Backyard Transformations That Really Took It To The Next Level

What did you do while stuck at home? As it turns out, not everyone whiled away the hours baking bread, scrolling through social media, and watching TV. Some of us were actually productive. And if the idea of people rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on awe-inspiring backyard projects during lockdown sounds fictional, then get ready to be shocked. These DIY heroes made staying in look downright luxurious.

The ultimate playground

Our inner child is pretty much freaking out right now! There are so many elements to this backyard playground, that we don't know where to start: the adorable pool, the slide, the playhouse, and the trampoline all make for the ultimate play space. The kids in this house must have made unforgettable memories during quarantine!

Impressive workmanship

We can barely operate a screwdriver, let alone build our own patio furniture! Consider us extremely impressed with what this Redditor calls a "lockdown patio project." Add a couple comfy cushions, and this is one patio we'd never want to leave.

Cheers!

In this Redditor’s post-COVID vision of the future, he saw his backyard as a welcoming hub for neighbors, family, and friends. So, he got to work on making that vision a reality. Obviously, he succeeded. We’d like a tall piña colada with a tiny pink umbrella, please!

The power of a good makeover

While the rest of us were growing our hair long and neglecting to shave, this Redditor gave their backyard the ultimate makeover! The tangle of unseemly vines were removed along with the spooky shed, and a courageous weeding job revealed a cute stone walkway. Ah, the power of a good makeover.

The backyard treehouse

If you thought you were productive during quarantine, think again! This guy took “productive” to new heights — literally — with this impressive backyard treehouse. It looks so darn cozy, we can’t imagine ever wanting to leave. Maybe the owner could rent it out during the summer months?

Post-pandemic parties

If we didn’t know better, then we’d have thought that the “after” photo was an entirely different yard! The yard went from overgrown and ordinary to something you’d see in a home renovation show. Just imagine the post-pandemic parties you could throw on this gorgeous patio!

Alley chic

Talk about a drastic transformation! This Redditor took what was essentially an alleyway and turned it into a chic outdoor living space. The hardwood flooring really makes it feel like home, and the cozy couch adds to the homey feel. Plus, you can’t go wrong with inviting plants and a barbecue.

Treasures underfoot

You never know what kind of treasures are lying right beneath your feet! In this Redditor’s case, they had beautiful patio tile underneath all that dust and dirt, just waiting to be revealed. After a fair bit of weeding, redecorating, and patio-installing, they now have the backyard space of their dreams. 

Outdoor movie night

Beforehand, this backyard looked like any other suburban yard. Post-transformation, however, it's one of a kind: the beautiful lights, stylish awning, and comforting fire pit all tie this backyard paradise together. And of course, the mounted TV in the corner is the true centerpiece.

An office coop

We’ve never heard of a combination office/chicken coop, but it definitely looks comfortable! All this garage needed was a fresh coat of paint and some cheerful shrubbery to bring it to life. It’s perfect for responding to emails and laying eggs. We just hope the owner can get work done around all those feathers!

Say yes to power washing!

According to this Redditor, his backyard went from an area his family avoided to the most popular place in the house. He has his power washer to thank for that! This yard not only looks newer, but also brighter and cleaner thanks to the power washing and well-organized plant life.

Fit for a fairy

This is a yard fit for a fairy! And in the case of this Redditor, it’s also just right for a couple of imaginative grandkids. The adorable playhouse and its small garden will bring anyone’s fantasies to life, and the tiny mouse house is the perfect finishing touch. Goodbye, quarantine boredom!

Out-sand-ing desert lawn

Who said you can't have a healthy and beautiful green lawn in the middle of the desert? This Phoenix couple used every trick in the book (and maybe a little magic) to make this homey backyard a reality. Still, the pretty rock border and cacti definitely remind us that we're in the desert!

A modern transformation

It’s astounding what a little sprucing up can do! In the case of this Redditor, a modern paint color and well-maintained lawn was all it took to bring this house into the 21st century. And just in time for some socially distanced outdoor dinner parties, too!

Cool kids only

This isn't a patio so much as an outdoor lounge for cool people, if the vibrant aztec-print carpet and soft lighting are any indication. We can see ourselves spending all night out here, sharing secrets with friends and relaxing under the stars. It's safe to say this quarantine project was a success!

Small but spectacular

This woman took “do it yourself” to the next level with this backyard project. As if transforming an overgrown garden into a comfortable getaway wasn’t hard enough, she gave herself just two days and a budget of $750 to do it. She obviously pulled it off, if this small but spectacular finished product is any indication!

