Outdoor Living Trends 2024

Main Findings:

• Indoor-outdoor coherent design is the biggest outdoor living trend this year, according to 78% of experts. 

• A majority of 70% of professionals agree that an updated, usable outdoor living space has a big impact on home value. 

• Homeowners are willing to spend a quarter of their home improvement budget on outdoor living spaces.

• Outdoor kitchens remain the most in-demand feature, 73% of experts agree. 

• Covered patios prove more popular than decks and porches. 

7 Biggest Outdoor Living Trends 2024

A thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor living experience is at the top of the list for homeowners, no matter the project size or budget.

Amy A. Alper, Owner of Amy A. Alper, Architect

1. Indoor-Outdoor Coherent Design

Image by LETTER FOUR, INC

A huge majority of 78.3% of experts surveyed voted for indoor-outdoor coherence in design as the top outdoor living trend this year. You may have heard of indoor-outdoor living, where spaces flow seamlessly into one another, but the trend has taken a step further. This year, homeowners want the transition to be even smoother with interior and exterior design flowing uninterrupted. Rachel Street, President of Hestia Construction, says “After the pandemic, I've seen a definitive rise in the popularity of having a cohesive and finished outdoor space, designed in a way that it feels like an extension of the interior living area.” Colors, materials, and styles shouldn’t be stark in contrast, but instead similar, complimentary, and match well. As Lauren Adams, Principal & Co-Owner of Letter Four, Inc. adds “Flow from the home to the rear yard is especially important for our clients.”

2. Multi-Functional Spaces

The backyard serves more than any one purpose. 48% of experts agree that it has to be flexible for various gatherings and activities all year round. One day you may be hosting a big cookout for all the family; the next you may want to cozy up next to a fire pit with a good book on a chilly evening. Tying in closely with the indoor-outdoor trend, people want extensions of their interior multiuse spaces outdoors. Toni Lewis, the Principal of Lewis Schoeplein Architects, advises that “built-in heat, fans, lighting, and media systems allow these spaces to function year-round as an extension of the indoors.”

3. Easy Maintenance and Long-Lasting Furniture

Whether it is during winter or summer, homeowners want furniture that is going to withstand the elements. In fact, 35% of pros believe low-maintenance and long-lasting furniture is the most popular outdoor living trend in 2024. This speaks volumes to how people want their exterior spaces to not only look good but also work for them. Steel and aluminum are great options, as well as natural materials such as rattan or hardwoods like Ipe. UV protectant spray can help stop synthetic materials from fading. Having furniture that needs nothing more than brushing off debris and dirt, and a wipe down with warm soapy water makes life much easier and stops furniture looking dated and dirty. 

4. Plants and Greenery

Often overlooked in outdoor trends is landscaping. But in 2024 30% of experts say that adding more plants and greenery is one of the biggest trends. One professional we spoke to who wished to remain anonymous said “Eco-friendly features like pollinator-attracting plants, edible perennials, and low-water landscaping are very popular in our market.” Nature-inspired interior design is extremely sought-after this year, and it makes sense to continue the theme in the yard by incorporating more plants. Greenery can enhance your outdoor living area, making it more aesthetically pleasing, adding color and possibly privacy too.

5. Sustainability

Almost a quarter of the experts we spoke to, 24%, say that sustainability is one of the top outdoor living trends this year. Sustainability is incorporated into living spaces in various ways and often results in mixing various trends. Robert Lord, the President of Lord General Contractors Corporation, says “In 2024, outdoor living trends continue to evolve, reflecting a growing desire for connection with nature, sustainable practices, and multifunctional spaces. These trends reflect a shift towards creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable, technologically advanced, and tailored to meet the diverse needs and preferences of homeowners.” 

6. Indoor Design Elements

Continuing on from the year’s top trend of indoor-outdoor coherent design, 20% of experts say we are seeing more people incorporating design elements traditionally used in interiors, outside. Items such as comfortable sofas or rugs are making their way onto patios, along with traditional interior decorative textiles like cushions and blankets. This greatly helps keep a coherent flow of design from the interior space to the exterior. It cements the feeling of the backyard being an extension of the living room. 

7. Zen Style

Zen style has been a growing trend for a while, and this year 13% of professionals say it is set to be one of the most popular. People seek peace and tranquility in their homes, and while nature-inspired interior design remains on-trend, nothing beats the real thing. Adam Helfman, the Owner of Hire it Done, suggests that “Post-Covid outdoor areas have become ‘staycations’.” In a stressful world, the outdoor living area has become more than a place to invite guests and have fun; it’s become a homeowner’s sanctuary. 

Other Top Outdoor Living Trends

Experts were also keen to point out other top trends we can expect to see in 2024. Ambient lighting can completely change the feel of a space and complement other trends such as indoor-outdoor design and creating a zen-like atmosphere. In our rapidly advancing society, more homeowners are incorporating smart technology into their outdoor living environments through media, lighting, and security. Still a trend but less voted for by experts as a top trend is front yard decor as people look to improve their curb appeal, and edible gardens as homeowners seek to live a healthier lifestyle. 

