South African Backyard

Before

Tyrone Kupritz can't stand anything about his backyard. To make his day, his wife, Kari, decides to give him an anniversary gift he'll be sure to love. Host Susie Coelho, designer Brian Toffoli and the Outer Spaces crew transform this unattractive backyard into a beautiful getaway with touches of South Africa, Tyrone's homeland.

After

The outdated pink patio isn't very welcoming in its current state, so it's painted gray, which is much more meutral and grounds the entire design. The iron supports are modernized with stained wood inserts while the metal edges and center bolts are painted black.

Before

The water heater and AC unit are necessary elements that can't be moved, but these eyesores can certainly be disguised to blend in. Hand-me-down furniture that's falling apart and empty pots in a pile don't make the most of another section of the patio.

After

Tinted wax brushed over the painted doors and water heater creates a textured surface that looks like it's always been there. The AC unit is disguised with a fence that mimics the column supports. And elsewhere an umbrella secured inside a large pot (drill a hole for the support and use rocks to stabilize it) offers great shade for an outdoor bar area. Potted succulents are easy to maintain for this couple on the go.

furniture (R & D Imports)