The Biggest Trends for Outdoor Spaces in 2024
If you're interested in outdoor living trends, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down what we know about consumer habits as it relates to outdoor living space, patio space, trends in outdoor furniture, landscaping, and smart home elements. As Houzz shared in its 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, 53% of homeowners made updates to their spaces last year, and that trend isn't looking to change, so let's see what's on the horizon.
Outdoor Living Rooms and Transitional Zones
Consumers continue to evolve their outdoor living areas to include formal seating for living and dining, and Millenials and Gen Xers continue to buy more of it, according to Houzz. Additionally, consumers of all ages are fixated on artwork and indoor/outdoor rugs to bring more personality and comfort to their outdoor spaces.
To enhance outdoor living, Deckorators told us in its Contractor Insights Survey that homeowners are leaning into transitional zones. features like pergolas, built-in seating, retractable screens, and covered decks were top-of-mind for both comfort and privacy.
As it relates to fire pits, we're on the fence: Many homeowners are willing to invest in hardscaping with permanent fireplace setups, while others still favor a smokeless fireplace like the popular Solo Stove (now available with an extended surround). Still more get their fix of natural flame from efficient torches, like the Mesa Torch, placed around a patio or landscape.
Westlake Royal Building Products
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Outdoor Kitchens
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show held earlier this year is a great way for us to take a closer look at trends and consumer demand. "We noticed that outdoor kitchen innovation had a major influence [at this year's show]," noted Mason Watkins, Director of Marketing at ZLINE. He goes on to note that ZLINE's collection of wine coolers and beverage centers was well-received, adding "These models are equipped with an all-stainless steel interior and exterior, spacious storage, adjustable shelving, panel-ready capabilities, and multiple temperature zones." Durability in outdoor kitchens is important, and the home chef looks to create a space that can flex to meet their needs.
Consumers aren't overlooking accessories for their outdoor kitchens, either. Expect to see backyard kitchens expand to include more of the following:
Pizza ovens
Grills and smokers
Outdoor cabinetry
Cosentino
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Related: TREX Outdoor Kitchens Debuts a New Line You'd Think Was Custom-Manufactured
Smart Outdoor Technology Integration
Smart spaces aren't just for indoors. From automated irrigation systems to outdoor televisions, homeowners are keen to embrace smart technology to enhance their outdoor experience. Furthermore, consumers are putting extra emphasis on outdoor lighting — 22% of all renovating homeowners told Houzz that outdoor lighting was top-of-mind for their remodel.
Outdoor Security
"Across outdoor system renovations, lighting leads in popularity among renovating homeowners at 22%," notes Houzz. "Security enhancements (such as installing cameras or sensors), however, are not far behind at 18%" The report adds, "Among outdoor security cameras, smart versions dominate (25%). In fact, only 3% of renovating homeowners install outdoor cameras that are not manageable via a mobile device." Additionally, the growing popularity of accenting the home and landscape with a combination of uplights and downlights has many homeowners excited about making their home look its best after dusk.
Nanoleaf
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Very Sustainable Landscaping
As environmental consciousness grows, so does the trend towards sustainable landscaping. Many consumers around the country are influenced to rewild areas of their yard, and many more are focused on incorporating native plants, drought-resistant vegetation, and low-maintenance plants that require less water and chemical inputs.
It's no surprise that rain barrels, permeable paving, and eco-friendly irrigation systems are also gaining popularity. With an eye to reducing environmental impact, consumers and homeowners are continuing to design beautiful, resilient outdoor spaces that thrive with minimal intervention.
Related: The Many Benefits of Growing a Clover Lawn (Instead of Grass)
