Bring the Indoors Outdoors and Onto Your Patio

By Nate Berkus
Nate Berkus creates an 'outdoor room' in a backyard.
Nate had to dig his way out of this patio problem. Reinventing a yawn of a yard was a big job, but Nate was up to the challenge.

Transform Your Backyard
  • Create a concept or theme for your patio area. Nate's inspiration was the English countryside.
  • Want extra privacy around your yard? Plant tall pine trees—they look nice and do the job!
  • Invest in waterproof fabrics for pillows and cushions. You'll never have to worry about them when it rains.
  • Conceal ugly retaining walls with a row of shrubbery.
  • Use candles to create a glow at night, or try small hanging lights.
  • If you have room to do so, create a special grilling area. That way, you'll have separate cooking and entertaining zones at parties.

See a demonstration of this makeover