Outdoor areas have long been a way for homeowners to get more entertaining space from their properties without having to build out or up, but things are changing when it comes to what those spaces feature.
New trends in 2025 are rewriting the outdoor living rulebook, and staying up-to-date means maximizing home value and getting more enjoyment from your property. Forget what you thought you knew about patios, pools, and pergolas. Read on to see what outdoor projects homeowners are prioritizing most this year, according to the top experts we surveyed in architecture, construction, and remodeling.
Main Findings
Homeowners are more willing to invest in outdoor spaces in 2025 than in 2024, say 56% of experts.
98% of experts agree that an updated outdoor space has a big impact on home value.
Indoor-outdoor coherent design is the biggest outdoor living trend this year, according to 56% of pros.
Pocket sliding doors for indoor-outdoor living are the newest emerging trend, say 46%.
Earthy tones take center stage, with 56% of respondents naming them the most popular color for outdoor spaces.
The pizza oven stands out as the most desired outdoor kitchen feature, with 50% of experts selecting it as their top choice.
Minimalist furniture leads the way in 2025, with 58% of experts naming it the top outdoor furniture trend.
Composite decking is the top patio flooring pick for 2025, favored by 46% of experts.
Swimming pools lead outdoor entertainment, with 40% of experts naming them the most desirable amenity.
Experts agree that drought-tolerant, water-wise planting leads landscaping trends in 2025, with 62% marking it as the top trend.
The trend isn't about building a second house in your backyard anymore. Elaborate outdoor kitchens are giving way to smart proximity to the real one, turf is being traded for wildflowers and native plants that actually belong there, and we’re seeing clients ditch massive hardscapes in favor of meaningful pockets—spaces that feel curated, not conquered.
Importance of Outdoor Living Space
More and more homeowners are turning to creating functional outdoor spaces for living and entertaining, and more than half of the experts (56%) we surveyed agree that people are prioritizing outdoor living and backyard upgrades in 2025 more than they have in the past.
Trends are one thing, but we wanted to know what value the movement toward outdoor projects held for the future. Ultimately, is investing in outdoor spaces really a good financial choice?
Well, the experts overwhelmingly agreed that it is, with a staggering 98% agreeing that a usable, updated outdoor living space has a big impact on home value. The other 2% were neutral. Additionally, real estate experts report that investing in upgrading outdoor features can provide a return on investment (ROI) of 50% or more, depending on the project. The bottom line: sometimes it pays to keep up with the Joneses.
10 Biggest Outdoor Living Trends in 2025
The verdict is in: keeping up with outdoor living trends can provide a greater ROI and make your home more desirable. But what are the trends that are making the biggest splash in outdoor spaces in 2025? Here’s what experts agree homeowners are prioritizing.
1. Indoor-outdoor coherent design
One of the most popular outdoor trends in 2025, which has remained trendy for years now, is creating a coherent space between your outdoor area and the interior room that opens up to the outside. This could mean matching colors, keeping materials and themes consistent, and even just thoughtfully installing doors and windows to create a unified space despite the partitions.
This year, 56% of experts agree that a unified design is dominating outdoor living trends. That percentage was higher in 2023 and 2024 (73% and 78%, respectively), but pros still say this is the best way to modernize and remain trendy.
2. Outdoor kitchens
Nearly 40% of experts say that outdoor kitchens have been a key part of exterior design for years and aren’t going out of style anytime soon. You can keep your space simple by building some permanent shelving and countertops around your grill, or you can go all out and install a full suite of outdoor appliances and plumbing fixtures to bring the entire kitchen outside.
3. Multi-functional spaces
Gone are the days when a backyard functioned solely as an area for entertaining and relaxing. Buying a home is less affordable now than it ever has been before, so savvy homeowners are using outdoor space to extend their more costly interior square footage. About 31% of experts that we surveyed agreed that backyards are no longer just for relaxation. More and more often, homeowners are converting them to workout areas, offices, dining areas, and even wellness nooks. Design your space to convert back and forth between multiple uses, and you’ve got yourself a trending space that maximizes home value.
4. Entertainment zones
Multi-functional outdoor zones may be trending, but 27% of experts agree that the outdoor entertainment zone is still king. You can get more out of your space by making it adaptable to changing needs, but if you’re going to prioritize one thing, make it entertainment. Consider making space for movie nights under the stars, dedicated tabletop game areas, homemade spa experiences, and dining spaces.
5. Easy maintenance and long-lasting furniture
One piece of good news for your wallet in the long run is that 27% of experts agree that homeowners are increasingly prioritizing low-maintenance materials and furniture that lasts. Going this route may cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll end up saving over time.
“Outdoor design in 2025 is all about smart effort, maximum comfort, [and] minimum upkeep,” said Danny Niemela, co-owner and vice president of ArDan Construction, a full-service home remodeling company in Scottsdale, AZ.
6. Full outdoor living rooms
What screams luxury and outdoor living like a full-scale living room in your yard? Answer: nothing. Just under 25% of professionals agree that full outdoor living rooms are an upcoming trend in 2025. We’re talking comfortable sofas, throw pillows, an outdoor TV or projector, and even artwork to bring the design together.
7. Wellness-centered zones
More people are concerned with mental health than ever before, and that’s evident in outdoor trends. Yoga decks, saunas, meditation spaces, swimming pools, and plunge tubs are all things that are sure to maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space and boost your home value in the meantime, according to 21% of experts.
8. Biophilic design
19% of outdoor design and remodeling professionals agree that adding more plants and greenery is becoming more popular in 2025. Biophilic design is pro-nature and helps introduce plants into outdoor living spaces, creating more of a “coexisting vibe” than a dominating one. This design principle is a top interior design trend in 2025 and a top trend in bathroom design, so it’s a great way to create some uniformity between interior and exterior areas.
9. Indoor design elements
Speaking of uniformity between indoor and outdoor spaces, 17% of experts say that bringing indoor comforts outside is a popular way to create a comfortable exterior area. Think plush rugs, soft, natural lighting, cozy throws, and lounge-worthy sofas to make your patio or deck feel more like a room than an outdoor space.
10. Sustainability
Growing concern for our planet and anxiety about global warming have made sustainability a long-standing design trend both inside and outside for years. Just under 15% of experts agree that homeowners are prioritizing sustainability, which is lower than in 2024, but it’s still a trend that’s likely here to stay for ethical and practical reasons. This year, homeowners are using recycled materials, smart landscaping choices, and even colors to mirror their sustainability goals and beliefs.
The Newest Emerging Outdoor Trends in 2025
Persistent outdoor design trends are usually a safe bet, but sometimes, change is a good thing. If you want to create an exterior living space that’s more likely to grab the attention of soon-to-be homebuyers, emerging trends like pocket doors, cold plunge pools, and smart features might be some of the best investments you can make.
1. Pocket sliding doors
Pocket doors were popular in the late 1800s, but they’re making a major comeback. Nearly half of the experts we polled agree that pocket sliding doors leading to the outside help create a more coherent indoor/outdoor space. And 60% of our experts noted that nailing that same wide-open feel with stack sliding doors is one of the top door trends to consider in 2025.
2. Cold plunge pool
According to 39% of experts, cold plunge pools are making waves in 2025. They are the perfect addition to small backyards, and you can pair them with hot tubs or saunas to create your own private spa experience. Cold plunge pools offer more than just an icy dip, they are popular because of their potential to boost energy, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being and mental health.
3. Fire features
Can you say “toasted marshmallows” and “ultimate relaxation”? A third of exterior design experts can, and they agree that fire pits are sought-after additions to backyard oases. Consider a smaller fire feature, like a portable propane fire table, to bring the luxury without the commitment.
