Before-and-After Yard Makeovers That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
These before-and-after yard makeovers prove that it doesn't necessarily require tons of effort or a huge budget to make a major impact in your yard. From boosting your curb appeal to re-envisioning an unused space in the backyard, there are so many ways to elevate your home's exterior environment. Perhaps you've been dreaming about creating that outdoor dining patio to entertain guests? Or maybe adding window boxes on the front with luscious blooms? While some of these ho-hum yards were completely transformed by building courtyards or outdoor fire pits, for others just a few, small tweaks—like adding some tidy shrubs or healing a patchy lawn—created huge improvements to a yard's overall curb appeal. Whether you're looking to make dramatic or subtle changes, these jaw-dropping makeovers will surely inspire your next project.
This Yard Was Barren
The lackluster yard of this 1935 Oklahoma City Tudor that looked like something out of "The Wizard of Oz" was in need of some maintenance and landscaping.
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Now It's Bursting with Tulips
With the help of 800 tulip bulbs, the homeowner breathed new life into the yard with a beautiful and vibrant display of colorful flowers throughout.
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This Yard Lacked Interest
This large yard was awkwardly cut in two by a long, dull sidewalk. With minimal landscaping and a hidden entryway, it was lacking curb appeal and desperately in need of a wow-factor.
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Now It Creates a Warm Welcome
With a few changes and additions, this one-story home got a whole new look. The sidewalk was removed, steps extended, and front door replaced to create a welcoming porch enhanced with a boxwood border to give structure to the yard. Rosemary and cascading greenery soften the look of the new brick entry.
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This Yard Was Covered by a Deck
There's nothing wrong with a good deck, but the homeowners were looking for something that gave the feeling of a permanent outdoor living space.
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Now the Backyard Is a Spot for Entertaining
The ramshackle deck was torn out and replaced with beautiful pavers in a color that blends with the home's exterior. With a whole new feel, the patio now blends effortlessly into the yard boasting new, lush bushes to create a distinct space.
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This Yard Was a Sad-Looking Entry
The small side yard area lacked inspiration and needed a focal point.
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Now It's a Serene Oasis
The space was completely reimagined to create a secluded, stunning retreat complete with a tranquil water fountain, inexpensive gravel, and a boxwood border.
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This Yard Was a Carport
This dilapidated carport took up much of the backyard of this home and certainly didn't add to the appeal.
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Now It's a Rear Courtyard
While retaining the carport structure for practical use, this homeowner added weather-resistant outdoor curtains and a fresh coat of paint to dress it up. The courtyard now doubles as a seating area and dining space—making it ideal for outdoor entertaining.
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This Yard Lacked Shade
After losing a 100-year-old hickory tree in this unfinished backyard, the homeowners lacked a shady spot to beat the summer heat.
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Now It's an Outdoor Dining Room
A beautiful fireplace, iron pergola draped in wisteria, and an intricate patio design act as the foundation of this outdoor dining room. A long dining table with mismatched metal chairs and twinkling pendant lights complete the space.
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This Small Backyard Lacked Allure
The homeowners were looking for less grass for minimal upkeep while adding an outdoor living space.
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Now It's a Low-Maintenance Courtyard
Beautiful pavers and low-maintenance landscaping have created a space perfectly suited for the homeowners to enjoy. The courtyard now acts as an extension of the home for true indoor-outdoor living.
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This Front Yard Was Overgrown
Overgrown and unkept landscaping in the front yard detracted from the home's curb appeal.
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Now It Shows Off the Curb Appeal
A cluster of American boxwoods behind a manicured boxwood hedge keeps the landscape simple and classic—just like the home's updated exterior. New pavers and clean lines help create a defined lawn.
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This Backyard Was for the Kids
A once beloved swing set took up much of the yard and had been outgrown by the homeowners' children, so the space needed an updated purpose.
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Now It's a Grown-Up Gathering Place
Adirondack chairs, a gravel surface with a stone border, and a rustic metal fire pit surrounded by lush greenery makes the renovated space an ideal spot for gathering on chilly evenings.
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This Backyard Was Just Used for Entry to the Basement
This forgotten rear entrance to the basement was an eyesore that lacked function.
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Now It's a Pergola
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This Front Yard Was a Bit Dull
The landscaping and front exterior of this home was out of date and incomplete with just a few scraggly bushes.
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Now It's a Cottage Charmer
It didn't take much to upgrade the yard. The homeowners created a new focal point by removing the awnings and adding evergreen trees with a short hedge to anchor the area. A border of colorful flowers and a few perfectly placed containers complete the garden.
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This Yard Had No Landscaping
Aside from a few haphazardly place bushes, this yard was void of life.
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Now It's a Stunning Garden
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This Yard Needed a Pop of Color
The beautiful farmhouse was getting lost in a large, bland yard.
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Now It Lets the Charming Farmhouse Shine
The less-is-more mentality definitely paid off here. A simple carpet of lush green grass is all that was needed to step up this farmhouse.
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This Yard Needed a Few Tweaks
The minimalistic landscaping on this yard wasn't too bad—it just needed some manicuring and refinement.
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Now It's Perfectly Manicured
A row of bushes in assorted sizes line the house to give order to the yard. The lawn was rid of its brown patches and now is a lush expanse of green.
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This Sloped Yard was a Challenge
The incline of this yard made it necessary to think outside the box.
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Now It Gives Major Curb Appeal
Ground cover and a couple clusters of bushes in assorted sizes were all that was needed to upgrade this home's curb appeal.