A Patio Transformation
By Nate Berkus
![Patio bummer Patio bummer](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_01_350.jpg)
The Backyard Bummer
Welcome to Lorraine and Brian's patio. Set atop a steep slope, it's not exactly the most festive place. "I love parties," Lorraine told interior designer Nate Berkus, "I would like to have a backyard that I can entertain in."
Nate's going to have to dig his way out of this one! Reinventing this yawn of a yard is a big job, but he's up to the challenge.
Nate's going to have to dig his way out of this one! Reinventing this yawn of a yard is a big job, but he's up to the challenge.
![Outdoor room Outdoor room](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_02_350.jpg)
An Outdoor Room
Nate devised a concept to create a great space for entertaining. "I think we can create a folly, like they used to do in the country homes in England." Nate created an "outdoor room" that's ready for parties. Trellises create airy walls, and arches bring a touch of the English countryside to the suburbs.
![Table and sofa Table and sofa](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_03_350.jpg)
Blending With Nature
To add to the living-room feel of the new backyard, Nate chose outdoor furniture and accents. Everything from the wood to the candles is designed to blend with nature. Even the pillows are waterproof.
![Slate Slate](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_04_350.jpg)
Smooth Slate
New, smooth slate replaces the uneven bricks on the ground.
![Home before Home before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_05_350.jpg)
The Hill Before
The biggest challenge? This sloping hill. Because of the steep incline, Nate's team built a retaining wall. It wasn't the prettiest thing to look at, so Nate had a solution...
![Landscaping Landscaping](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_06_350.jpg)
Landscaping
To cover the unattractive concrete retaining wall, Nate decided to plant bushes and plants in front of it. Large trees grow near the trellis to provide privacy, too.
![Grill nook Grill nook](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_07_350.jpg)
Grill Nook
"If you're going to entertain outside, you've got to have the grill," says Nate. "My problem is that grills are ugly, so we're going to create a special area so Lorraine and Brian don't have to look at this thing." Good thinking!
![Lighting Lighting](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_08_350.jpg)
Lighting
Nate shows Lorraine and Brian a smart touch: small lights that are both functional and attractive. They'll look beautiful at night!
![Before Before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_09_350.jpg)
Before
Here's the patio before...
![After After](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200307/20030714/slide_20030714_patio_10_350.jpg)
After
…and here it is after Nate worked his magic! Turns out this interior
decorator knows a thing or two about the outside, too!
Published 01/01/2006