Housing News

Summer 2025’s 8 Chicest Outdoor Decor Trends Are All About Layered Light, Luxe Lounging, and Water with Wow

First came the indoor summer décor overhaul. Now, homeowners are stepping outside with an eye for an upgrade. As summer kicks off, outdoor spaces are getting the designer treatment with curated materials, clever lighting, and all-day, all-night livability.

Gone are the citronella candles and mismatched furniture. In their place: recessed LEDs, concrete pizza ovens, and cottage gardens that look like they wandered off the set of a Nancy Meyers movie.

Those planning to transform their outdoor spaces this summer may want to consider a home equity loan. A home equity line of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance, or second mortgage may help homeowners tap into the equity in their properties to fund their outdoor improvements.

Ready to turn your outdoor space into your favorite room of the house? These fresh ideas will take you from basic to backyard bliss.

1. Cool kitchen setups

Whether it’s pizza ovens or movable cook stations on wheels, outdoor kitchens are shaping up to be the “it” feature of the summer.

“We are seeing a continued interest in outdoor kitchens for summer 2025,” said Teresa Boyd of Olive Hill Design Company, based in Verona, N.J. “These kitchens can range from built-in, expansive designs with masonry and custom lighting to more affordable modular options that can be moved or manipulated over time.”

For homeowners not ready to commit to a full-blown build, modular setups—complete with sink stations, counter space, and grill islands—offer the flexibility of a summer refresh without the permanence (or expense) of poured concrete.

“These modular or mobile options and outdoor kitchen ‘kits’ are a great way for homeowners to bring indoor amenities outside and enjoy the summer season as much as possible,” said Boyd.

2. Green cocoon vibes

To make patios feel like an oasis, New York-based designer Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates suggests adding greenery from the ground up and keep it going overhead. This will create a peaceful, semi-closed backyard area that feels far away from the street.

“There’s nothing quite like a lush array of plants to bring a calming atmosphere to a space,” said Wolf.

Think of a trellis draped in flowering wisteria arched overhead, softening the structure and blurring the line between architecture and nature.

“It offers both privacy and serenity,” added Wolf. “You’re designing an experience, not just a place to sit.”

3. Clean lines with a side of coziness

If there’s a design mantra for this summer’s exteriors, it’s “clean but cozy.”

Outdoor spaces are blending smooth concrete and raw timber with warm, low lighting to create exteriors that feel curated but still inviting.

“I’ve had a few projects lately where clients requested floating bench seating around a fire pit built into tiered decking and then lit from underneath,” said Alex Smith, co-owner of Render3DQuick.com, which brings renderings for building projects to life. “It looks sharp in daylight and even better at night.”

4. Pergolas that do more

Gone are the days of the basic backyard arbor. The pergola of 2025 is sleeker and working overtime.

“Pergolas are getting smarter, too,” said Smith. “More designs are incorporating adjustable louvers, built-in lighting, and even heaters.”

Homeowners are requesting shade structures that can adapt to the changing weather and varying times of day. The louvers move with the sun, downlights turn on at night, and heating elements keep the relaxation going long after sunset.

5. Water, with a twist

Pools are still one of the most popular ways to enjoy a summer swim without leaving your property—but the way water is used is evolving.

More homeowners are adding smaller, water elements to their yards.

“Not just big pools, but narrow reflecting pools or built-in water channels running alongside paths” are becoming more popular, said Smith. “Even something as simple as a shallow water strip with underwater lights can turn a backyard into something completely different.”

Subtle LEDs beneath the surface add movement and a touch of theater—without the upkeep of a full-size pool.

6. Cottagecore, but make it wild

Not everyone’s going minimalist. A growing number of homeowners are going full-bloom with cottage-style plantings.

“Cottage-style gardens are increasing in popularity,” said Helena Finkelstein of Olive Hill Design. “These gardens are focusing on pollinator-friendly plants and a more ‘wild’ aesthetic that would be at home in an English garden.”

That means curved beds, informal plant placement, and grouped blooms.

“Homeowners can embrace perennial plants and herbs and experiment with this casual garden style,” said Finkelstein.

To reinforce the look, homeowners can add boulder edging, gravel paths, and wood trellises that feel perfectly unfussy.

7. Wicker’s quiet comeback

It might feel like a décor throwback, but designers are reclaiming wicker’s natural texture and warmth.

“Wicker furniture is ideal for outdoor spaces and remains surprisingly underused,” said Wolf. “Its natural texture brings warmth to any setting, and with the addition of throw pillows, it becomes invitingly comfortable.”

Try arranging wicker chairs around a low fire pit to create a cozy, nest-like seating. The result is a space that feels lived-in, low-key, and endlessly lounge-able.

8. Designs that work all day (and night)

A major throughline in all of this summer’s design trends? Spaces that aren’t locked into one function or one time of day. The new outdoor setup can be a coffee spot at 8 a.m., a tanning zone at noon, and a wine-and-fire moment by 9 p.m.

“More people want designs that work as a lifestyle extension,” said Smith. “Not just somewhere you host twice a year, but something you use constantly.”

“It’s about spaces that do it all, but still feel tailored and personal,” said Smith.