Last Updated on June 12, 2025
Did you know that 98% of experts agree that an updated outdoor space has a big impact on home value? If you’re thinking about updating your outdoor entertaining space so that you can enjoy it now and reap the fruits of your labor when it comes time to sell, it’s good idea to take a look at what’s trending for outdoor design spaces.
Entertainment zones
Multiple areas for conversation, connection, and relaxing are highly desirable. Those updating their outdoor spaces are creating several intimate areas throughout their outdoor space, all with a unique purpose.
Low-maintenance design
More and more homeowners are opting for outdoor products that will withstand the test of time. Composite decking has truly come a long way throughout the years, and although the up-front investment is higher than wood, it’s far more durable and requires significantly less upkeep, too, making composite more affordable over time.
Indoor/outdoor design
More and more homeowners are looking to find ways to effortlessly blend their indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, and as a result, selecting materials designed for indoor and outdoor use is highly requested. Above, a porcelain tile designed to mimic the look of stone is designed to function well for interiors and exteriors.
Outdoor living and dining rooms
Designing an outdoor space to serve as a secondary living and dining room with comfortable furniture, artwork, and accessories is a big trend in outdoor living. Outdoor fabrics are no longer stiff and uncomfortable and closely resemble fabrics designed for indoor use in both style and comfort.
Wellness spaces
A desire for wellness spaces at home is a trend that is only going to continue to rise as more and more health-conscious homeowners seek to turn their homes into oases. Plunge pools, outdoor saunas, yoga decks, and meditation spaces are all trending.
Artificial turf is out
Originally thought of as a great idea for those of us struggling to get grass to grow or as a way to enjoy a low-maintenance lawn, artificial turf is no longer as popular today. Beyond the fact that the turf gets extremely hot in the summer, there’s now a desire to install more eco-friendly materials.
Grass-free lawns
The trend toward low-maintenance yards is only escalating, and homeowners are seeking solutions that still provide beauty while also requiring lower water consumption and time on their part. Installing ground cover, bringing in native plants, or creating a meadow-like space are all ways you can reduce time and resources dedicated to maintaining your lawn.
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Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company based on closed sales volume, with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Highland/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions of North Carolina and the Upstate and Low Country regions of South Carolina. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has 480 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and more than 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
