Curious what outdoor design experts are keeping their eyes on this year?
There’s been a huge shift in how homeowners spend time outdoors. Architects and designers have noticed too. From weatherproof pergolas to smart home tech and sustainable building materials… Outdoor spaces are changing.
Let’s dig into what’s driving these new trends…
What you’ll learn:
- Why The Outdoor Living Trend Is Here To Stay
- Six Outdoor Design Trends Architects Are Watching
- Why Waterproofing Your Structure Is A Must
- Smart Home Tech For Your Outdoor Space
Why The Outdoor Living Trend Is Here To Stay
The market for outdoor living is booming. And there’s data to prove it.
A recent survey by Fixr.com showed that 98% of industry experts believed an updated and usable outdoor space adds value to your home. When nearly all the pros say something… You listen.
Here’s the real story…
Homeowners aren’t stopping at patios and decks. They’re creating entire outdoor rooms. Complete with kitchens, lounge areas and outdoor entertainment spaces.
They want to extend their indoor living space outdoors WITHOUT building an extra wall.
And who can blame them? The outdoor furniture market alone was valued at $8.77 billion in 2024. And is expected to reach $16.01 billion by 2033.
But there’s one trend commercial architects and designers can’t stop talking about…
Waterproof Structures Are Changing Everything
Weatherproof pergola covers and all season shade structures are one of the hottest trends in outdoor living right now. Gone are the days of pergolas being strictly for looks.
Designers are seeing an increase in clients wanting pergolas they can USE. Not just admire.
By adding a waterproof pergola cover to your pergola, you instantly make it a year-round structure. Rain or shine… You get more usable hours from your outdoor living space.
Don’t have a pergola yet? If you’re shopping for a fresh new pergola… Make sure it can pair with a waterproof pergola cover. That way you can guarantee you’ll maximise your investment.
Here’s why waterproof pergola covers are such a big trend…
Homeowners want to be able to use their outdoor spaces all year long. You never know when it’s going to storm! Sure, you can run inside when it rains. But having a pergola cover keeps you dry WHILE still allowing you to be outside.
When designing outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas and more… Waterproof structures are becoming the heart of these outdoor living areas.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow Is Still Everything
This has been a trend for a few years now and it’s not going anywhere.
Homeowners want their indoor spaces to extend out into their backyard. Designers call this “indoor-outdoor flow.”
Essentially you’re matching up your interior design and taking it outside. Using similar colors, materials and even large opening pocket sliders.
Trending right now: Pocket sliding doors. These slides completely disappear into the wall creating a large opening between your indoor and outdoor space.
When the sun is out, natural light pours into your home. And at night your outdoor living space feels like a natural extension of your living room.
Waterproof pergola covers let you maintain that indoor-outdoor flow even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Sustainable Materials Are Big (And Here to Stay)
Who said going green was only for the inside of your home?
Designers are starting to implement sustainable and eco-friendly materials into their outdoor builds. Recycled decking, responsibly sourced woods and low-emission paints are just a few things homeowners are looking for when renovating outdoor spaces.
Here’s what’s trending when it comes to sustainable materials:
- Composite decking is the number one choice for patio floors in 2025.
- Recycled aluminium is taking over as the top choice for modern pergola frames.
- Environmentally friendly and drought tolerant landscaping will replace grass lawns.
If sustainability is important to you, make sure you bring that into your outdoor space. Shoppers are starting to choose contractors based on their eco-friendly build choices.
Smart Home Technology Is Getting Smarter
Smart home technology used to be an “indoor only” kind of thing.
Not anymore.
Automation has made its way into the backyard. From motorized pergola roofs to app-controlled lighting. The outdoor living space of 2025 is intelligent.
Designers are seeing trends like these:
- Automated louvered pergola roofs that adjust themselves based on weather conditions
- Voice activated outdoor light fixtures
- Automated pull-down canopy covers that are activated by rain sensors
- Outdoor speakers integrated right into pergola beams
Technology is only going to expand as more outdoor smart features are developed. And the waterproof pergola cover industry has already taken full advantage.
Customers can now get waterproof pergola covers with built-in sensors and remote controls.
Outdoor Kitchens Are Getting Bigger (And Better)
This trend isn’t new. But what architects are seeing in the past year is a shift to larger and more complete outdoor kitchens.
Remember when outdoor kitchens used to be just a grill sitting on your patio? Those days don’t cut it anymore.
High-end outdoor kitchens include full cooking stations, bar areas and even pizza ovens. And all of these kitchens are being built under some form of overhead structure. Because you want to be able to USE your outdoor kitchen year-round.
Here’s the thing about outdoor kitchens…
If it’s not covered, it’ll give you maintenance problems. That’s why designers are pushing waterproof pergola covers with their outdoor kitchen installs.
Earthy Tones And Functional Furniture Are In
When it comes to aesthetics, tastes are changing.
Desirable color schemes are moving to earthy and more natural tones. Deep brown tones, olive green and terracotta colors are big. No more bright colored furniture vibes. It’s all about being subtle and blending into the outdoor landscape.
This style of design is translating into furniture as well. Low to the ground furniture with simple designs are what homeowners are looking for. Think less is more type of vibe here.
Functional furniture that’s comfortable to sit in and made with quality materials.
Final Thoughts On Outdoor Living Trends
The demand for quality outdoor living spaces is more popular than ever. Builders and contractors are paying just as much attention to the backyard as they are the interior of a home.
To see a huge return on investment when updating your backyard… These are the trends worth investing in:
- Weatherproofing your patio or deck with a waterproof pergola cover.
- Paying attention to indoor-outdoor flow when building your space.
- Building with sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
- Adding smart technology features wherever you can.
The future of outdoor living is here. Don’t get left behind.
