It’s time for a makeover.

Maximizing acompact spacelike a small patio can be tricky.

It usually ends up not just being underutilized but entirely underappreciated.

Outdoor Galvanized Sink

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

There are lots of questions: What are my top priorities?

Will I overcrowd it?

How do I add something unique?

House Plan 1825 Patio looking onto Lake

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

All you need is a little inspiration.

Make It Work

Could you use a project space more than a patio?

Turn it into one.

Christina Lynch porch

Credit:Amy Neunsinger

Raise The Bar

Erica Dunhill

This poolside patio is complete with a simple, covered outdoorbar.

Collected vintage rum bottles play up the island vibe while a sink and under-counter ice-maker provide extra functionality.

Swing It

Laurey W. Glenn

There are few things quite as Southern as aporch swing.

Outdoor bar with marlin on the wall

Credit:Erica Dunhill

Here,strands of lights hungabove the patio create an inviting atmosphere for grilling out and dining.

(Not to mention the fact that it keeps the sun out of your eyes.)

From cocktails to s’mores, it’s possible for you to enjoy a fire pit on your patio year-round.

Texas Farmhouse Porch

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Lay Down Stone

Turn an unused part of the yard into a permanent entertaining-ready space.

Light-colored pavers compliment the home’s color palette while creating a distinct and established feel.

Lean Into Nature

You don’t need pavers or brick to create an inviting patio.

Outdoor patio with table

Credit:Brian Woodcock; Styling: Natalie Warady

This rustic gravel version is simple yet inviting thanks to the large dining table.

Add string lights orcandlesto elevate the space.

Establish An Outdoor Kitchen

Why just have a grill when you could create an entire outdoor kitchen?

Canopy Patio

Credit: Tria Giovan

Plus, it keeps all the mess outside!

Put It On The Shelf

Jean Allsopp

The possibilities are endless with a simple shelf.

The best part: It doesnt take up any of your ground space.

Idea House 2020 Outdoor Firepit

Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface

Build An Arbor

Add height and definition while keeping the patio open and airy with an arbor.

The structure is beautiful on its own but even more so with someclimbing flowersand a lantern or two.

Stripe Away

Make a statement from the ground up by painting or staining stripes onto your decking.

Concrete Dining Patio

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Be sure to outfit your stone patio with comfortable seating.

Make (A Dining) Room

Who doesnt like to dine alfresco?

On the other side is a seating area to keep the conversations flowing after dinner.

Sew-and-Go Carpet Screened Porch

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Fire Away

Ralph Anderson / Styling: Rose Nguyen

Petite patio or cozy corner?

Well let you decide.

Alabama Cabin Outdoor Dining Table with Metal Chairs

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee

Outdoor Kitchen and Shed by Patio in Backyard

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Entertaining Patio

Credit:Jean Allsopp

Arbor Covered Patio

Blue Patio Chairs with Blue and Green Striped Curtains

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

Treetop Terrace with an Open Deck

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Dining Patio

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Leslie Byars Simpson

The deck of our Cinnamon Shore, Texas, Showhouse has it all: a perfectly situated dining nook and a cozy conversation nook. The green Sunbrella fabric mingles softly with the pale blue exterior walls, and punchy geometric throw pillows enliven the space.

Credit:Tria Giovan, Styling: Rachel Burrow and Liz Strong

Green Adirondack Chairs on Backyard Patio

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Metal Wall Hanging Container Garden with Summer Plants

Credit: Design by Mark Thompson; Photo: Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Front Porch Outdoor Dining

Credit:Jean Allsopp

Garden Patio

Credit:Ralph Anderson / Styling: Rose Nguyen

Pink Petunia Window Box

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Small Side Patio

Credit: Ralph Anderson

Georgia Brick Porch

Credit:Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman