Before-and-After Yard Makeovers That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
These before-and-after yard makeovers prove that you don't necessarily need tons of effort or a huge budget to make a major impact in your yard. While some of these ho-hum yards were completely transformed by building courtyards or outdoor dining rooms, 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 barren yard of this 1935 Oklahoma City Tudor looked like something out of "The Wizard of Oz."
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Now It's Bursting with Tulips
The homeowner planted 800 tulip bulbs, and now it's a beautiful display of color.
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This Yard Lacked Interest
This large yard was cut in two by a long sidewalk. With minimal landscaping, it was certainly in need of a wow-factor.
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Now It Creates a Warm Welcome
The sidewalk was taken out, and boxwood border gave 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 room.
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Now the Backyard Is a Spot for Entertaining
Beautiful pavers in a shade that blends with the home's exterior set the foundation for the patio that effortlessly blends into the yard.
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This Yard Was a Sad-Looking Entry
The small area lacked inspiration and needed a focal point.
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Now It's a Serene Oasis
A tranquil water feature, inexpensive gravel, and a boxwood border create a stunning retreat.
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This Yard Was a Carport
This 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
Weather-resistant outdoor curtains and a fresh coat of paint dress up the former carport. 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 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 twinkling pendant lights act as the foundation of this outdoor dining room. A beautiful, long dining table with mismatched metal chairs completes the space.
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This Small Backyard Lacked Allure
The homeowners were looking for less grass and more 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.
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This Front Yard Was Overgrown
Overgrown 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.
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This Backyard Was for the Kids
A swing set took up much of the yard and had been outgrown by the homeowners' children.
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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 makes the perfect spot for gathering on chilly evenings.
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This Backyard Was Just Used for Entry to the Basement
The rarely used entrance to the basement was an eyesore.
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Now It's a Pergola
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This Front Yard Was a Bit Dull
The landscaping was complete 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. Two evergreen trees set off the short hedge. 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 random 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 landscaping 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 and gives 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 are all that was needed to upgrade this home's curb appeal.