dressed with the furniture, I just love it,” Gilmour says.
See the transformation: Before and After: A $150 Paint Project Punches up This Dreary Gray Patio
6. A Drab New York City Yard Gets Recast as a Bohemian Paradise
- Price tag: $2,000
Vida Cornelious knew she was going to have to get her hands dirty before she could enjoy her backyard. She began by clearing out all of the weeds and garbage and loaded up on turf and sand. After a month of hard work, she could enjoy her space — and call it finished. Framed by a dramatic, newly painted black fence, Cornelious’ spacious outdoor living room is now her go-to gathering spot. “It’s almost impossible to remember you are in NYC, because it is really tranquil and quiet. I also love that is is a great space for entertaining,” she says.
See the transformation: Before and After: A $2,000 Redo Turns a Run-Down Patio into a Breezy Hangout
7. A Boring Backyard Gets a Boost of Charm
- Price tag: $500
With a house measuring 696 square feet, it was essential for Madison Bess to set up a relaxing patio to use as an additional space to eat, work, and escape. She painted a concrete slab, found a secondhand chiminea, and added a rattan table, which she got for free. Now? She has the cutest outdoor retreat!
See the transformation: Before and After: A $500 Redo Turns a “Blah” Patio into the Perfect Hangout
Have you recently completed a patio makeover? Tell us about it in the comments below!