4. Smart tech integration
Homeowners want convenience and control over their comfort. This is a big reason why thinking about smart tech integration for your outdoor area is wise, both for your enjoyment and resale value. Outdoor smart tech is an investment that 27% of experts say is a growing trend in 2025. Think automated lighting, voice-activated entertainment, and irrigation on timers for worry-free living. You can really step up the tech by splurging on automatic beverage dispensers and integrated sound systems that blend seamlessly with your landscaping.
5. Floating decks and raised platforms
Imagine retreating to a standalone seating and entertainment area that’s a bit more secluded and still immersed in nature; that’s what you can expect from floating decks set away from your main home. A quarter of experts contend that these are great for creating alternative areas for relaxing, especially on sloped properties, or for making multi-level dining and lounging areas. Add some vegetation for privacy and a fire pit or fire table to tick multiple outdoor entertainment boxes.
6. Outdoor audio systems
What’s a backyard BBQ or pool session without some relaxing tunes? Close to 20% of experts say that high-quality outdoor audio systems are becoming a must-have in 2025. Opt for speakers and subwoofers that blend into your landscaping, and you’ve got an emerging trend that will never go out of style.
7. Turf grid
For those looking for an eye-catching and low-maintenance solution for their flooring, turf grids are emerging as a top trend, according to 17% of experts. It blends hardscaping elements like concrete or paver blocks with natural grass or ground cover interspersed between them.
8. Water features
Water features in landscaping are nothing new, but 17% of experts are recognizing a new trend: minimalist fountains and small, natural-looking streams. Your wallet will thank you for not investing in a giant koi pond, and you’ll still get the tranquility that only trickling water sounds can provide.
9. Exterior glass courtyards
If you love the feeling of being outdoors but value privacy or protection from the elements, exterior glass courtyards are the emerging trend for you. Identified as a growing trend by 12% of experts, these installations create a secluded outdoor space using glass walls. This allows you to enjoy the sun and views of your yard while protected from wind, bugs, or outside noise.
Color and Material Trends for Outdoor Spaces
Homeowners are moving away from cold minimalism and leaning into warmer tones, bold tile shapes, and richer materials.
Gone are the days of cold, modern colors in outdoor spaces and unnatural materials that battle with the surrounding landscape rather than blend with it. Experts across the country agree that a more natural approach to color and materials is the way to go to keep up with trends.
More than half of the experts we surveyed agree that earthy tones are the top color trend for outdoor spaces in 2025. Warm browns, soft beiges, and muted greens blend seamlessly with nature and make for calmer, more enjoyable outdoor living.
44% of experts agree that natural and sustainable materials are increasingly popular in 2025, as well as organic textures. Reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled elements, and sustainable composites are replacing some of those less natural options, with 21% of experts agreeing that repurposed materials are hot this year. Plus, they support a greener lifestyle without sacrificing aesthetics and longevity.
“I'm seeing man-made materials in outdoor spaces being replaced by natural elements and biophilic design,” said Ryan Hinricher, founder and CEO at Sunworth Homes, a custom home builder in Winter Garden, FL.
Designing a trendy outdoor area doesn’t have to mean drab colors that don’t make a statement. In fact, 37% of design experts say that bold accents like dark terracotta, deep navy, and charcoal are increasingly popular choices for homeowners who want a more personalized space. Feel free to let your individuality shine through with bold area rugs, throw pillows, and decor.
Vibrant colors and sunset palettes are rising in popularity, too, with 17% and 12% of experts, respectively, identifying them as emerging trends.
Top Trending Outdoor Features
Sometimes, it’s easiest to build your outdoor space around a standalone feature… but what should that main focal point be? According to experts, you can’t go wrong with a pizza oven, minimalist furniture, composite decking, or a swimming pool. But don’t worry; there are alternatives for each that are sure to make your space sizzle.
A pizza oven is the most popular outdoor kitchen feature
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor kitchen, 50% of experts say installing a standalone pizza oven is a worthy trend to pursue. In fact, it’s the most sought-after element in an outdoor kitchen, followed by bar areas for entertaining and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces that blur the lines between indoor comforts and outdoor enjoyment, according to 44% of experts.
Have some more room in your budget? A fully-equipped kitchen with prep space, a built-in stovetop, and a seating area is the ultimate in luxury, and 42% of experts agree this trend is here to stay. You can tone it down a bit and still keep your kitchen on-trend by incorporating flat-top grills (27%), built-in refrigerators (23%), and standalone smokers (19%).
Minimalist furniture tops outdoor furniture trends
When it comes to furnishing your backyard, 58% of experts agree that minimalist furniture is the most popular option. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and functional design are dominating in 2025.
That doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of bold colors and unique designs, though. 32% of the professionals we surveyed say a mix-and-match approach for a more eclectic appearance is still trendy, offering an easy way to get creative. Retro furniture with bolder colors and stand-out designs is another option for personalization, and nearly a quarter of experts agree it’s making a comeback in a big way.
Over 20% of experts say concrete and wicker furniture is ideal for increased durability while still remaining trendy.
Composite decking is the most popular flooring for a patio
Composite decking is the most popular patio flooring option in 2025, say 46% of the experts we polled. It’s durable, customizable, and sleek, and with the right texture and color, it can blend well with your landscaping to make for a cohesive look. Permeable pavers are a solid alternative that 44% of experts report is still popular with homeowners. They create a stark contrast from your landscaping, but they offer eco-friendly drainage and excellent longevity.
With blending indoor and outdoor spaces being so popular, you’re probably not surprised to hear that seamless flooring going from an interior room to the exterior patio is trending, according to 39% of experts.
Although it’s not popular for landscaping anymore, artificial turf is still one of the most popular options for patio flooring, according to 17% of experts. Other emerging options include textured surfaces and wood-look finishes, say 12% of experts.
Swimming pools define outdoor entertainment areas in 2025
When it comes to outdoor entertainment in 2025, the swimming pool still tops the list, with 40% of experts agreeing that it’s the most desirable outdoor feature. And as something that can cater to children, adults, and everyone in between, that shouldn’t be a surprise.
If you’re not keen on the cost of installing or maintaining a pool, don’t worry; you still have some appealing alternatives. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to wellness-focused additions like outdoor spa zones (29%), yoga or fitness spaces (21%), saunas (21%), and hot tubs (19%).
Outdoor movie theaters are another popular focal point that 21% of experts agree is trending, and for more active families, sports courts may be the way to go, according to 17% of experts.
Top Landscaping Trends
Your entertainment and relaxation spaces may take most of your focus when it comes to outdoor spaces, but let’s not forget about the rest of your property. There are plenty of landscaping and hardscaping trends to keep in mind when putting the finishing touches on your yard.
Sustainability today means more than just choosing building materials that help reduce your carbon footprint. 62% of experts agree that drought-tolerant plants are the top trend for landscaping in 2025. These can look beautiful but also reduce watering needs and maintenance.
Native plants are similarly popular, with 54% of design experts touting them for their natural resilience, adaptability, and local environmental benefits. Functional landscaping is also trending, based on expert opinion. Edible gardens (29%), smart irrigation systems (29%), and wildscaping (27%) are all trends with some staying power that further highlight the trend towards a more eco-friendly outdoor.
Naturalistic hardscaping (25%), pollinator gardens (23%), firewise landscaping (21%), and living fences (10%) are all popular as well. These trends can help support biodiversity and even improve safety and privacy on your property while naturally beautifying your yard.
Outdoor Living Trends on the Way Out in 2025
As of 2025, several outdoor living trends that were once popular are starting to fade as tastes shift toward more sustainable, low-maintenance, and functional design options.
Of course, trends come and go, so we asked our experts what’s hot but also what’s not in landscape design and outdoor living in 2025.
Artificial turf
Artificial turf might still be trending for patio flooring, but it’s no longer as popular for landscaping as natural cover plants. While it’s low-maintenance, as it requires no mowing or watering, it lacks the ecological benefits of native plants, which are more eco-friendly and support soil health and biodiversity.
