{"id":2553,"date":"2026-01-19T14:56:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightingnewsnow.com\/?p=2553"},"modified":"2026-01-19T21:22:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T21:22:43","slug":"outdoor-design-trends-to-watc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightingnewsnow.com\/?p=2553","title":{"rendered":"4 Outdoor Design Trends to Watch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LNN’s Style Editor takes look at the trends shaping how consumers use their outdoor spaces and how lighting can help them enjoy their porches, patios and, increasingly, the \u201crooms\u201d of their backyards.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Julie A. Palm<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the COVID pandemic had a silver lining it might be that people rediscovered the pleasures of spending more time outdoors \u2014 whether exercising, entertaining, playing with the kids or just relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember those early pandemic days? In the spring of 2020, some of my neighbors turned their driveway into a little bistro, setting up small tables with chairs (6 feet apart, of course). They invited a rotating mix of small groups of friends and neighbors over for bring-your-own dinner parties all spring, summer and into the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My friends in Nebraska joined countless others who made permanent investments in their outdoor spaces, turning a portion of their back patio into covered outdoor living space, with a comfy sofa and chairs, dimmable lighting and a large-screen TV. Even with the Midwest\u2019s long winters, my friends knew the space could be used several months out of each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good lighting helps people enjoy their outdoor spaces well into the night, while also highlighting architectural features of the home and gardens and improving security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s look at some outdoor design trends that are impacting people\u2019s outdoor lighting needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Making it easy: <\/strong>Consumers may want to spend time outdoors but unless gardening or yard work is a hobby, they generally want their porches, patios and yards to be no-hassle spaces to maintain and easy to enjoy. Think \u201call play and no work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re seeing the emergence of robotic mowers akin to the robotic vacuums many people rely on to keep their floors clean. And advancements in smart technologies are making it simpler and more cost-effective for homeowners to use apps to control \u201ceverything from irrigation systems and low-voltage lighting to fire and water features,\u201d according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAutomation is an element that still has a strong presence when we build swimming pools or include lighting and audio within our projects,\u201d Nick Berger, a designer with Hidden Creek Landscaping Inc.<\/a> in Hilliard, Ohio, told the NALP. \u201cClients like to be able to operate as much as possible through their phones for ease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Homeowners like that app-driven lighting systems, sound systems and other outdoor accessories have become easier to use and more cost-effective.<\/em> Credit: Hidden Creek Landscaping Inc.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Creating multiuse rooms: <\/strong>If your clients are using outdoor space for multiple purposes, it makes sense to design it like you would for a home\u2019s interior with dedicated places for different activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomeowners are increasingly approaching their yards as collections of garden rooms \u2014 distinct outdoor zones with defined purposes. Instead of one open expanse, landscapes are divided into destinations: dining patio, fire lounge, play lawn, quiet reading nook surrounded by greenery,\u201d according to Houzz<\/a>, a home construction and design platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landscapers can use hedges, trellises and planters, small patios and other features to help define spaces. The opportunities for perfect lighting abound: Pathway lighting not only improves safety as people travel from outdoor room to outdoor room, it also adds visual interest. Outdoor kitchens need task lighting; dining patios need mood lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Plantings and pathways can help define the \u201crooms\u201d that make up today\u2019s outdoor spaces. Credit: Houzz\/Sean O\u2019Rourke Photography LLC<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Making it sustainable: <\/strong>Real estate marketplace Zillow<\/a> says its data shows that mentions of descriptors like \u201csustainable\u201d and \u201cgreen\u201d in its listing were up more than 20% last year over the previous year, \u201csuggesting buyers are actively searching for eco-conscious living options that save them money and reduce their environmental impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoors this means climate-appropriate lawns and plants that don\u2019t need a lot of extra water or maintenance, as well as natural, sustainably sourced materials. But this continuing trend isn\u2019t just about using sustainable components or drought-tolerant shrubs. As Zillow indicates, it\u2019s also about durability and investing in quality products, including lighting, that won\u2019t have to be replaced in a year or two because they didn\u2019t hold up to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED and solar-powered fixtures can appeal to anyone who wants to save money on their outdoor lighting bills \u2014 and with rising energy prices, these days that\u2019s just about everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Homeowners continue to be interested in sustainability, whether tiny homes, climate-appropriate landscaping or durable lighting fixtures that stand up to the elements.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. A porch revival: <\/strong>Last week in a column about indoor trends to watch<\/a>, I admitted to an affinity for an interior designer\u2019s observation that people are increasingly asking for \u201canalog\u201d rooms where the focus is on screen-free activities. So, I\u2019ll acknowledge here that this is my favorite outdoor trend. Porches are like analog rooms, encouraging us to slow down, relax and get away from technology \u2014 and they invite neighborliness and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter years of focusing on backyards and patios, homeowners are realizing that the front porch deserves the same love. It\u2019s not just a sitting space, it\u2019s a way to create a warm welcome for every guest who swings by,\u201d notes Brick & Batten<\/a>, an online exterior design firm. \u201cOur designers are seeing more and more requests for wide, covered entries and cozy seating areas that make guests want to linger. With a few planters and pendant lights, you can create the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee and wave to the neighbors.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best porches are designed as well as attractive living rooms, outfitted with comfortable seating options, tables for drinks and snacks, area rugs and, of course, lighting \u2013 from ceiling fans to table lamps to sconces \u2013 to create moods and allow homeowners to use of the porch throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To read about the latest outdoor lighting introductions at January Lightovation 2026, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LNN’s Style Editor takes look at the trends shaping how consumers use their outdoor spaces and how lighting can help them enjoy their porches, patios and, increasingly, the \u201crooms\u201d of their backyards. By Julie A. Palm If the COVID pandemic had a silver lining it might be that people rediscovered the pleasures of spending more…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2556,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":124,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,391],"tags":[748,796,797],"class_list":["post-2553","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","category-featured","tag-julie-a-palm","tag-outdoor-design-trends","tag-outdoor-trends"],"yoast_head":"\n4 Outdoor Design Trends to Watch - Lighting News Now<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are four outdoor design trends to watch this year, according to LNN's Style Editor Julie A. 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