Meet&CoPALO ALTO, Calif. — Outdoor renovation projects are increasingly being driven by lifestyle needs rather than property resale considerations, according to new research from Houzz. The latest findings indicate that homeowners are placing greater emphasis on creating comfortable, functional outdoor environments that enhance daily living and extend the usable footprint of their homes.
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study revealed that only 15% of respondents cited increasing a home’s resale value as a key reason for renovating outdoor areas, marking a decline from previous years. Instead, many homeowners are prioritizing spaces designed for relaxation, entertainment and everyday use.
Among the most popular additions are outdoor seating and lounge areas, which were included in more than eight out of 10 renovation projects. Dining spaces also ranked highly, appearing in over half of renovations, while dedicated areas for reading, relaxation and quiet retreat were nearly as common. Gardening zones and outdoor cooking spaces also remained significant components of many outdoor improvement plans.
According to Houzz researchers, homeowners are increasingly viewing outdoor upgrades as long-term investments in quality of life. The trend reflects a broader desire to create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing households to cook, entertain, relax and spend more time outside throughout the year.
As outdoor projects become more ambitious, homeowners are turning to professionals in greater numbers. More than seven in 10 respondents reported hiring experts to assist with their renovations in 2026, representing the highest level recorded by the study. Landscape contractors continued to be the most frequently selected specialists, while demand also remained strong for paving, concrete, construction and landscape design professionals.
Structural enhancements are gaining momentum as well. Shade-providing features experienced notable growth compared with previous surveys, reflecting increased interest in making outdoor areas comfortable during warmer months. Deck construction remained one of the most common upgrades, while installations involving plumbing, electrical systems and outdoor heating became increasingly prevalent, highlighting a move toward more sophisticated outdoor living environments.
Source: https://www.furnituretoday.com/
Outdoor kitchens continue to evolve into fully equipped entertainment centers rather than occasional-use amenities. A growing number of homeowners are investing in custom-built outdoor cooking spaces, many of which include utility connections such as water, electricity and heating infrastructure. These projects frequently incorporate premium features including grills, beverage coolers and sinks, while televisions and entertainment systems are becoming more common additions.
Homeowners are also embracing landscaping choices that require less maintenance and support environmental sustainability. Interest in artificial turf has increased among those replacing existing lawns, while the use of native vegetation, drought-tolerant plants and pollinator-friendly landscaping continues to rise. These choices reflect growing awareness of water conservation and the long-term benefits of environmentally responsible landscape design.
The Houzz study surveyed 1,191 U.S. homeowners who were either planning an outdoor renovation, actively undertaking a project or had recently completed one. Responses were collected through an online survey conducted between April 25 and May 6.
