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14 Outdoor Living Trends to Try in 2024

Here’s what’s trending in outdoor decor – with the numbers to back it up. All trends are sourced from Google Trends search data. Check out the results below and what our designers have to say about them!
 

1. Organic Modern

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

Google trends data shows a rise in interest for Organic Modern (+19.7%).
“Organic modern is natural yet comforting, and associated with rustic earth elements that are best for cozy 'outdoor living rooms.' The beautiful thing about these tones is that they can soften any-sized space, from balconies to backyards." Get the look: “Choose wooden patio tables and chairs in a warm finish, or perhaps warm leather, since the natural wear-and-tear over the years can actually enhance the rusticity of this trend.”

2. Tropical Core

By: Brynna Evans, Living Spaces Designer

“That glow you get from a Hawaiian vacation? Tropical core is all about keeping it.” Get the look: “It's not just pineapples, waterfalls and toucans, but more about creating a warm and serene space. Vibrant colors and beachy materials make life a little more carefree.”

According to the Google report, Tropical Core is on one of the steadiest rises in 2024, seeing a 27.2% increase in popularity from the past twelve months.

3. Eco-Friendly Materials

By Brynna Evans, Living Spaces Designer

Google Trends report for Sustainability shows a 14.2% popularity increase over the past twelve months.
“Eco-friendly materials – like bamboo, wood, recycled plastic and rattan – are rising in popularity as shoppers get more and more consious.” Get the look: “This trend is less of a trend in and of itself, and more of a method of acheiving many other trends on this list. Organic Modern (#1), Tropical Core (#2) and Clay Colors (#14) utilize natural, environmentally safer material alternatives. And overall, an outdoor space will feel the most serene when the colors and materials are kinder to nature and inspired by it."

4. Eucalyptus Furniture

By: Emilie Navarro, Living Spaces Designer

“The Eucalyptus wood is native to Australia (a harsh climate), making it extremely durable. It's resistant to rotting and decay and lasts for decades; it is an eco-friendly choice for furniture, falls into the Organic Modern trend for style and makes for comfortable seating. Get the look: “There's another benefit to eucalyptus: it's affordable! Don't just do it in an accent piece. Take advantage of the price point and remake your entire dining set into an eco-friendly choice. (And for decor, contrast the lighter tones of eucalyptus wood with strong accents — think bright pops of throw pillows or placemats.”

Eucalyptus Furniture saw a 4.1% increase in searches over the past twelve months.

5. Bright Colors

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

Google Trends reports for Vermilion and Butter Yellow show a 1.6% and 4.6% popularity increase over the past twelve months, respectively.

“Getting outdoors and getting fresh air isn't enough for 2024 trends: bright colors are a must for an even fresher feel! (I am noticing a tie to nostalgia with this one, it isn't just about the colors themselves, but a desire to recreate the halcyonic and youthful days of our childhoods. We're seeing this in other social media trends as well, from 90's toys to jelly sandals.)” Get the look: “Three words: bold, bold, bold!"

6. Jewel Tones

By: Brynna Evans, Living Spaces Designer

"A more sophisticated (less nostalgic) take on Bright Colors is Jewel Tones.” Get the look: “Traditionally a look for traditional interiors, jewel tones is trending, I believe, as part of the indoors-out trend. People want to enjoy the backyard spaces they have, and one way to do that is to make it feel as much like home as possible. Incorporate this look not just through funriture but also though comfort layers: blankets, pillows and rugs aren't just for inside. The entire jewel tone palette (ruby, sapphire, emerald) is game here; all the colors go together, and it's way more fun when it's more than one.”

Year over year, Jewel Tones Google searches have an increase of 19%.

7. Edible Garden

By: Emilie Navarro, Living Spaces Designer

edible garden outdoor trend 2023
According to Google Trends, Edible Garden searches are up by 17.9% over the past twelve months.

“The ultimate luxury, a backyard edible garden encourages us all to slow down a bit during these crazy times and enjoy the furits of nature. Add a pathway or a raised deck around the edible garden to bring the ground up to the garden's level, creating an elevated aesthetic.” Get the look: “Try incorporating alternative lighting overhead, such as a few strings of twinkling lights, and you’ll never want to leave your backyard. Add a garden to an existing entertaining space or situate one in its own hideaway nook for the ultimate backyard oasis.”

8. Plant Fence

By: Brynna Evans, Living Spaces Designer

“Incorporating a plant fence into an outdoor space turns the attention away from you – and toward nature. It quiets and calms; a much-needed respite from the busyness you might feel inside the home.” Get the look: Turn a backyard natural by intertwining ivy through a picket fence, or a wall of hemlock, beech or lavender. You can also add a touch of personality by incorporating animal garden sculptures or statues, plus garden stools for peaceful contemplation.”

plant fence outdoor trend 2023
Google Trends shows a 17.6% increase of Plant Fence searches over the past twelve months.

9. Outdoor Walkway

By: Brynna Evans, Living Spaces Designer

walkway
According to Google Trends, Outdoor Walkway searches are up by 12% over the past twelve months.

