Outdoor Design Trends of 2024

Abt is known for a wide selection of high-quality appliances and electronics, but did you know we're style experts too? With our amazing outdoor appliance and accessory options, we're also a great resource for giving your backyard the ultimate makeover. But finding inspiration for styling and remodeling your kitchen might feel easier than for your patio. Inside the home, you have physical walls and floors to work with. When all you have to begin with is Mother Nature herself, it can be hard to envision your dream porch space. Luckily, we're here to help you by providing the hottest outdoor design trends of 2024. Keep reading to get the best backyard tips so you can make the most of your outdoor space this summer.

Earth tones and neutrals have been the popular choice for interior and exterior decor for a while. But as of 2024, these aesthetics have faded away. Minimalism is out and maximalism is in. Bright colors and dynamic patterns are now all the rage. More specifically, Morrocan-inspired decor, midcentury furniture, layered rugs, vibrant fabrics and rustic designs are seeing a rise in popularity. Designers suggest mixing up your outdoor furniture style by playing with various hues, patterns, florals and more. Already invested in patio seating of your own? Try adding this fun flair by adding low-commitment pieces like accent pillows or throw blankets instead. Plus, if this trend ends up not being for you, the low cost won't feel like such a huge loss. Modular furniture, as well as eco-conscious furniture, are both trendy now as well. We challenge you to find a colorful piece that checks all these boxes.

The next outdoor design trend on our list takes inspiration from the ever-popular open-concept home. Just as you'd want your house to feel flexible, wide and connected, the same goes for your patio or backyard. Create a more harmonious environment by combining the airy feeling of the outdoors with the comfort of the indoors. While seamlessly connecting your interior with your exterior is not recommended due to climate and pests, you can instead blend the indoor and outdoor spaces to make your patio feel like a natural extension of your home.

There are several ways to accomplish this, or at least, create an illusion of extension. The best way is design continuity. Pick patio flooring/tiling that matches your interior floor's aesthetic. Shop for patio furniture that's within the same color palette as your indoor furniture. Stick to the same materials or patterns to bring both spaces together. Visually connecting the indoors and outdoors has also led to a rise in outdoor kitchens and sitting spaces (living rooms) as well, mirroring their counterparts in your home.

To continue building on our last trend, outdoor kitchens are not only seeing a rise in popularity but also an increase in investment. Homeowners are no longer settling for owning one outdoor cooker, like a high-quality gas grill. In fact, you could say they're building a second kitchen outside, with a quality level that matches their interior cooking space. We're talking luxury components like outdoor pizza ovens, smokers, sinks, ice makers, expansive countertop space, beverage centers and more. With a kitchen like this right outside your patio door, you'll be able to prep, cook, serve and store all in one convenient location. While you'll get to enjoy cooking in the backyard as much as you'd like, a luxury outdoor kitchen also provides additional benefits like increased property value and a cozy place to entertain and feed guests.

Another one of our top 2024 outdoor design trends is creating a covered patio or terrace. Covered patios are great for providing a shaded, multi-season space to entertain, especially if you live in an area with varying climate or weather conditions. The chicest, most popular rendition of this tip is the construction of a pergola over your porch. A pergola is a structure that consists of interlocked columns and an open-air roof made of rafters and beams (refer to the photo above).

Structures like this can be built from scratch or purchased and installed. This may seem like an expensive addition to your backyard, but covering your patio doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty of other options like canopies or even patio umbrellas. Collect multiple umbrellas within the same color scheme and place them all around your outdoor furniture. Don't forget: mixing and matching hues is on trend too!

As the popularity of smart electronics and appliances increases, using and adjusting them all individually can become complicated and overwhelming. That's why home automation and smart home systems have been seeing a rise in popularity. The ability to link your devices and control them all from one convenient app on your smartphone makes life simpler and much more enjoyable. But did you know this luxury can be extended to the backyard too? By incorporating home automation with the various components of your patio, you can curate a more cohesive living space both indoors and outdoors.

Connect your outdoor speakers so you can change the music to match the energy or mood. Automate your high-tech outdoor lighting so you can extend your hang-out times no matter how dark it gets outside. Link your outdoor TV so you can browse channels, pause and play as needed. Add an outdoor heater to your family of automated devices so you can keep yourself and your guests warm as the sun goes down. No matter what you incorporate into your smart home system, it's bound to make using your patio far more efficient and convenient.

As we've been discussing outdoor design trends, you may think additional plants, flowers or herbs are not needed if you're already in the backyard. But once you've installed an outdoor kitchen, picked out furniture and covered the space, your patio may start feeling less like a patio and more like a second living room. While you'll want the interior and exterior to be cohesive, you don't want to lose the charm of the nature that surrounds you. That's why it's recommended to place lush greenery, living gardens or layered plants in the empty spaces. To bring even more diversity to the space, we recommend choosing plants of different colors and sizes as well. No matter what type or species you end up bringing home, the refreshing scent and vibrant details of the greenery are bound to make your patio that much more relaxing.

Now that we've provided you with all the outdoor inspiration you need, the time to spruce up your patio or porch is now. Abt has plenty of outdoor furniture and appliances for you to choose from, so get inspired! Not sure what you want or need? Begin by exploring our variety of outdoor learn articles. Between our buying guides and our best backyard tips, you're sure to begin your styling journey on the right foot.