As we wind down the current year and look ahead to the future of landscape design, we can say one thing for certain: homeowners are no longer treating their outdoor spaces as separate from the home; rather, they’ve become livable extensions beyond the walls.
We conducted a deep dive on the current trends, predictions, and value points across the outdoor living industry, and found that, on a large scale, homeowners are starting to prioritize the following combination of features in their outdoor space with landscape and outdoor design builds: design-heavy, technology-driven, and eco-friendly. It’s a transformation that’s redefining “outdoor living” entirely, shifting from an afterthought of home design into a curated, value-driving extension of how people live, gather, and connect.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN TRENDS
Elevated Everyday Living
Outdoor living has evolved into a year-round experience that blends comfort, design, and lifestyle. Industry vendors such as Infratech and Weaver are redefining the category by promoting this idea of everyday luxury; spaces that deliver the same sophistication and functionality as those indoors. Comfort and control have become central design priorities, reflected in the growing demand for smart heating systems, integrated sound, and seamless lighting that respond effortlessly to the user’s needs.
Modern Backyard Inspiration and Timeless Materials
Homeowner tastes are moving away from the cold, modern “millennial” grays and more towards palettes of warm tones paired with traditional and vintage-inspired details. Highlights from Techo-Bloc feature classic cobblestone-style pavers (e.g., Oxford, Pure, and Villagio) paired beautifully with warm tones like Caffé Crema.
Homeowners are also gravitating toward landscapes that feel more connected to nature; spaces that balance structure and softness through the use of stone, wood, and organic materials and layouts. The contrast between refined hardscapes and lush, layered plantings creates what designers consider “overgrown elegance,” a look that feels both intentional and effortless. Think hydrangeas spilling over stone edges, ornamental grasses swaying between paver joints, and native plantings that anchor the design with authenticity. This design trend is one that celebrates warmth, texture, and the timeless beauty of materials that are sure to age gracefully in any landscape.
Smart Outdoor Lighting and Technology
Outdoor lighting brands are especially leaning into ambiance, color control, and sustainability with more innovative, energy-efficient LED bulbs and the use of recycled materials to manufacture products. With more innovative and sustainable tech, the possibilities are practically endless when designing an outdoor space to be just as inviting and mesmerizing both after dark and in the colder months.
Multi-Functional & Low-Maintenance Design
When looking at the more functional side of landscape design, a recurring theme highlighted across vendors like Outdecco and Blaze is “versatility” and “ease” for homeowners. Today’s clients want more in less space; modular, flexible layouts and features that serve multiple purposes and adapt to different moments throughout the day.
This desire for total control, whether through adjustable shade, integrated storage, or built-in cooking elements, reflects a growing expectation that outdoor spaces should perform as seamlessly as the interiors they complement. It’s a mindset that prioritizes convenience without compromising design integrity or aesthetics.
Wellness-Focused Outdoor Design
The “backyard oasis” narrative continues to expand as wellness, relaxation, and entertainment goals shape homeowner lifestyles and design choices. From immersive outdoor sound that sets the tone for hosting, to fire and water features, soft lighting, and layered plantings that elevate mood and engage the senses, every detail now plays a role in creating atmosphere.
More than ever, proposing a new outdoor space is about more than colors or architectural style. It’s about creating outdoor design builds with intention for social, emotional, and experiential connections. The most successful landscapes are those that bring people together and make the outdoors feel like their favorite room that isn’t in the house!
THE BIG PICTURE: REIMAGINING LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Altogether, these shifts signal more than passing design trends; they reflect a permanent change in how people live, entertain, and invest in their homes. For those of us in the industry, it also means approaching outdoor design with a deeper understanding of lifestyle, emotion, and functionality, not just aesthetics. And for homeowners, it opens the door to spaces that aren’t simply beautiful, but that truly work the way they live day to day.