We’ve rounded up some of the top trending outdoor living ideas to inspire your next refresh. Whether you're trying to make a small yard feel big, or just figure out your lighting game, there's something here for every kind of DIY landscaper.

What’s driving these outdoor living trends?

While customized outdoor spaces have been gaining ground for years, it’s clear that the pandemic sparked a major shift. Without shared public spaces, people began converting their backyards, patios, and porches into places they actually wanted to spend time in. Increasingly, homeowners still want outdoor living areas that actually fit their lives, not just look pretty from the window.

Our spaces should be designed with intention. Comfort matters. Flexibility matters. And increasingly, so do things like sustainability, low-maintenance materials, and creating a vibe that feels good to be in. Here are the outdoor space ideas turning ordinary backyards into the centerpieces of homes.

9 Top outdoor living ideas

Think of this as your complete trend report to outside living in 2025 and beyond. These ideas for outdoor living spaces range from practical to eclectic; and each promises to totally revolutionize the way your family thinks about life in the backyard.

  • 1

    Native plants and pollinators

    Gone are the days of sterile, manicured backyards that feel more like an extra room than a slice of the outdoors. Today’s outdoor spaces are embracing the wild—leaning into a natural look and feel that celebrates life, soil, and even bugs.

    Contemporary outdoor space ideas are designed to honor the connection between people and the natural world around them. Planting native plants in your garden beds cuts down on maintenance while helping support local ecosystems. These pollinator gardens draw in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while adding effortless beauty and movement to your yard.

  • 2

    Drought-tolerant lawn design

    Traditional lawns are getting a much-needed makeover. With rising droughts and climate uncertainty, outside living spaces are shifting to reflect both the changing environment and changing homeowner priorities. 

    That means landscaping choices that sip rather than gulp water, like succulents, clover, ornamental grasses, and even artificial turf. These ideas for outdoor living spaces keep your space looking lush without draining vital resources.

  • 3

    Outdoor kitchens and dining areas

    73% of outdoor experts agree: outdoor kitchens were the most in-demand outdoor living trend this past year. It’s easy to see why. Cooking and eating outside turns a regular Tuesday night into an experience. 

    Today’s outdoor kitchens often come complete with pizza ovens, prep counters, bar seating, and covered dining areas. With everything at your fingertips, you can prep, serve, and savor dinner under the stars without missing a second of fresh breeze.

  • 4

    Multi-functional decks

    If there’s one word guiding outdoor living ideas in 2025, it’s versatility. Gone are the days of single-use nooks. Now, outdoor living areas are being designed as spaces to do it all: lounge, dine, stretch, work, play.

    This trend includes expanding decks by including built-in benches, modular furniture, shade structures, and weatherproof finishes. With these flourishes, homeowners can carve out layered, flexible spaces that evolve with the seasons and their schedules.

  • 5

    Backyard play areas

    After COVID, the idea of play-at-home took on a whole new meaning, and it stuck. More families are investing in customized backyard playgrounds that grow with their kids and suit their unique style.

    From climbing walls, to modern treehouses, to all-in-one play structures with room for imaginary adventures, these setups offer freedom, safety, and convenience, right in your own backyard.

  • 6

    Low-maintenance hardscaping materials

    Sometimes it can feel like your yard to-do list stretches on forever. That’s why hardscaping materials like decomposed granite, poured concrete, and natural stone are having a moment. 

    These surfaces are tough, stylish, and require next to no upkeep, giving your patio or path a clean, intentional look. Plus, these materials play nice with all kinds of greenery, from lush gardens to desert-chic succulents

  • 7

    Landscape lighting for ambience

    When the sun dips, the magic starts. Thoughtful outdoor lighting can transform your backyard into a nighttime oasis, while extending its use long after daylight fades.

    Modern outdoor living (and lighting) ideas include pathway lights, sculptural sconces, or a canopy of string lights twinkling over your dining area. It’s less about utility and more about mood—lighting that makes your yard feel warm, safe, and full of atmosphere.

Build your own outdoor oasis with Frontdoor®

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to building your outdoor oasis. Are you dreaming of family dinners under the stars? A peaceful garden escape? A play zone the kids won’t want to leave? Think about how you actually want to use your space and go from there.

Once you’ve got your wishlist, narrow it down to one or two high-impact projects to start with. That might mean building a rain garden, adding some string lights for evening ambiance, or finally staining the deck that’s been unvarnished since last summer.

Not sure where to start, or how to bring your vision to life? That’s where Frontdoor comes in. With a quick video chat, you can get real advice from a handyperson Expert, no matter if you’re planning a full backyard transformation or just trying to figure out which tools you actually need for your weekend project. Download the app today.