A summery hideaway

Now, this is a before and after that takes our breath away. This Reddit user managed to completely transform their drab, slate-gray balcony into a summery hideaway. We definitely wouldn’t mind spending the night under these twinkling lights, even if a nearby moose does crash the party. 

Easy peasy

Some of the transformations on the list took blood, sweat, and tears — this isn’t one of them. If you want to easily and effortlessly transform your own outdoor space, then take notes from this Redditor. With just a few eye-catching tiles and unique yellow furniture, this yard has been totally transformed for the better.

She means business

We can tell by this woman’s determined stance that she means business! The end result of all her hard work speaks for itself. We certainly wouldn’t mind whiling away the rest of quarantine in this backyard. The chairs look super comfortable, and the umbrella provides the perfect amount of shade.

Overcoming obstacles

This Redditor didn’t only overcome the threat of COVID during quarantine. Their mom also kicked out their abusive stepfather in 2020, which meant one thing: celebrating a safe new chapter in their home! Judging by the “after” photo, we can honestly say that this yard’s vibes have improved immensely.

The grass is always greener...

The grass is always greener on the other side...especially on this side of the fence. From the welcoming garden trellis to the abstract-looking chair, this is a backyard we’d like to spend some time in. The stark difference between the before and after photos proves that this new home is in good hands.

Inviting color scheme

There’s not much that a fresh coat of paint and a comfortable blue chair can’t fix. This backyard finally came into its own during quarantine, all thanks to one guy and his decidedly green thumb. With the red umbrella, deep orange flooring, and green chairs, the color scheme is also quite inviting!

A cozy reading nook

This couple took quarantine to a new level when they screened in their back porch. They did such a great job decorating the room with trendy throw pillows and adorable potted plants that we would never want to leave! We can totally see ourselves settling in with a good book.

Time well spent

Most of us spent quarantine baking bread and watching Netflix, but families with young kids had to get a little creative in order to fill the hours. This Reddit family went above and beyond in order to transform their backyard into every kid’s dream. That green grass is perfect for all sorts of backyard adventures!

Get some tiki torches

For anyone who craved a tropical vacation during the darkest days of the pandemic, take notes: a charming canopy of string lights, a welcoming entryway, and a cozy wooden chair are all it takes to transform your home into paradise.

Magazine-ready designs

Now this is a backyard transformation for the ages. Say goodbye to widespread dirt piles and drab color schemes and hello to green shrubbery, enticing red tiles, and a magazine-ready patio design. Did Martha Stewart help you with this?

Fulfilling a promise

During quarantine, we had more time than we knew what to do with. This guy used his extra time to fulfill a promise he’d made to his children two years earlier. By the time we all started venturing out of our homes, this man’s kids were begging to stay in the backyard!

Understandably nosy neighbors...

This went from ordinary backyard to the hottest spot in the neighborhood! If we were this family's neighbors, we'd definitely peek over the fence from time to time in order to get a closer look at that gorgeous patio. Please invite us to your next dinner party, Redditor!

Beautified backyard

If you ever needed proof that you don't need a huge plot of land and a ton of resources to create the backyard of your dreams, it's right here. The patches of dirt and ugly fence have both been beautified into a backyard anyone would be proud of.

Years in the making

It was during lockdown that this guy was finally able to finish a project that was two years in the making: his brand-new backyard patio! The end result is gorgeous, but it's safe to say this Redditor won't be picking up a hammer again anytime soon. "I will never do this all again myself," he wrote.

Ideal hangout spot

According to this guy, the hardest part of his backyard renovation was waiting for his Ikea order to ship! Once he got the goods, however, it was smooth sailing. It only took him around two days to install those tiles and fully furnish his outdoor hangout spot.

Adding some pizzazz

The only thing better than a renovated backyard is a renovated backyard with personality. The fountain makes for an elegant water feature, and the twisty stone pathways add some pizzazz. As a final touch, the pretty archway along the fence ties the whole yard together!

A unique sanctuary

This Redditor really made the most of their time at home during the pandemic, if this backyard sanctuary is any indication. This drab-to-fab transformation has us rushing to the nearest hardware store. We need grass seed, unique plants, and twinkling lights, stat!

Destination: driveway

There’s nothing like an old, crumbly driveway to throw an otherwise beautiful home off balance. This Redditor’s solution? A total renovation! They replaced the ancient stone with stylish red bricks and spruced up the gardens on either side. This is a driveway we’d love to come home to! 

Family bonding time

Those lucky enough to be with family during quarantine may have spent it like this Redditor. After watching the garden fall into disrepair for years, this family finally decided to bring it back to life. We hope the household ended up bonding, not bickering, over the fruits of their labor!