5 backyard trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to gardeners and designers

Former “Queer Eye” star and interior designer Bobby Berk told BI that souped-up outdoor kitchens are in.

“Gone are the days of a simple grill in the corner,” he said.

He told BI that he’s seeing more people springing for appliances like built-in pizza ovens, smokers, refrigerators, and freezers in their outdoor spaces.

Berk told BI that he’s seeing more people incorporate pops of color into their yards.

“I’m seeing more saturated, warm tones like tangerine, fuchsia, magenta, and shades of green (from bright lime to sage to deep olive),” he said. “Rust tones, camel, and browns are also here to stay and can feel both retro and modern.”

Laura Janney, a gardening expert, botanical stylist, and the founder of The Inspired Garden, is seeing more people opt for drought-resistant plants in their fall gardens.

“Fall is one of the best times to plant perennials,” she said. “Varieties such as ornamental grasses, yarrow, Russian sage, Agastache, coneflower, salvia, and catmint are not only resilient but also offer so much beauty throughout the seasons.”

The gardener predicts the demand for this kind of landscaping will only grow in the coming years as climate issues increase and droughts become more common in certain parts of the world.

Sweeping, green yards were once a mainstay, but monoculture lawns aren’t sustainable.

“Homeowners are increasingly opting to reduce traditional lawn areas, replacing them with gardens, hardscaping, or drought-tolerant alternatives,” Janney said.

She told BI that garden and landscaping designers must be prepared to provide sustainable solutions for yards that still provide visual appeal to meet consumer demand.

Janney told BI that she’s seeing homeowners add vibrant, imperfect gardens to their backyards instead of traditionally organized flower beds.

“By 2025, we see a trend to add more flowers and plants to enhance biodiversity while providing that colorful appeal,” she said.

Anna Tatsioni, a lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Online Interior Design, said modern, all-white patios are out.

“I’ve noticed that everyone is all about earthy tones and natural textures,” she said. “Think of rust-colored cushions, chunky wooden tables, and terracotta planters. It’s all about creating a cozy vibe that blends with the changing leaves.”

Tatsioni expects this trend to continue into 2025 as more homeowners prioritize comfortable, cozy design choices over perfect-looking minimalist spaces.

Janney told BI that using artificial seasonal decor in gardens and backyards is out.

“We like using organic materials with more natural elements, like dried lotus pods, which are more environmentally friendly in your autumn landscape,” she said.

Janney expects to see this trend continue as more people pursue eco-friendly, sustainable yards. In addition to lotus pods, she’s seen people use curly willow, preserved eucalyptus, pumpkins, and gourds to give their outdoor space an autumnal feel without a bunch of plastic.

Amber Lewis, the founder of Amber Interior Design, said people aren’t investing in perfectly designed backyards anymore.

Instead of following the next trend or filling your space with one overarching design style, she encouraged everyone to mix and match to hone their own sense of style.

“Pieces will blend classic designs with unexpected detailing, spanning traditional, modern, minimalist, transitional, and countless other styles,” she told BI.

This also highlights the broader trend toward functional outdoor spaces with comfortable places to sit and entertain.