Porch transformations so amazing you’ll want to sit and stay a while.
But these gorgeous patio spots weren’t always that way.
Sometimes you better bring the hammer and nails and transform your front orbackyardinto a construction zone.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Check out our best before and after porch makeovers you better see to believe.
There wasn’t room for seating or an area to welcome guests on this old front porch.
Rather than crowd the front door, opposingporch swingsmake it so guests can have room to sit and chat.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
The new roofline, shutters, and columns change the house’s exterior entirely.
There is also space to improve the landscaping to appreciate the views.
Artificial turf anchors the space as an unexpected area rug.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Potted plants andraised bed gardensenhance the space by transforming it into a lush, green environment.
The appliance occupied valuable real estate and did not serve the interests of homeowners.
Changing the layout of this area opens up possibilities for more living space.

After: Classic Charleston Courtyard
The outdoor family room extends the livable area.
The bistro-style setting allows for multiple seating areas decorated with a distinguishable European flair.
Before: Garden Supplies Drop Spot
With no shade, the backyard needed a covered gathering spot.

Credit: Hector Sanchez
Withoutfunctional outdoor furniture, the empty area became a disorganized drop spot for gardening tools and outdoor supplies.
Sconces offered lighting options, but the site wasn’t achieving its full potential as used.
She made the overhead lights by transforming pickle jars into pendants.

Credit: Courtesy of Olivia Brock
The outdoor fireplace adds comfort to this relaxing dining space.
Before the renovation, they had to keep the festivities indoors.
Although the stairs provided a convenient opening to the backyard, some improvements could make it even more functional.

Credit: Francesco Lagnese
Moving the staircases to both sides allows for more guests and a better flow.
Roasting marshmallows is possible while sitting around the fire pit and enjoying the massive porch renovation.
The disarray was an uninhabitable space as it looked like a permanent construction zone.

A significant renovation transforms this outdoor patio to utilize the expansive yard full of endless possibilities.
There’s no yard to mow here, but greenery still supports the lounge and private retreat.
The neutral palette complements the Cape Cod-style home.

Credit: Tria Giovan
The awkward layout restricted the entertaining and activities with only one built-in seating area.
Replacing the wood deck with pavers gives the space a feeling of permanence.
The wide staircase also fixes the tripping hazard and highlights the beautiful entryway.

Credit: Courtesy of Brad Shapiro
The seating arrangement didn’t encourage conversation as the seats were far from each other.
Pink-hued pillows and a variety of vibrant container gardens bring lots of colors.
Pendants brighten the space.

Credit: Tria Giovan
Before: Underused Porch
The 130-square-foot space was too small for a dining table or sofa.
Surrounded by windows, this space had the potential for a great entertaining spot.
Overlooking the yard, this room’s sightlines of the landscaping need to be more appreciated.

Two 6-foot fiddleleaf fig trees bring life to the porch.
Thearea rugdefines the room, but the throw in of entertaining possibilities in this space is endless.
Sometimes you better tear down a porch before it can be rebuilt.

Credit: Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn
The home’s authenticity is kept intact by reviving the porch in period-perfect style but without structural damage.
Floor-to-ceiling screens provide unobstructed forest views.
Everything needs replacing in the current construction, from the ceiling to the screen door.

Credit: Courtesy of Anna Evans
The space calls for a relaxing patio but needs a makeover first.
After: Adds Major Charm
The 19th-century home has a new porch that beautifully delivers farmhouse style.
Arranged to stimulate conversation, white-wicker chairs and an area rug define the space.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
A modern ceiling fan keeps this patio cool on hot summer days.
Before: This Porch Didn’t Exist
Before the renovation, there was no outdoor living space.
This project can design its layout to fit the homeowners' precise wishes because there is no starting point.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
The blank slate is an opportunity but also a challenge.
The patio, tucked againstthe fireplace, allows for year-round entertainment.
Including double doors expands the indoor-outdoor living space.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Steps off an adjacent room, this patio extends into a sun-filled space from the wrap-around windows and doors.
Changing structural features in the room fixed the missed opportunities homeowners were experiencing by limiting time in this space.
Opposing couches and additional ottomans provide plenty of seating options.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Flanked by two trees, the fireplace is the perfect centerpiece for this room.
New plantings and pretty pots of flowers and greenery also helped cheer up the area.
The contrasting styles of hefty stone pillars and delicate ironwork also lacked consistency.

Credit: Courtesy of Stephen B. Chambers, Architects, Inc.
A coat ofhaint blueon the ceiling also helps open up the space and create a breezier feel.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn


Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo


Credit: Laurey W. Glenn


Credit: Nancy Nolan


Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Courtesy of Virtuance

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller