Inspiring Outdoor Rooms
See how "The Outdoor Room" host Jamie Durie transforms plain backyards into garden retreats.
By:
Jessica Yonker
Related To:
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.
