43 Top Outdoor Design Trends

Ready to create or update your outdoor space? Find the latest looks and fashionable, functional designs with tips from professional designers, landscape architects and garden experts.

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Want to Know What's New and Trendy in Outdoor Design?

Whether you lean toward the elegant and sophisticated or you're more the casual type, you'll find trendy outdoor furniture and designs to fit your style. Maybe you still use the painted metal lawn chairs your grandparents owned or rustic patio planters made from old wooden pallets. There's absolutely nothing wrong with anything you love, but trends change. Find new outdoor patio furniture and landscape trends to inspire you in our gallery of fashionable, functional ideas from designers, architects and other pros.

Layers of Lighting

At Kate Anne Designs, a landscape design and build company in Los Angeles, co-owners Kate and Ryan Gross say using lights on different levels is trending and adds depth and interest to outdoor designs. "We add lights as accents," Kate says, "and play with different intensities, such as flood lights versus spotlights. A layered effect pulls a viewer's attention outside of the home’s windows and across the yard at night." They also use downlights, uplights, overhead string lights and pathway lights. The lighting industry has exploded, Ryan says, and homeowners who are tired of being indoors add lights to make the yard and garden a “true extension of the home.”

Muted Tones

Kate says homeowners want their landscapes and hardscapes to feel relaxed, a trend that calls for repeating and paralleling materials and tones. "We add color with accessories, but we’re moving toward creamy, neutral tones, like tone-on-tone, and warmer colors, such as brick reds. We don’t want it to feel too busy." Here, cream-colored chair cushions and an umbrella complement the colors of the hardscaping materials, like the deck around the pool.

Chill Vibes

'We’re seeing a vibe toward tranquility," Kate adds. "We’ve gone through the COVID-19 lockdown and now everyone wants to chill. People are leaning toward a mellow feel rather than a high-contrast vibe with edgy landscape and hardscape designs." This outdoor design has a playful, relaxed feel, thanks to hanging chairs and strings of lights draped casually through the trees.

Low Water Landscapes

Low-water landscapes are increasingly popular in areas that get little rainfall, Kate says, so she and Ryan use a lot of drought-tolerant plants in those designs.

Nurturing and Natural

Designers Kate and Ryan Gross are finding that more people want natural, nurturing landscapes, such as garden designs with healthy edibles and herbs and plants that have healing properties. This coincides with "a more conscious use of water to benefit the planet," Kate says. Lawns are going out for her South California clients, she says, due to drought, so she and Ryan have been installing alternative groundcovers including the Japanese drought-tolerant ground cover Kurapia.

Meandering Pathways

Also trending: meandering pathways that homeowners can follow as they wander through their gardens, woodlands or meadows to enjoy being in nature. These are especially good for people undergoing high stress, Kate says. "It’s about using a natural landscape that envelopes you and calms you while bringing life into the yard." Even if people are working from home, "they want to be able to take calls as they walk through the garden."

Curvy Outdoor Furniture

"We work a lot with perfect rectangles, like patios and pools," says Ryan Gross. "If the existing space is very linear, we bring in curvature to break up the hard lines. We might use chairs with curved backs and round patio tables and planters that overflow with plants." The curves make the design feel cozier, Kate adds. They avoid chairs with metal arms for their clients in other hot climates since the sun makes the metal uncomfortably hot.

Easy Care Evergreens

Kate still uses flowers in some designs, but she's found that more people are asking for evergreens that don’t need constant watering. "We try to lean toward a selected amount of low-maintenance flowering plants. Different shades of green in foliage are big right now, and boxwoods and Mediterranean-type plants like rosemary and olives that don’t need much water really deliver." She uses a lot of Westringia fruticosa (coast Rosemary) for her Southern California clients. It's a spreading evergreen shrub with long, slender, gray-green leaves and small spring flowers. "It’s easy to grow in dry, well-drained soils but overwinters only in USDA Garden Zones 9 and 10."

Encouraging Outdoor Time for Kids

With so much science showing the mental health and physical benefits of being outdoors, parents are doing all they can to get their children outside. "People want more things to do outdoors," Kate notes, "so we’re expanding their outdoor spaces. Yards are becoming more kid-centric, too, as parents want their children to get out in the fresh air and leave the video games behind. We're designing to give kids a place to play as opposed to just playing on the lawn. We’re also making pathways specifically for kids to run through, adding ropes to climb and even creating dry river beds with river rocks to give them an interesting zone to explore."

Shapeable Plants

"On small lots or in areas with drought, people don’t want to do a lot of pruning or deadheading," says Kate. "They just want plants that look good all the time, so we use what I call 'playdough plants' like boxwoods. You can mold them into the shapes you want, and they’re happy and they behave. If we are going to incorporate color, we use white to create a high contrast with green."

Modern Fire Pits

At the online interior design site Havenly, VP of Creative & Design Shelby Girard says people want outdoor spaces that feel like indoor rooms, so they're "cozy, comfortable, and made for staying awhile. And what says 'cozy' more than a stylish source of warmth like a fireplace or pit? We’re seeing clean, modern fire pits find their way into designs nationwide because of their ability to blend effortlessly into any seating layout.”

These built-in or streamlined fire pits don’t necessarily stand out, she adds, but are like integrated pieces that resemble coffee or accent tables. They don’t have to be pricey or installed by landscape designers or architects, either. “You can get a similar look on a budget with something like this one. Post-fire, simply (let it cool down), put the lid back on and use it as a normal outdoor coffee table. When a fire pit looks good, it’s easy to style around it with chic furniture, rugs and warm lighting."

Outdoor Nooks

Outdoor nooks are trendy, says Shelby Girard, whose design company is based in Brooklyn, New York. "Your outdoor setup doesn’t have to be big to be luxurious. In fact, you can absolutely do more with limited real estate. We love leaning into cozy textures and creature comforts like a cushy hanging chair, woven rugs and plenty of potted greenery to create your own personal hideaway. Better yet, layered light sources like an oversized pendant and sconce can make your nook feel larger."

Vacation-Inspired Decor

Shelby Girard says, “If there’s one thing that White Lotus (the HBO television series about guests at a fictional resort chain) taught us, it’s that we all need to live like we’re vacationing at a five-star resort, even if our patio is the size of a postage stamp. We're seeing a trend toward tropical, resort-inspired outdoor furniture and decor, from nautical cabana stripes to verdant foliage prints. Bring the look home with cute cabana chairs, tropical plants (if the climate permits) and, of course, cocktails.”

Colors and Patterns

While some designers are getting requests for neutral colors, Girard says she's spotted a movement away from "all-neutral-everything outdoor decor." She sees the same trend in indoor design. "It’s all about embracing color and personality, particularly in easy-to-change textiles like pillows and throws. In fact, your outdoor setup is a low-stakes place to play with pattern — try it by mixing florals, stripes and bold hues for that perfectly thrown-together look."

Organic Textures

Natural finishes like rattan, jute and other weaves may not be especially new, but they’re not going anywhere, Shelby Girard says. "Organic textures continue to reign supreme in 2023, mostly thanks to their relaxed, lived-in look that blends effortlessly with other furnishings and styles, whether it’s classic stripes or something more bohemian. There’s a reason why we’re constantly looking to nature in our indoor schemes, so why not embrace it outside your door?"

Brick Paver Designs

Shelby says you can’t go wrong with versatile brick pavers. “They can be laid in so many different patterns, like herringbone, basketweave or simply stacked. Brick pavers are also a great way to designate seating areas in sprawling backyards and define walkways.” This isn’t a reinvention, she explains, but a return to tradition. "Traditional design is staging a comeback in the form of ornate woodwork and molding, vintage-inspired artwork, romantic silhouettes, saturated colors and classic textures and patterns (like a timeless brick herringbone on a lovely European-inspired patio). While this 21st century iteration boasts a polished and artful edge, the focus is once again on warmth, hospitality and unfailing comfort.”