Traditional grass lawn
Speaking of natural cover plants, traditional grass species are becoming less popular as more homeowners turn to alternatives, like native plants and clover lawns. Traditional grass is very high-maintenance and requires constant watering, which makes it a less eco-conscious option than its alternatives.
Oversized outdoor kitchens
Giant outdoor kitchens were once the epitome of outdoor luxury, but homeowners now prefer modular kitchens that they can adapt to changing needs. As Charles Hendricks, principal at Gaines Group Architects, puts it, “Large defined spaces are on the way out; clients want flexibility of scale and function.”
Large water features
Sprawling water features are luxurious, but they come with equally luxurious price tags, too. More homeowners are going for more subtle water features, as Niemala explains, “Water walls, koi ponds, and reflecting pools burn energy, need constant maintenance, and offer very little payoff unless you are entertaining weekly.“
Over-stylized, formal gardens
People are moving away from formal garden spaces with exotic plants and are trending toward wildflower meadows, native plants, and gardens that coalesce with the nature around them. “Over-stylized, formal gardens are [being] replaced with more naturalistic designs,” notes Sabine H. Schoenberg, founder and CEO at Smart Healthy Green Living, a multimedia company focused on green living and design.
In fire-prone areas - fire features and wood furniture are out
In fire-prone areas where wildfires are a threat, homeowners are turning away from fire pits and fire features that could contribute to the problem. “In California, having just experienced devastating wildfires, there is hesitation over installing new outdoor fireplaces or fire pits,” said Toni Lewis, Principal at Lewis Schoeplein Architects. “There are a lot more conversations about swimming pools and water features and the ability to access them as a water source in an emergency.”
Additionally, more homeowners are reconsidering wood furniture for outdoor spaces that could spread wildfires more readily. “In my area of practice, Northern California, wood furniture is on its way out for fire-related reasons,” said Amy A. Alper, owner of Amy A. Alper, Architect, a firm located in Sonoma, CA.
Methodology
For this report, Fixr.com sent a survey to 52 top experts in the home construction industry, including architects, home builders, home remodelers, and landscaping specialists from across the U.S.. Each of the professionals who responded has a wealth of experience and currently works in the industry in the U.S. The contributors to this report were selected due to their extensive expertise, as well as their success in the industry and reputable designs. Their responses are based on their first-hand experience with homeowners, therefore representing a clear picture of current trends in 2025.
To compile the trends and associated percentages, we asked them multiple-choice questions. All percentages were rounded. In most cases, they were able to select more than one option. Most of the experts who participated in the survey are listed below. Some wished to remain anonymous.
Expert Contributors
Albert C. Nichols | Amit Upadhye |
Amy A. Alper | Andrew Magnes |
Andrew Schaub | Andrew Franz |
Ashley Wainscott | Bar Zakheim |
Ben Esensten | Beth Silva |
Brandon Bryant | Brent Kendle, AIA, LEED AP |
Charles Hendricks | Cherie Goff |
Chris Hock | Danny Niemela |
Dawn Christine | Elizabeth Herrmann |
Frank Wickstead | Gregg Cantor |
Ileana Fay | James Babin, R.A. |
Jeffrey Bogard | Jeremiah Russell, AIA, NCARB, RIBA |
Jesse Hager | Josh Borris |
Larry Kush | Lauren Adams |
Lee Calisti | Lenka Ilic |
Marc Michaelson | Margo Nathanson |
Mark English | Michael Padavic |
Nathan Dalesio | Peggy Hsu |
Robert Lord GMB/CGP | Ryan Hinricher |
Sabine H. Schoenberg | Steve Kesselman |
Thomas Wall | Todd Usher |
Toni Lewis | Tryggvi Thorsteinsson & Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir |
Tyler Kobick | Warren O’Shea |
Whitney Hill | Yaniv Brikman |
Zakhar Keselman |
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.