Intentionally designed outdoor living spaces are popular among many homeowners. Whether you’re working from home and need a peaceful respite at the end of the day or want to gather your family around an outdoor fire pit, a thoughtful outdoor living area is just as important as an indoor one.

From welcoming front porches to native plant gardening, find out what’s in demand with these 12 outdoor landscaping trends.

1. Outdoor Wellness 

Self-care isn’t just for the indoors. Adding a hot tub, sauna or plunge pool into your outdoor space brings the vacation energy to your backyard, creating a sanctuary of peace and relaxation. 

If you enjoy mind-body practices, consider building a meditation or yoga area. You can incorporate natural elements like plants, waterfalls or stone borders to create a peaceful environment. A wooden deck is the perfect place to set your yoga mat, close your eyes and just be.  

2. Welcoming Front Porches

As solely virtual interactions become routine, people want to make space for in-person socializing, especially impromptu conversations with new and old friends. 

Enter the porch. A classic in neighborhoods across the country, a porch is your home’s first impression. It provides a comfortable place to sit and an inviting gathering place to connect with your community. This year, people are maximizing their porch seating and using more open designs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

3. Transitional Zones

Transitional zones help bridge the gap between outdoor and indoor spaces. Use pergolas, comfortable seating, retractable screens and covered areas to make your outdoor area feel as comfortable and private as the inside of your home. 

Fire pits are a great way to bring the feel of a living room outside. Some prefer traditional, fixed fireplaces, while others like smokeless versions. If you want a smaller light source, try placing torches around your patio to create a border. 

4. Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Spaces

Outdoor kitchens and dining spaces are great for incorporating transitional zones into outdoor landscaping. On average, Americans spend 90% of their time inside — cooking and eating outside is a great way to change that. 

Whether you want an intimate table for two or a dining setup big enough to fit your whole family and then some, outdoor dining spaces help you spend quality time with your loved ones while getting a healthy dose of fresh air. If you’re looking for outdoor furniture for small spaces, try a compact modular seating set for your dining area. It can fold in on itself, maximizing your space, and opening it up and closing it down is a breeze.  

You can customize your outdoor kitchen setup to suit your needs with a beverage cart or a top-of-the-line grill. Stick to durable materials so your kitchen and dining furniture or appliances can withstand various weather conditions and temperatures.  

5. Smart Technology

Make your outside experience extra low maintenance by jumping on this year’s smart technology outdoor living spaces trend. You can control your smart lighting system with an app or a voice assistant. Set the mood by opting for one with multiple lighting levels.

6. Sustainable Landscaping 

Sustainable landscaping has become more mainstream due to increasing environmental consciousness. Whether gardening is a new hobby or you are the local go-to person for all things green, you can contribute to sustainability efforts. Plant drought-resistant plants or those that need fewer chemicals. With just 1% of freshwater accessible for human use, saving water is vital to eco-friendly landscaping. Permeable pavement allows water to soak into the ground and is a great way to combat shortages. 

7. Sustainable Furniture

In addition to eco-friendly gardening techniques, people are into shopping for sustainable furniture this year. Tables, chairs and even decks can be built from recycled materials, like plastics or wood fibers. Durability is also essential for sustainability, so be sure you’re picking long-lasting materials like recycled steel, cork or reclaimed wood. The more durable the material, the less likely you will have to replace it — a bonus for you and the environment.  

8. Native Plant Gardening 

Head to your nursery or do some online research to find out what plants are native to your area. Native plants are good for the environment because they foster local wildlife, like butterflies, birds and bees. They’re usually low maintenance since they’re made to withstand your region’s environmental particularities. Plus, they’re better at resisting pests and diseases. Most plants don’t survive transplantation from the wild, so head to a nursery instead.

9. Maximalist Gardening

Maximalist gardening is a departure from the minimalist trend. It celebrates bold landscaping by using plants in a variety of textures, shapes and colors. Consider swapping your neat stone-bordered gardening bed with an overflowing symphony of shrubs, grasses and vibrant flowers. Top off your maximalist masterpiece with brightly painted pots, layered outdoor rugs and eclectic windchimes.  

10. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design blends natural elements and modern architecture to create spaces that represent the harmony between humanity and nature. Blur the line between your indoor and outdoor worlds by incorporating small ponds or waterfalls into your outdoor space architecture. Stone, bamboo and other natural materials will make your space earthier. 

If you’re working with a smaller space, you can still experiment with biophilic landscaping. Build a vertical garden to make the most of your real estate. 

11. Edible Landscaping

Edible landscaping is in this year, and for good reason. It’s a fun, sustainable way to grow your own food. Raised garden beds are perfect for cultivating herbs or vegetables. Some fruits — like strawberries — grow well on vertical structures. Pollinator gardens merge edible plants with flowers to create a beautiful landscape and welcome bees — an essential part of the natural ecosystem — and other wildlife. 

12. Maximalist Furniture  

2025 is all about expressing your style in your outdoor space. Instead of prioritizing function over fashion, you can have the best of both worlds by choosing furniture that is as practical as it is stylish. Colorful sofas or sectionals make a statement but come in weather-resistant materials like wicker or teak. If you want to join in on the fun without getting larger pieces, try incorporating some brightly colored or interestingly textured throw pillows. 

Outdoor Living Area Ideas 

Whether you have a large backyard or a smaller city garden, creating a personalized outdoor space is a great way to get more fresh air and think outside of the box of your four walls. Outdoor living spaces can offer peaceful solace or accommodate fun-filled gatherings with family or friends. Try out these outdoor living space ideas to make your space work for you.