Personality-Infused Details

Alex Alonso has spotted interest in patio furniture that "feels a little unique" and can be used indoors or out. Alonso, the founder and creative principal of mr. alex TATE Design, a design studio with offices in Miami and Los Angeles, says, "The focus is on the details — frame and textile. It has really become more about making the outdoors flow seamlessly with the rest of the indoor living spaces. Clients are focusing on pieces with more 'indoor' details, and though they may be woven, teak or aluminum-framed, they have softer curves and higher backs for lounging." He adds that suppliers are offering more performance fabrics beyond the usual stripes and solids, so "There's a bigger appetite for infusing more personality into the exterior living and dining spaces."

High-Quality Patio Furniture

Interior designer, entrepreneur and HGTV talent Breegan Jane says homeowners are no longer "relegating our patios, rooftops, yards and decks to only recreational spaces." As they become more like extensions of indoor living rooms, people want "higher quality furniture comfortable enough to spend extended time on and made of durable, performance fabrics." "We’re seeing full outdoor furniture setups with sectionals, accent chairs and coffee tables configured the way one would in an indoor space," says the Los Angeles-based designer. "Clients are opting for creamy neutrals and elevated styling that maintains the elegance you’d see inside the home — which once again speaks to the intentionality and continuity of design.”

Native Species

As for what's trending in our gardens and landscapes, "The interest in native species that don’t need a lot of herbicides and pesticides is still going strong," says Joseph Richardson, founding principal of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, a firm based in Washington, DC. Natives often adapt to withstand local pests and diseases, so they're relatively low-maintenance. “Native species also require little to no irrigation after they are established. The use of native plants has exploded.” In this image, the owners asked for a design using lots of native perennials.

Stormwater Management

This Richardson & Associates project came with a number of environmental and water-management issues, so the landscape plan had to be both functional and beautiful. A master plan was designed to stabilize the property’s eroded creeks and slopes, restore some nearby wetlands and create a large rainwater garden to filter stormwater coming from the home’s upper parking court (not shown) and several other properties up the hill.

Stormwater Mandates

Managing stormwater isn't just a trend; in some areas, it's mandated for new builds or renovations that disturb a specified amount of earth, Joseph Richardson says. Green stormwater management techniques were once used primarily for commercial properties, but he says he's seen "a major shift in the landscape industry with increased regulation for residential properties" and more public awareness of runoff problems. "Nearly every local jurisdiction in the DC metro area (where his firm is based) requires stormwater management at a certain level of development, but homeowners can elect to do this on smaller projects as well. This is important as storms continue to grow in intensity and duration." Green techniques for managing stormwater include bio-retention systems, rain barrels, dry wells, cisterns and installation of water-permeable materials for patios and driveways.

Pet-Friendly Yards

Many people started working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. “With more of our clients spending time at home with their pets,” Joseph says, “we are designing spaces exclusively for them. This includes ‘dog runs,’ which are essentially fenced portions of the property used solely by their dogs for play. This can also include small areas of artificial turf or gravel to be used by dogs to relieve themselves. Both can be easily maintained. This is a great technique to keep lawns healthy and safe for children to play.” In this image, the owners installed a fence with pickets placed close together to keep their “escape artist” pup from wandering.

Destination Spaces

Joseph says clients are also asking for destination spaces. In this image, a family added a fireplace, TV, cocktail bar and changing rooms to a pool house after realizing their existing home couldn't be modified as much as they wanted. “I’m hearing a lot of clients asking themselves how many more summers they have left with their kids as they grow up. They want a space that kids will come back to when they’re in college." This combination hangout for the owners, their friends and children fits the bill.

Outdoor Views

Joseph Richardson also reports more interest from clients who want views they can enjoy from their offices or bedrooms. The view might feature a focal point in the landscape or garden such as a sculpture, flowering tree, bird bath or another element. Richardson said his firm designed a "fun trail" for one client that led to an outdoor wooded area. While it wasn’t next to the homeowner's residence, he says it was close enough to offer a desirable and completely different view.

Blurred Lines

Currently, there's a trend toward coordinating with builders and architects to develop interior floor plans that work with spaces surrounding the home, Joseph says. This “blurring the lines” can involve connecting dining rooms, kitchens or other indoor spaces with exterior patios, terraces and gardens. "Furnishings play a super critical role in many cases where we've collaborated with interior decorators and designers. We want to understand how the client plans to use the outdoor space" since the scale of the space can drive the size of the patio furniture.

Greenhouses and Gardening

Joseph Richardson says interest continues to grow in greenhouses, geothermal and solar power, composting and organic gardening. “It’s not that people are going completely off the grid, but they almost want to be self-sustaining.” In this image, a client wanted planter beds for growing vegetables and cold frames, which were attached at angles to the greenhouse, for early spring and late winter seedlings. Angular pea gravel was used in the garden instead of round pea gravel. It allows rainwater to soak into the ground, compacts nicely for walking and makes it easier to roll wheelbarrows or lawnmowers, Joseph says.

Backyard Sports and Artificial Turf

Although Joseph says backyard putting greens aren’t trending in the sense that everybody wants them, he's seen an uptick in the number he's installing. He views them as signs of increased interest in playing sports like golf and bocce ball — backyard pastimes that probably became more popular because of the COVID-19 lockdown. "Artificial turf is super popular right now. It works great with small- to medium-sized yards and looks and feels more realistic than before. We’re seeing a lot more kinds of synthetic turf with variations in colors, textures and thicknesses. It even feels soft if you fall on it."

Monochromatic Color

“Having a monochromatic design is absolutely exploding," Jackie Mosher, chief operating officer of Dzinly, a company that connects homeowners with exterior design and implementation experts. "This means using the same color in almost every area: cladding, trim, windows. The past few years have seen a ton of high-contrast designs that really pop and stand out. We are hearing a lot of people say, ‘I don't want to look like the neighbors and every other house on the block.' A monochromatic color palette gives a sophisticated but powerful approach to design when done right. We see people getting bold and going for all dark gray or even black. The look is stunning!”

Oversized Windows

Window trims help protect your home from the elements, but Jackie says, “people are opting to have their trim removed for a sleek and cleaner look.” Another trend, she adds, is toward installing bigger-than-usual windows, like a floor-to-ceiling picture window or a large two-story window in a stairwell. This design is by Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture.

Wood Accents

“Wood is an organic element that balances and pulls together other materials," Jackie says, and she's working with more and more people who want to incorporate it into their exterior designs. “Subtle changes include wood pediments in gables, eave brackets and wooden shutters. For the more committed, we are seeing large wood headers over porches, doorways and windows and even used as cladding on areas of the house. Incorporating wood into your design adds warmth and depth to any design."

For a beautiful light wood stain color, she recommends Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stonehedge or, for a dark, rich stain, Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Westcott Navy. For a blue-gray stain, she suggests Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Blue Note.

Mixed Texture and Materials

"Traditionally, you pick a material and color you like and apply it to your entire exterior. Not anymore. Mixing up not only colors but different textures and the orientation of materials has become hugely popular. Using horizontal siding in one area, board and batten in another and flat paneling with light trim accents on certain elements is one trend we have been seeing become increasingly popular. Sometimes even adding small trim separations between spaces can have a nice impact,” says Jackie Mosher. She recommends changing small areas of cladding to try this effect. “Gables and bump outs are nice areas to experiment with. Because they’re on a different plane, a material change can be warranted.”

Porches Are Increasingly Popular

Porches have become one of the most popular trends in the last three years, Jackie Mosher says, with comfort, personalization and lighting high on owners' wish lists. To add or renovate a porch, “Start by deciding the purpose you want your porch to serve. Do you want a cozy and relaxing corner to read books or a place to entertain company?” Her clients add color and personality by having the floor stained or painted and adding lighting. “We are seeing so many oversized lanterns, and if you can swing it, gas lanterns are truly next level. Lighting is considered the jewelry of your home and will always set the tone. Belovo carries some of the most beautiful lanterns and is worth a look.”

