Over the course of the last few years, our outdoor living spaces have changed significantly. This is in large part due to the pandemic when the desire for porches and patios was at an all-time high. The demand for beautifully designed, thoughtfully curated exterior space has hardly waned since—and more of us are thinking about how to furnish these areas than ever before.
With this new interest has come a wave of new outdoor living trends. In 2025, expect to see these spaces look more beautiful than ever—from earth-toned furniture to full-blown kitchen suites.
Indoor Goes Outdoor
One of the biggest trends in the exterior design world is a move toward outdoor spaces resembling indoor ones. So, instead of just a few lounge chairs and a side table, people are designing top-to-bottom living rooms for their backyard.
“Outdoor furniture is already indistinguishable from indoor pieces in terms of design, and this will continue,” says Tobias Petri, managing director of interior design studio Holzrausch. “Materials will remain durable for outdoor conditions, but their tactile feel, aesthetic, and functionality will increasingly mirror indoor furnishings.”
Another facet of this trend is a seamless connection between indoors and out in terms of both floor plan and construction. Jordana Moche, managing director at tile and kitchen brand Porcelanosa, says this will be achieved via retractable glass walls and multi-functional furniture. “The aesthetic continuity between indoor and outdoor floors will play a key role, creating a fluid, visual transition that blurs the lines between the two environments,” she says.
Neutral and Earth Tones
It should come as no surprise that earth tones will be trending in outdoor spaces for the new year. These hues have made waves inside the home; the great outdoors seems an even more natural fit for them. “In 2025, outdoor spaces will embrace neutrals like warm taupes, terracotta, and olive greens, paired with grounding accents like deep forest greens, charcoal grays, and rusty metallics,” says interior designer Vanessa DeLeon.
That doesn’t mean that outdoor spaces will look bland, though. There’s still room for brighter hues—if anything, a neutral backdrop means a pop of color will stand out even more. “We’ll see bold color accents emerging to add vibrancy and personality,” says Petri. “As outdoor spaces increasingly mirror interior aesthetics, the color palettes will also adapt, incorporating warmer, homely hues that create a sense of comfort and cohesion.”
Lush Greenery
Naturally, plants are an important part of an outdoor living space. In the past, a clean-cut look was often the approach, but designers say that’s changing. “There’s a shift away from overly fussy landscaping and toward incorporating native plants that have more of a wild nature,” says Lindsay Kissel, senior vice president of product management and design at Tuuci, an outdoor parasol manufacturer. “This freeform landscape design lends itself to finding a little oasis within the garden to reflect, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.”
“The connection to nature will remain paramount,” adds DeLeon. “Landscapes will be designed to thrive in changing climates—think drought-tolerant greenery, regenerative materials, and native plantings that create harmony with the environment.”
Full Kitchens
Now we’re cooking. Kitchens, long a mainstay of the indoors, are now part of outdoor living. We’re not talking about a single barbecue oven either—these newer iterations have just about everything you could possibly want. “We’ve already incorporated outdoor kitchens in several projects,” says Petri. “Moving forward, planning for these technical requirements will become even more precise, allowing for fully functional outdoor kitchens designed to serve multiple functions.”
DeLeon notes a particular outdoor cooking feature that she’s starting to see more and more. “Brick pizza ovens have become a sought-after feature in outdoor living spaces,” she says. “These ovens offer more than just a delicious dining experience—they create an inviting focal point that enhances the outdoor ambience.”
Mixed Materials
Instead of just teak, the outdoor spaces of 2025 will incorporate a wide range of materials. Part of this has to do with new technologies and innovations, which enable different finishes and textiles to be used safely outside. “Material choices will prioritize texture and sustainability,” says DeLeon. “Raw stone, reclaimed wood, and clay finishes will take center stage.”
Petri echoes this, noting that natural materials will be complemented by sleeker finishes like refined metals. “Mixed materials continue to trend outdoors,” adds Ben Collins, president of outdoor furniture brand Brown Jordan. “We’ve introduced a couple of collections lately that are primarily aluminum, which provides the durability and low maintenance that we’re known for, but also have a teak or rope accent.”
Smart Technology
Yes, smart technology is coming for your backyard too. These innovations will manifest in outdoor kitchens, where technology is increasingly a factor, as well as elsewhere, like automated lighting solutions. “Technology will elevate these spaces,” adds DeLeon. “Smart systems will create [increasingly] personalized environments and immersive experiences.”
Built to Last
Interior Design by Lindsay Anyon Brier
Sustainability is top-of-mind nowadays, and it’s impacting how we approach outdoor spaces. Outdoor furniture of years past was often not well-made, and would only last a season before it needed to be thrown away. As we move into 2025, people are investing in more high-quality furnishings.
“People are trending towards really well-made outdoor pieces that last,” says Lindsay Anyon Brier, founder and principal designer of Anyon Interior Design. “They’re understanding that it’s the environmentally responsible thing to do.”
