As we prepare for 2025, the world of outdoor living continues to evolve, blending innovation, aesthetics, and functionality. Whether you’re revamping your existing backyard or designing one from scratch, staying ahead of the latest trends can help create a space that’s both stylish and practical. Let’s start by saying goodbye to a few outdated trends from 2024 and then dive into what is on the horizon.
Leaving These Trends Behind in 2024
1. Organic-Shaped Pools
While freeform, organic-shaped pools once offered a naturalistic feel, they’re gradually being replaced by modern, clean-lined pools. Homeowners now want sleek, geometric shapes that create a more contemporary aesthetic. The demand for simplicity and functionality is driving this shift, with rectangular and square designs leading the way.
2. Stone Borders Around Planting Beds
Traditional stone borders are being swapped for more seamless and integrated landscaping designs. Edging materials like metal or concrete provide a cleaner, more modern look while enhancing the overall flow of the space. This minimalist approach creates a cohesive design that focuses on practicality without sacrificing style.
2025 Trends to Transform Your Backyard
1. LED Strip Lighting
Lighting isn’t just functional; it’s an art form in 2025. LED strip lighting is taking outdoor spaces to the next level by being incorporated into steps, under countertops, and within water feature walls. These subtle yet impactful touches enhance safety while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after sunset. Imagine a backyard that glows softly in the evening, turning your space into an outdoor retreat.
2. Automated Pool Covers and Flush Spas
While automated pool covers may be considered more of a practical addition than a design trend, they’ve influenced other design decisions. Flush spas, which blend seamlessly with the pool’s surface, have become increasingly popular as a complement to these covers. The convenience of an automated pool cover combined with the luxury of a flush spa offers homeowners the perfect blend of practicality and elegance, making pool maintenance easier.
3. Colorful and Texture-Heavy Landscapes
2025 is all about vibrant colors and tactile experiences in landscaping. Native and low-maintenance plants are taking center stage, not only for their eco-friendly appeal but also for their ability to create stunning, layered outdoor spaces that thrive in the local climate. Some recommended plants for this trend include:
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): A hardy, colorful perennial that attracts pollinators.
- Mexican Feather Grass: Adds texture and movement to your garden.
- Lantana: Known for its vibrant blooms and drought tolerance.
- Agave and Succulents: Perfect for low-maintenance, contemporary designs.
- Purple Sage: A beautiful native plant that adds depth and color. By mixing various heights, colors, and textures, you can create a landscape that feels dynamic and visually appealing. Incorporating features like layered planting beds and garden sculptures can further enhance the tactile and visual richness of your backyard.
4. Moving Water Features
There’s nothing like the soothing sound of moving water to elevate your backyard. Fountains, feature walls, and infinity edges are all trending, offering both aesthetic appeal and a sense of tranquility. Here are some ideas to incorporate moving water into your outdoor space:
- Fountains: Consider sleek, modern designs or classic tiered options for timeless elegance. Fountains can be placed as central features or nestled within lush greenery.
- Water Feature Walls: Perfect for creating a dramatic focal point with integrated lighting or textured tile. These walls can double as privacy screens, adding both form and function to your space. An AquaTerra award-winning project known as University Park is a prime example of a stunning water feature wall, that truly is a focal point in this client’s backyard!
- Infinity Pools with Spillovers: These designs blend visual beauty with the calming sound of flowing water, making them a favorite among homeowners. Infinity pools create a seamless connection between the pool and the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Adding a water feature not only enhances the ambiance but also masks unwanted noise, creating a serene retreat. Pairing these features with natural materials like stone or wood further amplifies their organic charm.
5. Louvered Structures
Versatility is key in outdoor design, and louvered structures are stealing the spotlight. These adjustable systems allow you to control sunlight and ventilation while integrating features like heating, fans, lighting, and screens for year-round enjoyment. With customizable designs, louvered structures can transform from open-air pergolas to enclosed shelters at the touch of a button, offering the perfect setting for any occasion.
6. Patterned and 3D Tile
Tiles are making bold statements in outdoor kitchens and water features. Patterned tiles add personality to outdoor cooking areas, while 3D tiles bring texture and visual interest to water feature walls, creating a striking focal point. From geometric patterns to organic textures, tiles provide endless possibilities to express your unique style. Need help with picking the right tile? We’ve got some insight from our experts at Emser Tile. Click here to read!
Why Trends Matter
Staying informed about design trends ensures your outdoor space is not only stylish but also practical and aligned with current innovations. At AquaTerra Outdoors, we’re here to help you bring these trends to life in a way that’s tailored to your personal style and needs. Whether you’re looking to embrace bold changes or make subtle updates, our team of designers is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make 2025 the year you fall in love with your backyard all over again. Ready to get started? Contact us today!