Metal Roofs

"We are finding people being more open to experiment with metal roofs on their homes," Jackie Mosher says. "This goes back to the texture people are craving.” These roofs add drama and interest, and "are also the most sustainable roofing choice because of their longevity, almost never failing. They are incredibly durable, which means fewer repairs and replacements.” If a full metal roof isn’t in your budget, “Try adding a partial metal roof over just the porch area or awning. As long as there are different planes (dormers, multi-level homes, awnings) a metal roof can tie in nicely.”

Earth Tone Paints

As people spent time at home during the pandemic, Jackie says, they wanted a sense of calm. “This explains some of the reasons why earth tones have been increasing in popularity over warmer whites, which have topped the trend charts for the last decade. White is obviously a timeless safe choice, but the creamier, warmer whites are being selected more recently over the icy shades. Joanna Gaines, an obvious trendsetter, just released a paint collection with James Hardie and it is no surprise it's made up of color names like Rugged Path, Warm Clay, Dried Eucalyptus, Stone and Wandering — all earth tones.

Jackie recommends these colors and brands:

For browns: Sherwin-Williams - Elephant Ear or Urbane Bronze
Behr - Mocha Latte or Dry Brown Satin
Benjamin Moore - Chocolate Velvet or Marshlands
For greens: Magnolia Home - Regal Leaf
Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest or Essex Green
Sherwin-Williams - Rookwood Shutter Green or Shade Grown
For blues: Sherwin-Williams - Sea Serpent or Dark Night
Valspar - Deep Space Echo
Benjamin Moore - Mysterious or Blue Note

Outdoor Fireplaces

"A big trend I am noticing is a focus on outdoor fireplaces," says Christine Vroom, founder of Los Angeles-based Christine Vroom Interiors. While fire pits had been trending, she's now using more actual fireplaces in clients' yards. “Not only do you get that cozy outdoor living room feel, but you can bring in so many different design styles. From the use of chunky over-grouted stone (a rough-cut, ultra-textured stone with layers of thick grout that create extra dimension), to simple plaster and Spanish tiles, the ideas are limitless. You can really bring a homey feel to your outdoor space using a fireplace."

Modular Outdoor Kitchens

Summer Jensen, owner and interiors principal of Hawk + Co. in the greater Los Angeles area, says, "Long gone are the days when adding an outdoor kitchen included heavy framing, stucco and countertops. The new stainless steel kitchen modules that are coming out of Europe feel more like furniture and are easy to install, and you choose your combination of appliances. From robata-style charcoal grilling to Carrara counters for flatbreads, to plumbed sinks and refrigerated compartments, these powerhouse modules allow you to fit your outdoor area easily and put versatility into your meal repertoire. With online planners and 3D renderings, you can see your creation come to life, change colors or reverse the order of appliances. Some brands offer bar counter add-ons for an exhibition-style chef-facing experience.”

Classic Topiary Forms

The classic form of topiaries has never really gone out of style, according to Jennifer Rust, owner and principal of Jennifer Rust Botanicals, an Atlanta-based seasonal container design company, "But it is again having a moment with both designers and homeowners. But we don’t mean ivy animal figurines. We are talking about the classic line of a ball topiary or pyramidal Compacta holly. We like the sustainability of how they last multiple seasons, are low maintenance, can be slow growing, and can be used to fit a wide range of size and scale needs. We are planting topiaries both on their own in a container or with lush colorful underplanting for warm season months (as shown), which can then be easily changed out or removed altogether for the winter months."

Tropical Plants

"As succulents surged in popularity people became discerning house plant enthusiasts," Rust says. "We are now seeing a huge uptick in interest in larger-scale tropical plants for their outdoor spaces. Outside small potted plants can be tedious and are quickly impacted by changes in temperature, airflow and pests. While tropicals are not always easy to care for, they definitely create more of a ‘wow’ moment in a large container rather than a bunch of collected small containers." For longer-lasting color, she recommends moving warmth-loving tropicals inside near a window for the winter and keeping them away from heating vents. "Our favorite large tropicals for outside-to-inside include Colocasia (shown), bird of Paradise, tri-color Stromanthe and majesty palm."

