Vying for an outdoor lifestyle? You're not alone. Consider these patio and deck ideas that'll help you maximize your opportunity for outdoor relaxation.
Creating an appealing space that balances indoors and outdoors is the epitome of good summer living, and one of the biggest trends we see year-round. Visual appeal aside, covered decks and pergolas can deliver a seamless outdoor living experience.
As you plan your exterior space and pick new outdoor furniture, keep architectural elements in mind. As the team at Deckorators told us in its Contractor Insights Survey, homeowners and contractors are focusing heavily on transitional zones.
What are transitional zones?
"Outdoor living areas should feel like a true extension of the home," shares Michelle Hendricks, Category Marketing Manager for Deckorators. "By selecting colors, textures and materials that complement or match the ones found in indoor spaces – this can be as broad as paint colors and cushion fabrics, or as narrow as finishes and fixtures – you can create harmony and a seamless transition between the two spaces."
To create harmonious transition zones you can enjoy during the warmer months, the report shares that homeowners appeal to covered outdoor deck designs. These overhead structures like pergolas, and decks provide all-purpose functions and act as a natural extension of the home.
Better yet, contractors surveyed cite that year-round use features like fireplaces, as well as full kitchens, built-in seating, entertainment centers, smart lighting systems, and retractable screens add comfort, privacy, and security.
Take it to the next level with an outdoor television, comfortable seating, modular furniture, an outdoor dining table, and string lights.
"In the face of all kinds of weather, shade structures stretch the utility of the outdoor room, defying sweltering heat or drizzling rain to keep guests comfortable enough to continue enjoying time outside," adds Hendricks. Whether used for relaxation, social gatherings, or contemplative solitude, covered backyard decks and pergolas blur the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.
Covered Porches and Decks
With a covered patio or deck, homeowners can enjoy an outdoor dining space, media and outdoor entertainment, or simply have a place to unwind amidst the elements.
Outdoor lighting offers more for backyard patios, making it easier to extend use of separate covered spaces well into the evening hours.
The experts highlight what they see as indoor living continues to fill outdoor spaces. "Before selecting outdoor furniture and products, reflect on the intended purpose and the way they interplay with sunlight in the designated area," shared Ashley Smith, President and Managing Director of markilux USA. "Awnings and pergolas are a great way to introduce the indoor/outdoor atmosphere—similar to a European coffee shop, where the covered seating becomes part of the backyard space and experience.”
Don't Overlook the Potential of an Underdeck Living Room
Homeowners are increasingly optimizing every square foot of their outdoor space—even what's underfoot.
"Homeowners can increase their ‘liveable’ outdoor areas by renovating the space under their decks or high porches," noted says Katie Ostreko, VP Sales & Marketing at Quality Edge.
She acknowledges the brand's Inside Out® Underdecking product that helps homeowners create a polished, cohesive, and weather-proof area. "It’s a strong aluminum design that comes in a variety of matte or woodgrain finishes, giving homeowners plenty of style options, including the warm aesthetic of wood, but without the hassle of maintenance like repainting."
The system goes beyond looks. Many homeowners like it for its function. "The system collects the water that drips through the deck and directs it away from the underdeck space, keeping it dry and increasing your outdoor area use," explains Ostreko.
Pergolas Remain as Popular as Ever
Attached or freestanding pergolas provide partial shade and can create a sense of intimacy while maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings. As a leading trend, backyard deck pergolas with a slatted roof or louvered roof reflect a shift towards sustainable, nature-inspired design, supporting the desire to create sheltered spaces that can actually be used.
Smith adds, “Embrace lighting! Use the poetic interplay of color and light to curate atmospheres that mirror the soul of each environment. LED lighting capabilities enable this transition between atmospheres and times of day, providing a wide range of colors and intensities that can be tailored to any occasion or mood.”
365 Living With Shade and Amenities
Gone are the days of patio setups only being a spring and summertime event.
"Homeowners want to be able to enjoy their outdoor living spaces year-round, and recent modern designs focus on the inclusion of elements to make that possible," highlights Hendricks.
She adds, "Outdoor heating, shade structures, fireplaces, and durable decking materials can keep your outdoor space comfortable and enjoyable no matter the season. [Some of our favorite projects] by Premier Outdoor Living are an excellent example of 365 living in action, featuring retractable screens, adjustable umbrellas, outdoor heaters, an outdoor fireplace/entertainment wall, a covered deck area, and an outdoor kitchen."
Why Outdoor Living Trends Still Matters
New research reveals a striking disconnect in today’s housing market: While survey data shows that homes with strong curb appeal get offers nearly $10,000 higher, nearly half of homeowners are scaling back on exterior maintenance due to the current cost of living.
These insights come from American Home Shield’s 2025 Curb Appeal Survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. homeowners. The report highlights how aesthetic appeal continues to hold real financial value, even as the cost of living crisis forces many to make budget cuts.
Key findings include:
- More than two-thirds (68%) of homebuyers say that poor curb appeal would prevent them from considering a home.
- The most common exterior red flags include dirty facades (57%), faded or peeling paint (50%), overgrown lawns (48%), cracked driveways (44%), and unmanaged trees (36%).
- Despite tighter budgets, 58% of homeowners still plan to prioritize curb appeal in 2025, with an average spend of $2,934—up $565 from what they’ve typically spent in past years.
Even with inflation top of mind, many homeowners are moving forward with outdoor features and design trends—and making eco-conscious choices while doing so. Over 52% are trading in traditional lawns for sustainable landscaping that requires less water and maintenance. Gen Z leads the charge, with 64% opting for climate-smart yard designs that reflect modern environmental values.
