7 Insider Backyard Patio Designs That Add $15K to Your Home Value

3. Rustic Farmhouse Brick Patio

After two years of sleek concrete and modern lines, I was honestly craving something with more soul. You know that feeling when you walk into an old farmhouse and everything just feels warm and welcoming?

That’s exactly what I wanted to create in my backyard. A space that felt like it had been there for generations, even though I was starting from scratch.

The rustic farmhouse brick patio became my obsession, and let me tell you, it was the most rewarding project I’ve ever tackled.

Finding the Perfect Reclaimed Brick

This is where I almost gave up before I even started. I thought I could just grab some “rustic-looking” bricks from the home improvement store and call it a day.

Those new bricks looked faker than a three-dollar bill.

Reclaimed brick is absolutely essential for authentic farmhouse charm. I spent weeks driving around to salvage yards and demolition sites looking for the right ones.

The best batch I found came from a 1920s factory that was being torn down. Each brick had this incredible patina and character that you simply can’t fake.

Here’s what to look for: varied colors, slight chips and wear, and that weathered texture that only comes from decades of use. Authentic reclaimed brick will have mortar still stuck to some pieces – that’s actually a good sign.

I paid about $0.45 per brick, which was way more than new ones, but the character was worth every penny. For my 200 square foot patio, I needed about 800 bricks total.

Pro tip: buy 10% extra because some will break during installation, and you’ll want extras for future repairs.

Vintage-Inspired Furniture That Actually Lasts

My first attempt at vintage outdoor furniture was a complete disaster. I bought this “distressed” metal table set that looked great in the store but started rusting within a month.

Apparently “distressed” and “weather-resistant” are two very different things.

Real vintage-inspired furniture needs to be built to last outdoors. I ended up finding an amazing wrought iron dining set at an estate sale for $300.

The key was having it professionally sandblasted and powder-coated. Cost me another $400, but now it looks authentically aged while being completely weatherproof.

For seating, I went with teak Adirondack chairs that I distressed myself using sandpaper and gray wood stain. They look like they’ve been sitting on that patio for decades.

Vintage accessories make all the difference too. I have an old wooden wheelbarrow that I use as a planter, and a rusty metal watering can that’s purely decorative but adds so much character.

The secret is mixing real vintage pieces with new items that have that aged look. Nobody can tell the difference, and everything actually functions properly.

Herb Gardens in Galvanized Planters

I’ll be honest – I initially planted my herbs directly in the ground around the patio. Within two months, they had completely taken over and looked like a jungle.

Galvanized planters were the perfect solution, and they fit the farmhouse aesthetic perfectly.

I found these amazing vintage galvanized tubs at a flea market for $25 each. They’re about 2 feet wide and 18 inches deep – perfect for herb gardens.

The key is drilling drainage holes in the bottom. I learned this the hard way when my first batch of basil drowned after a heavy rain.

Now I have six planters arranged around the patio edges, each with different herb combinations. One has all the Italian herbs – basil, oregano, rosemary. Another has mint varieties (keep mint contained, trust me).

My favorite is the “tea garden” planter with chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. The smell when you brush against it is absolutely incredible.

Galvanized metal develops this beautiful patina over time that just gets better with age. After three years, mine look perfectly weathered and authentic.

Installing a Pergola with Climbing Plants

This was definitely the most challenging part of the project. I initially tried to build the pergola myself using a kit from the hardware store.

Three weekends and two trips to urgent care later, I admitted defeat and called a contractor.

The professional installation took one day and cost $2,800, but it was worth every penny. The pergola is 12×16 feet and made from cedar that I stained to look weathered.

Climbing roses were my first choice for coverage, but I made a huge mistake with variety selection. I planted these aggressive climbing roses that grew so fast they completely blocked out the sun.

Now I have David Austin climbing roses on one side and Confederate jasmine on the other. The roses bloom in spring and early summer, while the jasmine provides fragrance all season long.

The key is training them properly from the start. I use soft plant ties to guide the growth along the pergola beams. It takes patience, but the results are stunning.

After two years, the coverage is about 70%, which provides perfect dappled shade without making the space feel closed in.

Mason Jar Lighting and Vintage Touches

Mason jar lighting sounds cheesy until you see it done right. My first attempt looked like a Pinterest fail – just random jars hanging everywhere with no plan.

The secret is creating intentional groupings and using different sizes. I have clusters of three jars at varying heights, with battery-operated LED string lights inside each one.

I found vintage blue Ball jars at antique shops, and they give off this incredible soft blue glow in the evenings. Pure magic.

Vintage accessories are what really sell the farmhouse look. I have an old milk crate that holds extra cushions, and vintage metal signs that I’ve weatherproofed with clear coat.

My favorite piece is an antique farm scale that I use as a side table. It’s completely functional and adds so much character to the seating area.

The key is not overdoing it. A few well-chosen vintage pieces have way more impact than cluttering the space with every old thing you can find.

I also use vintage-style outdoor string lights with Edison bulbs strung between the pergola posts. They provide ambient lighting while maintaining that authentic farmhouse feel.

Perfect for Entertaining and Family Gatherings

This patio has become the heart of our home for family gatherings. The brick surface is perfect for kids to play on, and the herb gardens give them something to explore.

The pergola provides natural shade during afternoon barbecues, and the vintage dining table seats eight people comfortably.

I love how the space feels intimate but not cramped. The brick creates natural conversation areas, and the soft lighting makes evening gatherings feel magical.

Entertaining is so much easier when the space feels welcoming. Guests naturally gravitate toward the herb planters to smell the different plants, and everyone wants to know the story behind the vintage pieces.

The best part? Everything gets better with age. The brick develops more character, the plants grow fuller, and the vintage pieces develop more patina.

After three years, this patio feels like it’s been part of our home forever. That’s exactly what I was hoping for.

Ready to escape to your own Tropical Paradise Deck-Patio Combo that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation every day? Click “next” below to discover how composite decking and lush tropical plants can transform any backyard into an exotic retreat – plus I’ll share the water feature disaster that taught me everything about proper drainage!