20 Outdoor Living Trends to Try in 2023

“Sectionals that can be rearranged to form different shapes – or taken apart to form two chairs (rather than one sectional) – serve the need for a more customizable outdoor space.” Get the look: “Modular pieces don’t have to look modular. When not pulled apart, a modular sectional that’s built with quality materials such as weather-resistant rattan or wood will make a backyard feel like a living room.”

“Sustainable gardening goes hand-in-hand with container gardening, especially hydroponics container gardening which uses less water and soil and relies on a mineral solution for plant nutrients. Make container gardening chic with patterned, colorful ceramic planters.” Get the look: “In patches of ground gardens, opt for wildflowers and plants native to your locale to ensure your plants thrive using as little resources as possible. And since zen spaces in general are trends for indoors and outdoors this year, you might also try bubbling garden fountains, which can attract helpful pollinators and act as a natural humidifier.”

“Since the pandemic, people are looking for more creative ways to stay active at home. People have picked up sports and hobbies that involve going outside and getting fresh air.” Get the look: “Backyard gyms don't always need to be for huge estates. They can be half courts that can also double for other purposes like entertaining, tennis, or outdoor workouts. They can blend in beautifully with landscaping around the perimeter and lounge seating with ambient lighting.”

“Working from home, so many people are looking to the backyard for fresh air and some vitamin D.” Get the look: “Keep your outdoor workstation simple. A comfortable seat and counter height table will help you maintain good posture and mimic the feel of an office chair and desk, and lots of greenery will keep you in a focused mood.”

“The ultimate luxury, a backyard hot tub encourages us all to slow down a bit during these crazy times and enjoy the present moment with friends and family. Add steps or a raised deck around the hot tub to bring the ground up to the tub’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 tub to an existing entertaining space or situate one in its own hideaway nook for the ultimate backyard oasis.”

“Incorporating a zen garden 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 garden zen by activating the senses via the soft sounds of a water fountain. You can also add a touch of personality by incorporating animal garden sculptures or statues, plus garden stools for peaceful contemplation.”

“With entertaining season coming up, there’s never been a better time to keep a stocked fridge full of wine in the backyard!” Get the look: “Make it built into the cabinetry. Outdoor spaces mimicking the indoors feel has been trending for the past couple of years, so try creating a kitchenette as an extension of your indoors kitchen.”

“Outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens are the mark of an indoors-out living space.” Get the look: “Just because it’s outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have indoor luxury, so bring in storage or build in storage through shelving and cabinets; use shelves to display an herb garden in statement planters. For added warmth, centralize the hub with a fire pit dining table (roasted marshmallows make a great after-meal dessert)! To make it restaurant-esque, fill the larger kitchen space with lots of seating for dining.”

“A pop of color into a backyard space can create a joyous and happy environment for relaxing. Cerulean, cobalt blue, sage and olive green colors have always been associated with summer, but now they're a year-round look for any occasion.” Get the look: “I would add these colors on an outdoor sofa via some throw pillows and then add a couple of floral patterned accent chairs to complement the 'year-round spring look.' To contrast, a splash of warmth can be achieved by adding some natural wood elements such as a bench, table or bar cart to complete the look.”

“Since Japandi style is rising to fame, cane (a plant sourced from parts of Asia) is rising right along with it. Bring it to your outdoors and play with a more global or traveled feel by pairing cane with other 'plant' furniture, such as rattan.” Get the look: "Whether you’re working with a cane outdoor chair, bench or sofa, it’s a good idea to layer on seat cushions to contrast textures and colors!"

“Modern-day real estate has been leaning towards smaller yards, so it’s important to maximize every inch. Hydroponics allow gardeners to plant upwards – along walls and ledges, without soil – by infusing roots with a nutrient-rich mineral solution." Get the look: "One of my favorites is the ladder garden. Another great method is attaching metal hooks to the backs of mini terracotta pots and then hanging the pots along a lattice or trellis. It can be as simple as a tier of stacked planters or as intricate as a high-rise wall completely covered in vegetation."

“These fun yet modern chairs are the perfect combination of comfort and style to enhance anyone’s outdoor space. Egg chairs look their best on front porches and back patios, especially when paired with cozy pillows or a rug, for a more personal feel.” Get the look: “A few outdoor accent tables, to set down summer refreshments nearby, can introduce different textures and shapes. These chairs can be used to create an outdoor conversation area or can function as a stand-alone accent piece meant for the pure art of relaxation.”

"POLYWOOD, a name brand material that is used in Adirondack chairs, is a rising trend in 2022 for its unique properties: it’s durable, waterproof and made from recycled materials.” Get the look: Use POLYWOOD in a space that sees a lot of entertaining. The classic Adirondack silhouette will bring resort-like vibes, while the durability of the material will ensure long-lasting comfort."

"The granny flat, or a detached living space situated in a backyard, offers a way for families to live with their grandparents without actually sharing a roof." Get the look: "Granny flats, though, can be for anything, depending on how you decorate it: turn it into a hotel-like bedroom for an all-purpose guest house, or furnish it with a pool table and TV for a next-level mancave. However you use it, make sure to connect it in some way to the main house, via stepping stones or a small patio."

"The Scandinavian-Japanese , with its equal parts zen and hygge vibes, is coming to a backyard near you in 2022.” Get the look: “Outdoor furniture has come a long way from plastic wicker. This year, opt for indoor materials, colors and silhouettes, like deep seated sofas and ottomans in neutral palettes – and cozy foam fills."

"Outdoor activities have increased this past year. So has the need for a cozy, private, and shaded space outdoors. This means resort style comfy couches, ambient lighting and multi-functional furniture – all made to withstand weather.” Get the look: “To secure the indoors feel, arrange the furniture under a patio covering. You can add some outdoor drapery, a green wall, water feature, or outdoor tiled accent wall to create your own cozy and intimate outdoor space."