Top 5 Trending Outdoor Living Features

1. Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have been trending for a few years and show no signs of falling down the popularity pecking order. 73% of architects and homebuilders say outdoor kitchens are the most in-demand feature in backyard spaces in 2024. An outdoor kitchen epitomizes indoor-outdoor living, giving homeowners the luxury of cooking and preparing meals in the great outdoors. According to a report on outdoor kitchens by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), “the demand is only increasing for this high-growth category.”

2. Pocket and Sliding Doors

Image by LETTER FOUR, INC

65% of experts agree that pocket doors and sliding doors are one of the most wanted features this year. While possibly not considered an outdoor feature per se, these types of doors allow homeowners to open a large part of one wall completely to allow the indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly. It plays a huge role in the top outdoor living trend of indoor-outdoor coherent design by being able to remove the physical barrier between the two spaces. 

3. Fire Features

A top outdoor feature for homeowners is fire features say 58% of pros. These can include fire pits, fireplaces, and fire tables, among others. There is a large range of shapes, materials, designs, and sizes to choose from. They are stand-out features that are great for cooler evenings to create warmth and a cozy atmosphere. This also allows homeowners to be able to enjoy their outdoor areas for longer periods, earlier in spring and later into fall months.

4. Swimming Pools

Image by Boyd Architects

Swimming pools are often overlooked in terms of trends in recent years, but in 2024 more people are looking to incorporate, update, or improve their swimming pool, according to 31% of experts. Swimming pools add an extra level of luxury to an outdoor area, allowing families to cool off, have fun, and relax. Some pool features are particularly on-trend lately, such as tanning ledges, lighting color changes, and using sustainable materials. 

5. Outdoor Work From Home Space

With remote working remaining a key part of people's daily lives, it makes sense that some are beginning to create a space to work from outdoors. 16% of experts believe this is one of the most wanted features this year. From fully constructed summer rooms with a desk setup to a simple table on the patio, WFH spaces are taking precedence in home design both inside and outside of the home. 

Outdoor Living Areas: A Covered Patio Is the Most Sought-After

There are various options for outdoor living areas. A majority of 44% say a covered patio is the most popular. Covered patios allow an easy transition from the interior of the home to the exterior by being on the same level, and modern homes often use the same flooring material. By being covered you are protected from the elements, whether that be shade from the sun or keeping dry in a downpour. 

Decks remain a popular choice for homeowners, with 20% of experts saying they are the number one option. An open patio and porch, while still favorable with homeowners, remain less popular with only 15% of experts saying they are the most in demand. 

Small Outdoor Living: Multi-Functional Furniture Is the Most Popular

For those with a less generous outdoor living area, managing space is more of a priority. The most optimal way to save space is by having multi-functional furniture, according to 74% of professionals. Multi-functional furniture means not having multiple items for different purposes, but instead combining them. Benches can become tables, footrests can become stools, and furniture can also be used as storage. 

In fact, hidden storage is said by 48% of experts to be another popular design solution for restricted spaces. For balconies or small yards, hidden storage means the space can still be practical but without taking up too much room. 

Other popular features include vertical gardens, railing plants, and folding or modular furniture. 

Home Value: Outdoor Living Spaces Have a Big Impact

A huge majority of 70% of industry experts we spoke to say that having an updated and usable outdoor living space has a “big impact” on home value. Another 30% say it has “some impact” while none of the professionals surveyed said that it has “little impact” or “no impact”. This is especially interesting for anyone looking to sell their home. While curb appeal is often prioritized, it is worth considering that on-trend (or at least updated) backyards also have a huge say on value. As Lewis expresses “Outdoor living spaces are an integral part of residential spaces.” A Virginia Cooperate Extension survey found that “relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape. Design sophistication and plant size were the landscape factors that most affected value.” Some sources suggest that landscaping can add 15-20% to home value. 

Most Homeowners Are Willing to Spend 25% of Their Budget on Exterior Space

72% of experts say that homeowners are willing to spend around a quarter of their yearly home remodeling budget on upgrading their outdoor living space. When it comes to investing in outdoor living, there are multiple benefits. Other than increasing the value of your home, you can also extend your living space, enjoy outdoor activities, and reap the healing rewards of being immersed in nature. Another 20% of professionals say their clients are willing to invest a major portion of their budget on the exterior living areas, while 4% say half and another 4% say none.

A general rule in the industry suggests that homeowners should spend around 10% of the value of their homes for remodeling. Therefore, most experts believe homeowners will spend roughly $5,000 on the outdoor living space in 2024 for a home that is valued at $200,000, which would work out to be a quarter of the overall $20,000 remodel budget.

See 2023 Report

Methodology

For this report, Fixr.com sent a survey to 200 top experts in the home construction industry, including architects, home builders, home remodelers, and landscaping specialists, with a 23% response rate. 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 2024.

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 in the downloadable version of this report. Some wished to remain anonymous.