“With entertaining season coming up, there’s never been a better time to create a backyard space that feels easy to walk around in and stroll through!” Get the look: “In the age of now, now, now, where everything is on-demand and on-screen, your outdoor space should feel sensory and leisurely. Stepping stone paths are in, especially when meandering, curved and not a straight line. The quickest route from A to B isn't always the prettiest — or most enjoyable! ”

10. Garden Shed

By: Emilie Navarro, Living Spaces Designer

“Expanding your home, without buying a bigger house — that's the idea behind the rise in multipurpose sheds in backyard spaces.” Get the look: “Just because it’s outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have indoor luxury. Bring in lots of storage (or build in shelves); on one side of the shed, store the necessary conventional gardening tools, and on the other, keep your craft supplies, books and anything else you want for your personalized backyard nook.”

garden shed
From Google Trends: Interest in Garden Sheds saw a 1.1% increase from twelve months ago.

11. Terracotta Pots

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

terracotta
According to the Google report, Terracotta Pots is on one of the steadiest rises in 2024, seeing a 10.9% increase in popularity from the past twelve months.
"Terracotta pots, decorative plates and garden sculptures are becoming more popular because they are naturally weather-resistant and can withhold many years of use; they also look better (rustic) with aging and mineral stains." Get the look: “It's an intrinsically natural color, and unlike concrete, offers a pop of warmth. It's 'it' for 2024, and will be used not just as pots but also as a paint color — so I say embrace the trend with similar earthy pillows, walls and decor!”

12. Front Porch Appeal

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

“Previous years saw a rise in cultivating one's own private hideaway. Now, we're seeing more and more focus on front yards, appearances and how guests and passersby are welcomed.” Get the look: “Front porch yellows have always been associated with summer, but now they're a year-round look for any occasion. And with organic, sustainable trends, this trend is less about stuff and buying decorations, and more about nature: skip the shopping and let plants and flowers bring the color to your deck.”

Front porches are being paid more attention to, with evidence as follows: Front Porch Plants searches are up from twelve months ago.

13. Clay Color

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

From Google Trends: Clay Color is up 13.7% from twelve months.

“Since terracotta material is rising to fame, clay (a fine-grain natural material from soil) is rising right along with it. Bring it to your outdoors and play with a more earthy feel by pairing clay colors with other 'natural' palettes, such as stone.” Get the look: "The fun of clay isn't just in color — it's in texture. A lawn is soft and grassy, pots and sculptures are the complete opposite. Use the hardness of clay for grounding energy. "

14. Outdoor Games

By: Pamela Oleson, Living Spaces Designer

“Outdoor chess sets, tic-tac-toe, cornhole; any way to bond with family and friends, to create experiences, is the priority, and trendsetters have latched onto games as a way to accomplish this." Get the look: "Millennials may be getting older, but they're keeping playfulness. Find game sets that are cute/pretty enough to be left out — whimsical colors, chic, curved shapes, whimsical larger-than-life sizes make the display as playful as the game itself."

games
It's peak season for games, case in point: Outdoor Chess searches are trending up 10.7% from twelve months ago.

Timeless Tips That Work Every Year



Most backyards have the room to extend your home's living space with a deck, patio, gazebo and/or outdoor cooking area. Not only do such spaces help you grow your square footage, but they add value to your home and allow you and your family to enjoy the fresh air and nature. How do you accomplish this and make your added outdoor space family-friendly? We have a few ideas.

1. Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture for Your Home's Architectural Style.

Matching your outdoor furniture to the architectural style of your home is essential to creating a beautiful, harmonious backyard living space. For instance, if you live in a Tudor-style home, you'll want to use heavy wood or wicker patio furniture. If you live in a colonial home, you'll want wood furniture or metal furniture with classic lines. And, if your home is modern, you can add to your exterior appeal with bright colored cushions and resin, metal or rope furniture with sleek, modern lines.

2. Lighten the Mood.

Outdoor lamps, lanterns and other lighting do more than help you see at night – they give your backyard a warm and inviting appeal. For a touch of outdoor elegance, place a couple table lamps with colorful shades on an outdoor dining table or bar; or, hang a set of outdoor string or tea lights in an especially darkened area for a pop of dazzling sparkle – and to up the romantic ambiance.

3. Create a Living Space That Will Work for All Seasons.

The more often you can use your outdoor living space, the more cost-effective it will be. If you live in a part of the country where the weather is chilly in the spring and fall, consider a fire pit or free-standing heaters to extend your outdoor season. If you live in an area where the summers are scorching, consider a retractable awning or umbrella to provide shade, or a small wading pool or other water feature.

4. Lay Down an Area Rug (or Two).

Large rugs help to define a living space and make your outdoor living area look like it has "rooms." Today's outdoor area rugs don't have to be taken in and out; they are designed so that moisture runs right through them and so that colors stay true for years. Transforming your outdoor living space into a welcoming and useful family oasis doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Simply add a focal point, like a gazebo or pergola; make sure that your patio furniture complements your home's architectural style and add some sort of outdoor kitchen/bar area to make your outdoor living space more enjoyable for your family and friends year round.

5. Add an Outdoor Bar Cart.

Being able to entertain outdoors is one of the joys of the summer season. Not only does it keep your kitchen from getting hot and messy, food served outdoors just has a certain casual (and delicious) appeal. You don't have to spend a fortune to add an outdoor eating and cooking area. Setting up a bar cart next to your grill can help make your space more appealing.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.