The Property Brothers Share Their Best Advice For Upgrading An Outdoor Space

When it comes to curb appeal, sometimes we forget that it's not just the front that we have to worry about. The backyard shouldn't be neglected just because it's, well, out back. HGTV's Property Brothers say one of the best ways to upgrade your outdoor space is to create a new patio, or update an existing one, and make it a functional space that everyone can enjoy. 

One strategy for this is to make the outside feel like it could easily be a space that you would find inside your home. For example, Designer brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott helped actress Rebel Wilson upgrade her friend's yard in "Celebrity IOU." They created an outdoor patio space that acted like a den and dining room outdoors with a TV hanging on the wall. Plus, they added a fully serviceable outdoor kitchen and dining area. The furniture, while able to hold up to the elements, feels like a hangout spot that could be found inside. 

This indoors-moved-outside design is something that makes your patio functional, and usability is something these home rehabbers love. The best way to make the most out of your backyard, they say, is to create a patio or outdoor space that you can use to gather, cook, or simply relax. Make it a space that the whole family can enjoy, and you won't go wrong with your patio upgrade.

In Drew Scott's own home, he shows how he took an overgrown yard and transformed it into a patio where the family could cook and gather on their large deck. When adding or revamping a patio, the brothers suggest using natural-looking elements, avoiding concrete. For example, the Property Brothers say you can boost curb appeal with garden gravel by using it to outline outdoor dining spaces. 

As part of making functionality key, you'll need to think about what you want when hanging out with people. Adding in tables and chairs so people can dine, for example, is a great starting point. To complete the indoors-moved-outside feel, you should also consider details that make the area more comfortable. This might be shade provided by a pergola or by automatic screens that can keep pesky mosquitoes out. Try erecting some louvered walls or slatted barriers to encourage airflow while also giving you and your family added privacy. The brothers are also big fans of adding rustic patio firepits, which can come in handy during transitions from summer to fall. 

Some final touches could be adding some of the best patio plants to enhance any space. If you're going for a tropical look, add some tall planters with large palms, which have the added bonus of creating privacy. Or you can create a flower bed around the patio and fill it with flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas. Plant culinary herbs in containers or the surrounding garden for a farm-to-table vibe. Your patio can be an oasis if you let it.