Before-and-after photos show how small updates can completely transform your patio

Amilia James was able to brighten up her patio with carefully selected furniture that you might not expect to see in an outdoor area.

Chairs, a coffee table, and accent pillows make the space inviting, while a rug and string lights take it to the next level. The space is totally different than the blank canvas it was before James' makeover.

AstroTurf made a huge difference in Cup of Hygge's rooftop patio, with the flooring alone making it more inviting than it was when it had a cement floor.

Cute outdoor love seats and chairs pair well with the additions of a rug and curtains. As an added touch, the hanging plants on the wood wall are picture-perfect.

Kirsten Yanasak of Bright Yellow Door used curtains to take her outdoor tent to the next level. The added protection of the curtains allowed her to put more furniture in the space, creating an outdoor haven.

The tent offers a 360-degree experience, with a hanging fixture and rug accenting the couch, rug, and chairs. The fresh flowers make the space even more inviting.

Ally, who runs the Instagram account Shifting Spaces, had a blank canvas of dingy cement for her patio.

Painting the ground with a fun print in gray instantly freshened up the area, and simple accessories like a geometric bench and plants bring it all together. The patio went from an after-thought space to an inviting outdoor oasis.

This patio, designed by Laura Sima of Sima Spaces, looks like an entirely different space thanks to a new fence, flooring, and modern furniture.

Before the transformation, the patio featured an old table and an aging fire pit, with the space not being used to its full potential. Sima was able to fit a table with ample seating, a couch, two chairs, and a coffee table on the patio, as well as a large umbrella that makes it feel private.

In addition, the fence divider actually makes the area look bigger, as it doesn't encroach on the sitting space as the bush did.

By covering her patio, Jazz gave herself the option of using indoor furniture in the outdoor space, making it cozier.

Everything from the couch covered in blankets to the funky coffee table is inviting, and the accent wall makes the area a focal point of the backyard. Twinkly lights and ivy just add to the welcoming vibe.

Designed by Jessica of Itty Bitty Farmhouse, a fresh coat of paint does most of the work for this patio revamp.

The white looks bright, and the equally neutral furniture creates a new look that isn't over-the-top. The rug gives the space an edge, making it more than just another neighborhood porch.

Jennifer Costa and her family swapped out the dirt in their backyard for gravel, and the brighter color automatically makes the space look new.

A stylish table and chairs add to the effect, and the family doesn't lose out on greenery either, thanks to the plants on the table and in the fountain.

The general setup of Lacey Jones' patio is the same in her before and her after photo, but the space looks dramatically different because of her design aesthetic.

The wicker chair and white bench create a distinct look, and the decor additions, like the rug, plants, and ladder, make the patio cohesive. The warm color scheme is perfect for the outdoors, too.

Fun hanging flags and brightly colored furniture make Nikki and Nate's patio pop.

The couple, who run the Instagram The Buck Bungalow, used blue furniture and a fun print on the ground to make the space distinct. The fun wood coffee table speaks to the natural world around the area, and the flags mark the patio as a distinct space for relaxation.

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