Outdoor living spaces are one of today’s most critical elements of home design. For many buyers, they’re the thing that can make or break a sale. They’re no longer just a patio with some chairs hanging out back. Think of them as fully-staged extensions of your indoor living area.
Oh yeah, they’re important…
Outdoor living spaces are transforming expectations in every housing market from single-family homes to urban condos. Suburban listings in real estate in Berkeley need upgraded decks, backyards and patios just like high rise apartments downtown. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, outdoor living is here to stay.
Here’s what you should know…
What you’ll discover:
- Why Outdoor Spaces Are More Important Than Ever Before
- Outdoor Living Space Trends
- Outdoor Space Adds Value to Your Property
- How to Create a Functional Outdoor Living Space
Why Outdoor Living Spaces Are More Important Than Ever Before
Buyers want outdoor living spaces. Like right now they want them.
The marketplace has spoken. Homeowners are spending more time outdoors than ever. A Trex survey found that 40% of homeowners plan to renovate their outdoor areas in 2025. Close to two-thirds said they’ll spend more time outdoors around their home this year.
People just want to be outside more.
Maybe it’s because we’re coming out of pandemic lockdowns. Or maybe we’re all just tired of being inside. But either way, homeowners are demanding outdoor spaces they can use. They want rooms that transition perfectly between indoors and out. Bonus points if they can cook and entertain outdoors as well.
Here’s the catch.
Most outdoor areas aren’t cutting it. Sure they have a deck, but is it comfortable? Fun to spend time on? In a consumer survey by ICFA, 77% of consumers said they spend less time outdoors at home than they’d like to. And over half say they have little-to-no outdoor furniture, or all of their furniture needs replacing.
You can’t have an outdoor living area without a place to sit and relax.
Outdoor Living Space Trends
What are homeowners expecting to see in their outdoor spaces? If you want to sell your home or maximize your usability outside, pay attention. Here are the top outdoor living space trends happening right now:
Indoor Outdoor Flow
When you look at pictures of stylish outdoor living spaces, they look like extensions of the home. And that’s because they are.
The hottest trend in outdoor spaces is completely blurring the lines between your indoor and outdoor living area.
Homeowners are achieving this by installing bigger windows and patio doors to connect to their outdoor entertaining areas. They’re investing in multi-season decks that let them live and play outside all year long. Flooring often matches or complements indoor flooring to create a cohesive look throughout the home.
Outdoor Cooking & Entertainment
Kitchens are popular indoors, so it makes sense the outdoor spaces would follow.
Outdoor kitchens are hugely popular these days. If you have the space, go beyond the grill and include a pizza oven, built-in seating and a mini fridge. The idea is to keep everyone out in the backyard together. That way you’re not stuck inside cooking while everyone else enjoys your new deck.
Likewise if you’re designing the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, remember it should be flexible enough for entertainment. Make it big enough for everyone to gather around. Include optional seating for guests who may want to lounge instead of stand.
Spaces for Wellness
Did you know people are incorporating wellness features into their outdoor spaces?
It might sound unconventional but outdoor spa decks, cold plunge pools, outdoor saunas, yoga decks and meditation gardens are hot right now. Basically if you can buy something for outdoor wellness, odds are someone is buying it.
Who doesn’t want to destress outdoors after a long day?
Outdoor Space Adds Value to Your Property
By now you should be seeing the value in upgrading your outdoor spaces. But if you’re the type of homeowner who likes to see hard numbers, here it is.
Accentuating your outdoor living space is one of the best home improvement projects you can invest in. Not only do they improve your everyday livability, but they also add ROI to your property.
On average, homeowners see a 10% to 15% increase in value when they upgrade their outdoor living spaces. Some projects have an even bigger impact:
- Patios can recoup up to 95% of their cost.
- Landscape upgrades average 100% cost recovery.
- Wood decks come in at 89% cost recovery.
These numbers don’t lie. Buyers want outdoor living spaces and are willing to pay more for a home that delivers.
How to Create a Functional Outdoor Living Space
Now it’s time to reverse the brainstorm. What makes a bad outdoor living space? Most are likely cluttered, uncomfortable and just don’t invite you to spend time outside.
If you want your outdoor space to function season after season, take a few things into consideration.
Create Zones Outdoors Too
The more activities your outdoor living space can accommodate, the better. Zones outdoors might include spaces for dining, lounging, cooking and socializing. Create intentional areas that cater to each activity.
Instead of throwing all your furniture into one large open area, separate the spaces. Use pergolas, planters or simple level changes to help define each zone.
This will make your outdoor living space feel bigger and ensure you have furniture that’s perfectly suited for each activity.
Choose Outdoor Furniture You Can Actually Relax On
Outdoor furniture has come a long way in recent years. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of furniture that can survive outdoors. Invest in high-quality pieces that are designed to withstand year-round wear and tear.
Composite decking and furniture materials hold up to the elements much better than traditional wood. They may cost more up front, but you’ll save money in maintenance and replacement costs down the road.
That said, don’t be afraid to mix high-end furniture with economical accessories. Throw some accent pillows on the deck or add a colorful pouf to your seating area.
Think About Your Outdoor Space Long-Term
Your outdoor living area should be able to stand the test of time. Just because you can install that trendy fire pit today doesn’t mean you should.
Invest in classic, high-quality build materials that will hold their value. Leave room to upgrade your outdoor spaces over time. Don’t be afraid to take things slow. Start with the patio or deck and add elements like fire pits, pergolas or outdoor kitchens later.
Finishing Thoughts
Outdoor spaces are critical for every homeowner. Not only do they provide entertaining areas and increase property value, but they also give homeowners somewhere to relax outdoors.
Here’s what you should remember:
- The outdoor living space is an extension of your indoor space.
- Homeowners are expecting more indoor-outdoor flow than ever before.
- Including spaces for outdoor cooking and wellness are huge selling features.
- Your outdoor space can add between 10% to 15% more value to your home.
- Invest in comfortable furniture and think about your outdoor space long-term.
Don’t neglect your outdoor living area. Whether you’re selling your home or not, take the time to upgrade your outdoor spaces. They don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Simple updates like furniture upgrades and streamlined flow can make a world of difference.