Inspiring Outdoor Rooms

See how "The Outdoor Room" host Jamie Durie transforms plain backyards into garden retreats.

By: Jessica Yonker

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After: Let It Sink In

Jamie Durie took the "Men in Trees" star Anne Heche's existing patio and created a beautiful sunken lounge area, complete with outdoor curtains that can create privacy in a pinch. Pretty plantings, including potted olive trees and spider plants, are easy to care for and add much-needed greenery to the space.

Before: Pretty Dull

TV and film star Anne Heche's yard has potential to be just as stunning as the actress herself.

After: A Quick Dip

Durie also added a breezy gazebo to the foot of Heche's pool. Removing all the bulky outdoor furniture and condensing it into an enclosed space lets the garden take the spotlight.

Before: Backyard S.O.S.

This event planner's barren yard needs a little TLC, and quick.

After: Bye-Bye, Lawn

Jamie removed the unkempt lawn, replacing it with this classy covered dining area. He also created enclosures for the original fruit trees and added benches for extra seating.

After: Double the Fun

Two custom tables and "floating" planters promise a serene party environment any time of year.

Before: Wasted Space

With careful planning, this empty yard has plenty of room to grow into something fabulous.

After: Serene Seclusion

The space transforms into a lush entertainment area with a crystal clear infinity-edge pool, outdoor dining area and an awesome fire pit.

After: Pool Party

The old hedges are the perfect backdrop for rows of junipers, birch and olive trees.

After: Now That's a Fire Pit

Removing a large deck allowed space for a pool and this stellar gabion bowl fire pit.

After: New Friends

The owner's Bird of Paradise is now accompanied by junipers and this adorable wooden bench.

Before: Bland Backyard

Homeowners Tony and Latrice's yard can be the perfect place to relax with just a few touch-ups.

After: Bedroom to Backyard

Jamie installed French doors to open the couple's bedroom up to the newly renovated backyard.

After: Party-Ready

A pretty pergola makes shade over the new dining area while a poolside deck allows the couple to relax after a dip in the pool.

After: Succulent Wall

Jamie adds color to the existing wall by installing a bright vertical garden filled with succulents.

Before: Plain Patio

The patio suffers from a lack of flow and creativity.

After: Pati-Oh!

The new, sophisticated dining area lets the lush greenery provide color. A custom-built planter acts as a wall that separates the patio from the rest of the yard.

After: Hanging Out

Jamie replaces the unused yard with this enchanting space, removing the lawn and filling it with tropical plants, a floating lounge and daybed.

After: Float On

The floating daybed is perfect for reading a book or taking a nap in the garden.

Before: Old Yard

Homeowners Felicia and Kenny Fredieu inherited their home, and its overgrown backyard, from Kenny's late mother.

After: Former Glory

Jamie Durie breathed new life into the old yard, installing an outdoor kitchen and dining room to accommodate Felicia and Kenny's large family.

After: A Hot Retreat

Jamie also included this ultimate relaxation zone where gorgeous shrubs surround a floating deck and hot tub.

Before: Tribute

Kenny and Felicia wanted to highlight this pepper tree planted by Kenny's mother, who was an avid gardener and loved to cook, in their redesign.

After: Beautiful Memories

Jamie created a classy seating area around the old pepper tree to remember Kenny's mother.

Before: Forgotten Yard

Heather's daughter may be the only one having any fun in this space.

After: Fun for All

Whether it's birthday parties or barbecues, the new deck is always ready for a party.

After: Meditation Station

The curved pergola adds architectural interest to the yard, and also serves as a yoga pavilion.

Before: Boring Backyard

Miya and Kelvin want a backyard that will grow with their young son.

After: Wooden Retreat

This contemporary space combines natural wood with pops of bright color that will look great for years to come.

After: Fire Away!

The new yard blends seamlessly into the new fire pit area, which also houses a grill nearby for late night gatherings with the family.

After: Garden, Body and Soul

Jamie Durie also installed an outdoor bath with a custom-built wood surround

Before: Eclectic Chaos

Jay and Chelsea's garden started with good intentions, but has fallen into disarray.

After: Colorful and Quaint

Jamie tuned into the couple's quirks to create this vibrant greenspace.

After: Hammock Haven

Hexagon pergolas are outfitted with knotted ropes and hanging plants. Hammock seating saves space and creates a fun, casual place to wind down.

After: Try Fabric

Bright fabric planters in different shapes and sizes make room for plenty of colorful container arrangements.

Before: Too Much Lawn

This family needs less lawn and more useful space.

After: Fine Garden Dining

The family's existing stone wall is a great background for the new outdoor dining room and deck.

After: Raising the Bar

Custom-built raised beds provide a place for the whole family to plant flowers or their own food.

Before: Yard Check

The homeowners with this dull backyard are longing for an outdoor space fit for entertaining.

After: Rockin' Backyard

The renovation completely transforms the yard into a fun entertainment space with a raised deck with fire pit, pool and a one-of-a-kind pergola.

After: Geometrics

Jamie built this unique, triangular pergola to let the couple's cactus poke through.

After: Tree Lounge

A circular deck built around the couple's fruit tree is a shady spot for guests to kick back.

After: Veg Out

Large, geometric raised beds host a plethora of veggies in this once barren space.

After: Cool Runnings

Jamie used turf to create a dog run for the couple's pooch.

Before: Overgrown

This homeowner's L-shaped yard is overrun with untamed hedges and weeds.

After: Taming the L

The remodel turns the irregular L-shaped yard into an asset, creating a raised deck and dining area, covered patio and garden path leading to the fire pit and hot tub.

After: Zen Sanctuary

Jamie completely revamps the yard, giving it a fresh new look and feel with a hot tub, wicker outdoor furniture, lounge seating and a fire pit.

Before: Bare Bones

This backyard has pretty plantings, but needs a solution for its unkempt lawn.

After: Warm Retreat

Jamie Durie added a raised deck and dining spot with pops of orange and natural wood.

After: Work and Play

Jamie also built an outdoor office, allowing easy access to the yard once work is done.

Photo By: Photo by Jamie Rector

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