As homeowners continue to blur the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor living, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for backyard design. Today’s outdoor spaces are more cohesive, functional, and design-forward than ever.
According to Fixr.com’s 2025 Outdoor Living Trends Report, which surveyed top industry professionals, indoor-outdoor coherent design and outdoor kitchens remain the top trends. Building on these core concepts, the report highlights several other emerging features and preferences that are shaping how homeowners design and use their outdoor spaces this year.
1. Pocket Sliding Doors Are the Top Emerging Trend
Creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces has topped the list of outdoor living trends for years, according to experts, but a novel way homeowners are achieving that balance is with pocket doors, with 46% of experts agreeing that they’re an emerging trend.
Pocket doors allow for expansive openings and improved natural sunlight and ventilation without limiting room for decor and furniture like in-swing or out-swing French doors would. They cost about the same as sliding doors but allow for a wider opening to link indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cold plunge pools and fire features like fire pits and fire tables are the next most desirable outdoor features, according to 39% and 33% of experts, respectively.
2. Natural Look and Sustainability Dominate Outdoor Aesthetics
As homeowners continue to blur the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor living, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for backyard design. Today’s outdoor spaces are more cohesive, functional, and design-forward than ever.
According to Fixr.com’s 2025 Outdoor Living Trends Report, which surveyed top industry professionals, indoor-outdoor coherent design and outdoor kitchens remain the top trends. Building on these core concepts, the report highlights several other emerging features and preferences that are shaping how homeowners design and use their outdoor spaces this year.
3. The Pizza Oven is the Star of Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens still remain a favorite among homeowners, and half of the home building experts Fixr.com surveyed agree that a pizza oven is one of the hottest outdoor appliances in 2025. These serve to add both utility and a social element to backyards, which homeowners are all about this year. Pizza ovens can serve as a design focal point while also tying in with the rest of your outdoor areas.
Other top trending kitchen features include dedicated bar areas and seamless indoor-outdoor integration between cooking and dining areas, according to 44% of experts. And if you’re dreaming of a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with storage and a full suite of appliances, 42% of experts say your vision is still trending.
4. Composite Decking Is the Top Patio Flooring Pick
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Nearly half (46%) of design experts say that composite decking is the top pick for patio flooring in 2025. It’s durable and low-maintenance, and it offers tons of customization in terms of color and plank patterns. It’s also more eco-friendly than many alternatives, as it’s made of wood fibers and recycled plastic.
Permeable pavers that allow for more natural drainage are another popular outdoor flooring option this year, and flooring that flows seamlessly from your interior to the outside is also trending. Tile is a popular option for achieving that flow, as it looks great and can stand up to the elements.
Artificial turf has fallen out of favor as an alternative to grass, but it’s an increasingly popular option for making your dedicated entertainment space feel more integrated into your yard, according to 17% of experts.
5. Swimming Pools Lead Outdoor Entertainment
If outdoor entertainment is something you’re looking to prioritize, 40% of experts agree that a swimming pool is the most popular option. Pools can be great for relaxation and exercise, so they offer something for the whole family.
For homeowners looking to lean more toward wellness features, outdoor spa areas are a top pick, according to 29% of experts. Yoga and dedicated fitness spaces are also trending, according to 21% of experts. For a complete wellness space, experts say that saunas (21%) and hot tubs (19%) are the way to stay on-trend and achieve the next level of relaxation.
Now, if you’re looking for something to entertain the whole family, 21% of experts agree that an outdoor theater is a popular option among homeowners in 2025.
6. Water-Wise Landscaping Takes Priority
Experts are also noticing a movement toward sustainability and climate adaptation when it comes to softscaping. Drought-tolerant plants top the list of landscaping trends, with 62% of experts saying they’re the way to go. These plants require less water, so they can reduce your utility costs while also reducing your property’s negative impact on the environment.
More than half (54%) of home building experts have also seen native plants becoming more of a priority for homeowners. They provide low-maintenance beauty and sustainability in your yard, as they are well-adapted to the local climate and can even help promote the health of the local ecosystem.
About the author: Laura Madrigal is a Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, an online resource for helping you make the best home remodeling decisions.
Related Research
Need more data on the outdoor living market? Check out relevant market research reports available on MarketResearch.com, covering outdoor living structures, patio furniture, building materials, and more.
