After two years of dedicated effort, our dream tiled backyard patio is finally complete! We are thrilled to unveil the dramatic before and after transformation of our outdoor living space.

Our Two-Year Backyard Patio Renovation Journey: From Neglected to Numinous

A collective “hallelujah!” is definitely in order! What began as a hopeful vision for our backyard patio has been a labor of love, slowly but surely taking shape over more than two years. This wasn’t a quick flip; it was a deeply personal, piecemeal renovation, tackled as our budget and time allowed. While this approach presented its own unique challenges, requiring us to revisit certain projects multiple times – our shiplap patio wall, for instance, is version number four! – it also gave us ample opportunity to truly refine our design choices and ensure every element perfectly suited our lifestyle.

Despite the occasional tests of patience that come with any extensive DIY endeavor, we are incredibly excited to finally share the culmination of our efforts. Given the myriad of detailed questions we anticipate regarding the various how-to aspects of this transformation, we’ve decided to break down our renovation story into a series of blog posts. This first reveal will focus on the overall decor, showcasing the stunning before and after visuals. Subsequent posts will dive deep into specific elements, addressing all your frequently asked questions about our DIY Invisirail glass railings, the captivating geometric concrete Lili Tile tiles, and exciting upcoming projects like our DIY tank pool and fire pit area. Prepare to be inspired by this comprehensive outdoor living makeover!

The Original Backyard: A Blank Canvas

To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s cast our minds back to the day we first laid eyes on this property. The patio area, or what was supposed to be one, was virtually invisible. It was an overwhelming expanse of dense, unruly brush and tangled growth that completely swallowed any hint of a paved surface. Far from being a light-filled, inviting space, it felt dark, confined, and utterly neglected. Our initial task, and arguably the most physically demanding, was to clear out this botanical wilderness. We meticulously removed years of overgrowth and dismantled the imposing iron fence that further segregated the space, finally allowing the area to breathe and hinting at its hidden potential.

We chose to live with the raw, cleared space for the first year, allowing us to truly understand how we used the backyard and what we desired from an outdoor living area. This period of observation was invaluable, informing every subsequent decision, from the layout of different zones to the aesthetic of the materials. After much deliberation, we finally selected the perfect cement patio tile – the geometric “Optics” design from Lili Tile – to refinish the old, forgotten concrete slab that lay beneath the debris. This choice marked the beginning of building the foundation for our modern outdoor sanctuary, turning a wild, unkempt area into a structured and stylish extension of our home.

The Transformation Unveiled: Our Dream Outdoor Oasis

With the initial clearing and tiling complete, our vision for a bright, cohesive outdoor space began to materialize. A pivotal step was painting the entire exterior of our home in Behr Polar Bear White. This fresh, crisp shade instantly brightened the area and provided a perfect backdrop for the newly defined patio. To enhance privacy and introduce a clean, modern aesthetic, we constructed a durable PVC board wall. This shiplap-style wall not only offers a secluded feel but also serves as a beautiful architectural feature.

For the decor and furnishings, we aimed for a collected, inviting atmosphere. Last summer, we shared a glimpse of our Article outdoor dining setup in a DIY battery-operated accent light post. We’ve always adored our Article outdoor dining table and chairs, and the desire to extend this cohesive style led us to incorporate more pieces from Article. The Arca outdoor sofas and Tana side tables perfectly complement the dining area, creating a harmonious flow throughout the patio. As a seasoned DIYer and home renovator, I can attest that free delivery on quality furniture, especially solid wood pieces like those from Article, is an absolute game-changer. These robust, well-built furnishings were delivered directly to our home, saving us immense effort and hassle during the installation process.

To further enhance the collected aesthetic, we curated a unique woven hat and rattan decor wall using a mix of new and vintage items. This personal touch adds warmth and character, making the patio feel truly lived-in and unique. The choice of white geometric concrete coffee tables was a deliberate one, designed to subtly mimic the distinctive patterns of our Lili concrete tiles, reinforcing the modern design theme.

One of the most impactful changes to facilitate an indoor/outdoor lifestyle was replacing the existing sliding glass doors with elegant fiberglass French doors. This upgrade not only floods our kitchen with natural light but also creates a seamless transition to the patio, perfect for entertaining. Given our home’s prime location on a lake, managing bugs and humidity is a constant consideration. Installing outdoor Hunter Fan ceiling fans was an absolute must, providing a continuous breeze that keeps pests at bay and ensures a comfortable environment even on the warmest days.

We are absolutely captivated by the new view from our breakfast room, which now opens up directly to the shimmering lake and our stunning patio. The ability to seamlessly entertain guests and extend our living space outdoors is precisely what this lake house needed. It’s no longer just a house; it’s a home perfectly integrated with its beautiful surroundings, offering endless opportunities for relaxation, gatherings, and enjoying the natural beauty of the lake. Our two-year endeavor has culminated in an outdoor oasis that truly enhances our everyday life.

Tiled Backyard Patio Sources: Shop the Look

• White geometric concrete coffee tables
• Optics 8×8 cement tile from Lili Tile
• Clear glass deck railing from Invisirail
• White outdoor Weathermax ceiling fans from Hunter Fan
• Tana teak wood stool from Article
• Teaka dining chairs from Article
• Teaka dining table from Article
• Arca Driftwood gray sofas from Article
• Resin/plastic outdoor storage cabinets