Whether it's a rooftop garden in the city or a sprawling garden in the country, VERANDA has always placed great emphasis on making the most of your outdoor living spaces. The porch and patio trends for 2025 take this concept to the next level. “We see elevated outdoor spaces that reflect the elegance of indoor spaces, with thoughtful details like layered textiles, elegant lighting and curated color palettes,” says Kerrie Kelly, says NKBA, FASID, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio. “A big focus is on multifunctional spaces that allow for the transition from day to night.”
There is also a push for spaces that reflect individual design aesthetics. “People want unique, personal designs that tell a story,” says Janice Parker, principal of Janice Parker Landscape Architects. “They want to have a theme or emotion when spending time in a space, an interpretation of nature and a celebration of nature in the manicured garden.”
Vast gray landscapes without green spaces are out. “That’s a clear no,” says Nick Fobes, partner at Hoerr Schaudt. “Nature should be the star and not an afterthought. Everyone wants a place of refuge. A great outdoor space should feel like an escape from the world, a place to recharge and connect. People want spaces that feel effortless and not overdone.”
Thoughtful editing is key; Instead of cramming everything you love into your garden (a butterfly garden! a water feature! a fire feature!), designers point out that you should work on what matters most to you. “The best gardens start with an inner and outer focus. This creates the lightness, dignity and elegance of a design layout,” says Parker.
Here's what else will be trending for porches and patios in 2025:
Natural and easy-care materials with a timeless feel
Traditional natural materials such as bluestone are still in demand due to their longevity. “Bluestone offers endless versatility, adapting to both modern and traditional aesthetics,” says Fobes. “It's not about being trendy. It’s about choosing materials that age gracefully and handle the elements gracefully.”
Porcelain stoneware pavers and concrete with subtle textures also add accents and offer durability with a more modern flair. “Materials like stamped concrete are falling out of favor as homeowners look for more sophisticated, authentic finishes,” says Kelly.
Other textured surfaces, such as softscaping with pea gravel and grass grouted stones that offer attractive and interesting patterns, are trending because they combine nature and artistry, Parker says.
Janice Parker designed this pebble mosaic to mimic an indoor rug.
However, wood still appeals to many homeowners. “We have received a lot of requests for wood decks, even on the ground floor where they are not traditionally used,” says Stacy Paetzel, founder and principal of Marshall Paetzel Landscape Architecture. “For a while there was a stigma that decks didn’t last long, caused splinters and required a lot of maintenance – which isn’t true when you use ethically sourced tropical hardwood like Ipe.”
Additionally, many composite decking brands (such as Timbertech) mimic the look of real wood decking but are an environmentally conscious and attractive choice. Weather-resistant steel also tests the design block for low maintenance and durability.
“Carbon and Corten steel are unique and useful materials for containers, retaining walls, lawn steps and garden edging,” says Dwight Brown, floriculture manager and outdoor living specialist at Father Nature Landscapes. “It gets better with age.” The natural patina takes on an attractive hue that serves as a neutral background for plantings and other design elements.
Personalized details
Personalization is at the top of the list for outdoor spaces in 2025. “Changing the footprint of an outdoor space through texture and color reflects current trends in interior floor finishes,” says Parker, who has designed pebble mosaic panels for seating areas to create stunning accent pieces that resemble an area rug.
Homeowners also connect modern design with nature. “Organic modernism is gaining momentum with a mix of natural materials like wood and stone paired with clean furniture,” says Kelly. Warm, earthy tones such as terracotta, olive green and rust are popular, often accented with black or brass for a touch of drama.
Braided pieces made from weatherproof materials such as resin wicker or wicker are currently on trend, paired with teak or powder-coated aluminum frames for contrast. “Curved furniture silhouettes add softness to outdoor spaces, while upholstered furniture with high-performance fabrics helps create cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Kelly.
Outdoor kitchens at a higher level
Outdoor kitchens continue to top the list of must-have features in much of the country. Homeowners are investing in modular kitchens with high-quality appliances like built-in grills, pizza ovens, beverage coolers, and sinks. Countertops are at a premium and are typically made from durable materials like Dekton or concrete, so the spaces are both functional and beautiful, says Kelly.
The demand for usable spaces, such as seating and storage space, is high. “The kitchen is the gathering place both outdoors and indoors,” says Kristian Thiem of Tidal Creek Designs. “Think about inviting family and friends to help make pizza in a large prep room, or the non-cooks to sit at the counter and join in.”
Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven
However, that doesn't mean you have to include all elements. “The focus is on better designed outdoor kitchens and creating only the space you need, rather than a full catering kitchen,” says Brown. “For example, choose a grill smoker or a grill plate. I wouldn't choose multiple options. This helps most families save time on cleanup and maintenance.”
It also makes sense to focus on location. “If the outdoor kitchen is in close proximity to the main indoor kitchen, the sink and refrigerator are not as important,” says Paetzel. “If it’s further away, such as near the pool house, we recommend equipping it more like an indoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.”
Another new feature that is trending and appealing to serious home cooks is the Argentine grill. “There is something primal and wonderful about cooking over an open wood flame,” says Fobes.
A focus on wellness
One of the biggest requests designers receive is for features that support health and wellness. “The outdoor spa experience is huge,” says Kat Aul Cervoni, founder of Staghorn NYC Landscape Design and The Cultivation by Kat. “During the pandemic, it was hot tubs and pools. Now it is the sauna or cold plunge pool that is a reflection of European wellness traditions.”
Barrel sauna – 6 people
Interest in edibles remains high in some parts of the country, driven by the local farm-to-table and food movement. “Growing vegetables isn’t just for experienced gardeners,” says Parker. “The trend is widespread and you can successfully grow vegetables that your family will love. Victory gardens are history and health and wellness is the current version of this important trend.”
In some regions, greenhouses are the next big thing. “They provide year-round enjoyment for the garden lover,” says Brown. “With many size configurations and price points, your options are nearly endless.”
Water-friendly planting
Due to the ongoing desire for low-maintenance plantings, many homeowners are asking about native plants. Cervoni likes to use a wide range of both drought-tolerant native plants and nativars, or cultivated native plants, that effortlessly attract and support pollinator populations while still looking great throughout the growing season.
Purely green plant pallets are also enjoying increasing demand. “Homeowners are no longer interested in flowers as much as they are looking for pure green tones in plant materials,” says Cervoni. “Layering textures like evergreens and grasses creates a lush and calming effect, but is easy to care for.”
Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar Tree of Life
Fire functions
Fire protection elements continue to be a top request as they extend the use of rooms even in the cooler months. “We’re seeing more and more wood-fired bowl models that are semi-portable,” says Thiem. “I think it’s the nostalgia of wood burning. A portable fire pit like the Solo Stove also creates a flexible space that can be used differently as needed.”
Solo cooker Yukon 2.0
Portable fire pits are often more practical when it comes to social gatherings. “They create a great gathering spot and provide 360-degree access for making s'mores or frying hot dogs,” says Brown. “Fire pits also provide an easier way to have conversations. For the summer, we usually cover it with a steel cover to turn it into a coffee table.”
Sculptural fire bowls, which can be fired with either gas or wood, are also trendy as functional works of art in the garden. Plus, they are easy to install and use. But ditch the large patio heaters: “It makes your yard look like a public space,” says Parker.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned a double bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, in English and Classics from Hiram College and an MBA, cum laude, from Georgia Southern University. Before devoting herself to writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled throughout Europe and taught in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has developed, researched and designed new story ideas and content to appeal to a national audience. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as: Country life, Good housekeeping, prevention, House beautifuland more. She is passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.