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.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
There are lots of questions: What are my top priorities?
Will I overcrowd it?
How do I add something unique?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Fire Away
Ralph Anderson / Styling: Rose Nguyen
Petite patio or cozy corner?
Well let you decide.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Credit:Jean Allsopp


Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

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

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

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

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

Credit:Jean Allsopp

Credit:Ralph Anderson / Styling: Rose Nguyen

Credit:Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Ralph Anderson

Credit:Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman