Wellness, Connection and Thoughtful Design Highlight the Latest Outdoor Living Trends
Outdoor living continues to top homeowner wish lists, no matter how much space they have to work with. The Q1 2026 AIA Home Design Trends survey found that outdoor living spaces continue to top the list of home exterior features, with 51% of architects reported popularity of outdoor spaces increasing.
But these spaces also are evolving as preferences shift; homeowners are seeking more functionality and purposeful design that suits their individual lifestyles, embracing natural textures and colors, and thoughtfully connecting to the indoors both physically and stylistically.
Here’s a look at some of the findings from other recent outdoor trends research.
Outdoor Spaces Are a Must-Have, No Matter How Much Space You Have
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report, which used search terms from the site to highlight current preferences, found that homeowners aren’t willing to miss out on having outdoor space. The study showed a 79% increase in searches for “small front yards,” a 63% rise for “small courtyards,” and a 57% increase for “small patio garden.”
Similarly, the company has seen rising interest in European-inspired outdoor spaces under terms like “French courtyards,” “Italian courtyards,” “cottage patios,” and “English cottage patios.”
Builder magazine recently reported that as yards become more compact, thoughtful design becomes even more important. “The same approach that offers comfort and style inside is being applied outside: zoned layouts, layered lighting, comfortable seating and dedicated dining areas,” said Builder Senior Editor Heather Wright.
(Looking for inspiration? Pro Builder’s May/June issue featured several home projects that maximized available outdoor space on small lots.)
Indoor-Outdoor Living Remains Important to Homeowners
Not surprisingly, connections between indoors and out remain popular — 43% of architects in the AIA Home Design Trends study said the popularity of blended spaces is increasing, up from 40% the year before — but these areas are evolving.
“One of the defining outdoor living trends of 2026 is the rise of the ‘party patio,’ said Yardzen in its 2026 Trend Report, “a functional outdoor gathering space positioned directly next to the home to facilitate indoor-outdoor living, often featuring pass-through windows, French doors, or large sliding doors that create an easy flow between inside and out.”
For a cohesive look, stone transitions easily from interior to exterior living spaces. Versetta Stone panelized stone siding, Cultured Stone or Eldorado Stone, can help tie the spaces together visually while adding warmth and a natural feel well suited to both spaces.
In addition, “outdoor spaces are becoming extensions of everyday life rather than settings for occasional gatherings,” Yardzen said. “We're seeing increased demand for spaces tied to specific moments in the day: morning coffee areas, shaded reading corners, barefoot paths between planting beds, and flexible zones for movement and rest.”
Health & Wellness Features Are Having a Moment
It’s not your imagination: Americans want more wellness features at home, a trend that has been coming on strong since the pandemic. At Houzz, searches for the term “wellness room” were up 164%, and the design keyword “calming” was up 139%. Specific terminology, like “yoga room” and “sensory room” also increased.
Yardzen found similar results in its study: “Saunas, cold plunges and outdoor showers reflect a growing desire to create restorative spaces for everyday life at home. Importantly, these wellness spaces aren't being designed as isolated destinations. They’re integrated into the broader landscape through layered planting, natural materials, gravel pathways, soft lighting and climate-responsive design that makes the entire yard feel restorative.”
In Westlake Building Products own TrendLine study, biophilic design emerged as one of the top five trends. Organic shapes, natural textures, earthy colors, natural light and greenery — expressed through stone accents, wood looks and outdoor living spaces — support overall well-being and a stronger connection to nature.
This finding was echoed in the Houzz study, which found that searches for “biophilic design” rose 112%, and by Yardzen’s research.
The Important Role of Color in Outdoor Spaces
Like the interior, color in outdoor spaces sets a tone and a mood while making a style statement.
The Westlake Royal TrendLine study found increasing interest in “color drenching,” which uses one shade across walls, trim and other details to create a bold, cohesive look that's intentional and uniquely yours.
Hues on decks and patios are melding with that of the landscape to create a soothing blend that furthers the feeling of nature and wellness. “Color is drawn from the surrounding landscape, not imposed on it. Green is emerging as the defining color story of 2026,” Yardzen said. “Designers layer tones from soft sage to deep forest across planting, materials, and furnishings to create depth and cohesion. Pops of color from flowering perennials, containers, and soft furnishings add moments of delight that echo the way color appears in nature: surprising, seasonal, never dominant. The result is a palette that feels calming, immersive, and continuous with the natural environment. One that belongs where it's planted.”
This works in harmony with trends in the home’s façade colors. Westlake Royal found a shift to “new neutrality,” in which stark whites and grays are fading in favor of tones that blend warmth with modern. From off-whites and gentle creams to subtle greiges, these lived-in palettes offer a cozy, grounded feel that still looks polished and current. The perfect complement to the natural elements that meet homeowners’ desire for peace and sanctuary.
Want to see more trends? Explore the full Westlake Royal Building Products TrendLine report here.
