5 Top Outdoor Living Design Trends For 2024

Published Date: Feb 11, 2024

With a new year comes ample opportunity to revitalize your surroundings. Recently, System Pavers surveyed homeowners and discovered outdoor spaces took top ranking as the area they’d most like to renovate in 2024. In fact, more than a third of homeowners picked their outdoors as number one on their remodel to-do list. When it comes to spicing up your outdoor living areas, the possibilities are limitless. To help you focus on what will make the most impact, we narrowed preferences down to these top 5 outdoor living design trends for 2024.

1. BE BOLD

As we swing into the new year, don’t be afraid to go bold. Rich, vibrant colors are the new neutral. Although Pantone recently declared the very demure “Peach Fuzz” the color of the year for 2024, many people are turning toward more impactful hues when it comes to décor. This can feel especially liberating for your exterior design projects. Thanks to landscaping and foliage, outdoor spaces naturally have a warm palette. This makes them a great place to experiment with bold statement colors such as deep greens and rich purples, as well as hotter hues such as oranges, yellows, and reds.

Incorporating eye-catching pops of color can be as simple as getting new cushions for your patio furniture, adding a big patio umbrella, or choosing bold new planters and outdoor art. Think of adding in accents such as wind chimes and outdoor games to create a cohesive look throughout your space. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even plant flowers with blooms that complement the shades of your décor. Simply pick the colors that speak to your heart and go for it!

2. THINK INSIDE OUT

Extending your indoor living space by blending it with your outdoors is a big design trend that took off during the pandemic and is sticking around for 2024 and beyond. As more and more homeowners realize their property’s usefulness goes far beyond the walls of their home, they’re focusing on making their porch or patio feel like a more natural extension of their space.

This can be done by choosing materials that mingle well – such as flooring that looks good indoors and out, or by coordinating your furniture so there’s a seamless flow from inside your home to the yard. The key is to pick decorating accents that keep the eye moving from indoors to out and back again without a feeling of disconnect.

3. GET COOKING

Backyard kitchens are the upgrade that’s on everyone’s wish list for 2024. These days homeowners are going beyond the grill to include chef-worthy features that cater to outdoor entertainment at its finest. Think pizza ovens, built-in fireplaces, spacious countertops, smokers, and more. A useful and thoughtfully-designed outdoor kitchen is quickly becoming a must-have for families looking to expand their living space and bring a fresh feel to their get-togethers.

If building a full outdoor kitchen isn’t in your budget, consider creating a dedicated space for your BBQ or adding a fire pit to your yard. These fun and functional areas can bring people together while adding a whole new dimension to the way you use your outdoors.

4. DREAM BIG IN SMALL SPACES

2024 is proving that you don’t need to have a giant yard to maximize your outdoor lifestyle. Homeowners are making the most of every square inch by creating small footprint spaces that encourage more quality time spent outdoors. Consider turning an unused side yard or entry way into an inviting hangout spot by building a small patio or deck off your house. Decks are especially useful when building over uneven terrain or in an area where you’d prefer an elevated view.

Other small space design solutions include adding a pergola over your patio to create a shaded place for outdoor conversation. If you’re looking for less permanent additions to your yard, sometimes all it takes is simply rearranging your outdoor furniture to create a cozier, more enticing feel. Your best bet is to pop outside, take a fresh look at your possibilities and see if there are any nooks and crannies that are could be turned into your new fav place to chill while enjoying some fresh air.

5. PRIORITIZE YOUR COMFORT

Finally, one of the easiest ways to encourage more outdoor time is to make your space as relaxing as possible. Thanks to the rise in durable performance fabrics that can withstand the elements, patio furniture has grown decidedly comfier over the years. This translates into invitingly plush spaces that feel more like actual living rooms than afterthoughts.

If kicking back in style is on your 2024 to-do list, say goodbye to hard plastic lawn chairs and picnic bench seating. Turning your outdoors into an on-trend oasis can be as simple as choosing the right patio furniture. Don’t skimp on the details either! Incorporate elements such as convenient side tables for setting down cocktails, outdoor heaters, and landscape lighting so you can extend your entertaining hours long after the sun sets.

Looking for more inspiration to get you started? Check out our before and after galleries and get those creative juices flowing. It’s your outdoor space. This is your year to make the most of it!