Outdoor living continues to be among homeowners’ most common and non-negotiable requests for new and existing homes. But how have outdoor living trends and tastes been evolving since the surge in demand swelled in the early days of the pandemic?

Here’s a look at what our in-house team and outside experts say are some of the latest must-haves for decks, patios and other outdoor spaces.

Blending Indoors and Outdoors for Multi-Use Living Spaces

The trend for blurred lines between interior and exterior spaces has been going strong for a while, particularly with the rise in multi-panel patio doors and options for flooring and decking materials that closely match. That need continues to grow as homeowners seek to adapt outdoor spaces to indoor comforts and functionality. This includes designating specific outdoor areas for different uses, from dining and gathering to meditation and relaxation.

Depending on the size of the deck space and the budget, these separations may be simple visuals—such as pictured-framed decking or décor items—or may be more defined by multiple levels of decks, patios, covered areas, outbuildings and more.

The proliferation of weather-resilient features is helping to drive this trend even further. Think outdoor heaters, eye-catching sunshades, integrated and programmable deck lighting, and outdoor speakers and other entertainment technology. Outdoor furniture increasingly offers the look of quality indoor pieces with the ability to withstand the elements.

Low-Maintenance Materials Among the Top Outdoor Living Trends

Another trend that isn’t going anywhere is the desire for materials that don’t have to be repainted, restained or otherwise regularly maintained. While all exterior deck and siding materials will need some level of occasional cleaning and debris clearing, few homeowners want to spend a summer weekend staining deck boards. Products like Zuri® Premium Decking bring the natural look homeowners love without the maintenance requirements of wood.

Fine Finishes: Upgrading Pergolas, Ceilings and Trim

No detail needs to be overlooked, and that includes porch ceilings and pergolas. A growing number of easy-to-install products, including pergola kits and column wraps, are allowing homeowners to instantly upgrade outdoor spaces in a day or over a weekend.

This includes the Grove Collection™ trim from Westlake Royal Building Products. It combines the timeless, sought-after look of stained wood with the low-maintenance, high-performance benefits of PVC. Along with beadboard that’s perfect for porch ceilings, the line now includes column wraps, a nickel gap profile and flat trim that adds rich warmth to porches and covered deck areas.

Rooftop Decks Are Elevating Urban and Suburban Homes

NAHB highlighted a noticeable trend among this year’s Best in American Living Award winners: A greater number of homes—from spec houses to multifamily—with rooftop outdoor spaces. “These private spaces can enjoy all of the amenities and outdoor wellness benefits with the intimacy of a rooftop setting,” the association reports.

Bolder Colors and “Green Drenching” Bring Personality Outdoors

House Digest says that splashes of bold color are trending right now, with the flexibility of a bigger commitment from murals and painted walls to simple splashes via couch cushions and pillows. “The most on-trend exterior colors for 2025 include vintage convivial yellow, soft blues, earthy greens, and rich plums and reds,” the publication says.

Not too far from there, Better Homes & Gardens reports that teal will be among the popular bold colors this year, not just in décor items but also in plants. Millennials and Gen Z are “yearning for an era we think of as a happy time,” said Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer for Monrovia Plants. “They seem to want to remind themselves of that feeling they had when they were children.”

In a related trend, Tamony expects to see what they call more “green drenching,” which invokes the positive power of plants while infusing a monochromatic color scheme that reduces visual noise. You might see this play out in mossy ground cover, living greenery walls or evergreen hedges. The relaxation that gardening provides is one of the drivers of this trend.

Wellness-Focused Outdoor Living Trends Support Relaxation and Health

Similarly, elements of wellness are in demand in a variety of ways as homeowners seek to escape the stress of current events and busy schedules. How this translates depends largely on the homeowner’s lifestyle interests as well as budget, but it’s about infusing functional elements that provide a getaway or a soothing hobby. These might include serene garden spaces (or garden beds or garden towers for smaller yards); yoga platforms; small plunge pools; water and fire features (like these beautiful fire bowls from Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds); and even dedicated cooking appliances such as a pizza oven, flat-top or smoker.

Outdoor Living Trends Continue to Evolve in 2025

Whether they’re seeking an escape from the outside world or simply want to expand their living area, homeowners are demonstrating a commitment to creating outdoor spaces that suit their lifestyles and needs. No matter the space or budget, opportunities abound to foster deeper connections with nature and enhance everyday living.

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