A newly-renovated kitchen or sprawling en suite bathroom will always be a perk, whether you’re buying, renting, or simply upgrading your own space. But post-pandemic, it’s all about the outdoor space. In fact, homes with an outdoor space (patio, backyard, balcony, etc) have actually increased in value post-2020, per the New York Times.

In other words, finally getting around to installing that deck, buying proper patio furniture, or simply adding an outdoor area rug and throw pillows is a worthwhile investment. But value aside, who doesn’t want to host friends for an outdoor happy hour when it’s a perfect 75 and sunny?!

So, whether you’re working with a spacious backyard, small patio, or covered porch, we have design ideas at the ready. Ahead, check out five Havenly backyard makeovers that will make you want to sip rosé al fresco stat.

1. From Garage to Garden Party

Before

After

Space wasn’t the issue for this patio — it was the lack of a streamlined, cohesive aesthetic. To start, our designer removed the random lattices, rock surrounds, and storage unit in favor of clean, uniform brick pavers, simple mulch, and a fresh coat of white paint on the house, garage, trim, and doors. Finished with two seating moments, globe string lights, and plenty of plants at varying heights, the patio “after” is garden party-ready.

2. From Monochrome to Multi-Dimensional

Before

After

With a strictly brick color palette, the “before” pergola was in desperate need of some eye-catching contrast. To balance out the warm flooring and give the patio a modern makeover, we primed the canvas with clean white paint on the walls and ceiling and graphic black trim. Spacious, comfortable seating checks the “function” box, while layered rugs and an oversized pendant light add style and ambiance.

3. From Cold to Cozy

Before

After

The above backyard makeover is living proof that textiles can go a long way. With a great layout and cute furniture already on deck (literally), we gave this backyard a simple design treatment with texture-rich throw pillows, planters and lanterns, and a striped area rug to define the seating area. And there you have it: a magazine-worthy patio.

4. From Stormy to Sunlit

Before

After

For this sun room to actually live up to its name, we started with the obvious: a fresh coat of white paint on the walls, trim, floor, and ceilings. The sisal rug, rattan pouf, and wicker side table bring texture and warmth, while the ceiling fan and lighting upgrades add style points.  Finally, the large sectional fits like a glove and gives the space a chic Parisian modern moment.

5. From Cramped to Curated

Before

After

To make the most out of a small, crowded backyard, we made a bold privacy play. The deck creates a functional outdoor gathering space (goodbye, dated concrete) while the slatted wood fence adds privacy while covering up the unsightly electrical panels. Two separate seating areas coupled with planters, twinkle lights, lanterns, and a statement scalloped umbrella make this a must-see backyard makeover.

Looking for a way to overcome your unique home dilemmas? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.