Sustainably-Sourced Patio Furniture

Buyers are increasingly interested in shopping sustainably, according to a 2023 Blue Yonder survey. At Four Hands, a home furnishings wholesaler, VP of Design Adam Dunn notes that many of its products are made from eco-conscious sources, such as woods grown in and harvested from sustainably managed forests. This pair of Emmy Outdoor Chairs are made with 100% teak frames that are FSC-certified (FSC, or Forest Council Certification, means the wood meets strict environmental and economic standards). The cushions are covered in Olefin, a recyclable fabric made in an eco-friendly process that uses no land or water for production and creates very little waste.

Sustainably-Sourced Outdoor Rugs

Continuing the trend toward outdoor furnishings made from sustainable sources, this Darla Outdoor Rug, is composed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) yarn, a material created by recycling plastics into thin strands of polyester. Because it's made from plastics, PET yarn is durable and doesn't absorb liquids.

Mixed Design Eras

Adam Dunn, of Four Hands, also says that mixing interior pieces from different design eras is trending, and consumers are taking the trend outside. This Tucson Woven Outdoor Chair has waterfall arms and a woven wicker frame, taking the curvy styles of '70s furniture onto decks, porches and patios. Like the Emmy Outdoor Chairs, its cushions are covered with Olefin, a recyclable fabric.

Reflective Roofing

Dark roofs are trending with owners who want contrasts in their designs. While dark shingles can absorb solar energy and drive up utility bills, “climate change and the new normal of extreme weather has driven an even greater demand for reflective roofing solutions,” says Amanda Boyer, product manager at building products manufacturer CertainTeed. She adds that some cities now have codes and “cool roof policies” intended to reduce the environmental impact of roofing. The Landmark Solaris shingles shown here partially reflect solar energy to help keep roofs cooler than standard shingles. Two new hues recently rolled out nationwide: Graphite (shown here) and Weathered Wood, which has a “wood shake-inspired aesthetic.”

Sustainable Outdoor Surfaces

Cosentino produces and distributes natural stone and architectural high-performance, luxury surfacing designed for the outdoors and that emphasizes sustainability. One recent collection, Dekton Pietra Kode, was inspired by three types of Italian stones: Vicenza, Travertine and Ceppo di Gre (shown here). Dekton surfaces resist UV rays, stains, scratches and thermal shock; it’s reputed to be the only surface on the market that is carbon-neutral through its lifetime of use.

43 Top Outdoor Design Trends

Related To:

Shop This Look

Want to Know What's New and Trendy in Outdoor Design?

Layers of Lighting

Muted Tones

Chill Vibes

Low Water Landscapes

Nurturing and Natural

Meandering Pathways

Curvy Outdoor Furniture

Easy Care Evergreens

Encouraging Outdoor Time for Kids

Shapeable Plants

Modern Fire Pits

Outdoor Nooks

Vacation-Inspired Decor

Colors and Patterns

Organic Textures

Brick Paver Designs

Personality-Infused Details

High-Quality Patio Furniture

Native Species

Stormwater Management

Stormwater Mandates

Pet-Friendly Yards

Destination Spaces

Outdoor Views

Blurred Lines

Greenhouses and Gardening

Backyard Sports and Artificial Turf

Monochromatic Color

Oversized Windows

Wood Accents

Mixed Texture and Materials

Porches Are Increasingly Popular

Metal Roofs

Earth Tone Paints

Outdoor Fireplaces

Modular Outdoor Kitchens

Classic Topiary Forms

Tropical Plants

Sustainably-Sourced Patio Furniture

Sustainably-Sourced Outdoor Rugs

Mixed Design Eras

Reflective Roofing

Sustainable Outdoor Surfaces

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