What does luxury living look like in 2026? According to the latest findings from LUXE Interiors + Design, homeowners are placing greater value on personalized spaces, exceptional craftsmanship, and thoughtful designs that enhance their everyday lives. On October 14, 2026, AquaTerra Outdoors had the pleasure of hosting LUXE Connect: Luxury Living Report in Dallas, bringing together members of the luxury design community to explore emerging trends, evolving homeowner priorities, and the future of residential design.
The event highlighted findings from LUXE’s first-of-its-kind Luxury Living Report, a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 leading luxury design firms across 13 regional markets. From outdoor entertaining to wellness-focused retreats, the results revealed a growing emphasis on creating homes that are not only beautiful but also deeply connected to the way homeowners live.
Here are some of the most notable takeaways and what they mean for the future of luxury outdoor living.
1. Outdoor Living Is Becoming an Extension of the Home
One of the most significant findings from the report is the continued demand for seamless indoor-outdoor living. In Texas, 97% of designers regularly incorporate outdoor kitchens into their projects, while 88% include pools and 84% include guest houses. These findings reflect a larger shift in residential design. Outdoor spaces are no longer treated as separate amenities but as essential extensions of the home.
Homeowners are seeking the same level of comfort, functionality, and sophistication outdoors that they enjoy inside. Fully equipped outdoor kitchens, thoughtfully designed dining areas, integrated entertainment systems, and resort-inspired pools are becoming defining features of luxury properties.
At AquaTerra Outdoors, this philosophy is central to our approach. By considering the relationship between architecture, landscape, and lifestyle, we create cohesive outdoor environments that feel like a natural continuation of the home.
2. Personalization Is the New Standard in Luxury
Luxury is becoming increasingly personal. According to the national report, 98% of designers say their clients value personalization and uniqueness. Rather than following popular design trends, homeowners are prioritizing spaces that reflect their individual preferences, routines, and lifestyles. This shift is particularly evident in outdoor living, where every property presents an opportunity to create something entirely unique. For some homeowners, that means an intimate courtyard designed for quiet mornings. For others, it may be an expansive outdoor retreat complete with a pool, spa, sports court, and multiple entertaining areas.
The goal is no longer simply to create an impressive outdoor space. It is to create an environment that feels distinctly personal. At AquaTerra Outdoors, we believe the most successful designs begin with understanding how our clients want to experience their homes, both today and for years to come.
3. Craftsmanship and Natural Materials Remain Essential
While design preferences continue to evolve, quality and craftsmanship remain timeless. The report found that 99% of designers say their clients value lifestyle functionality, design, and exceptional craftsmanship. In Texas specifically, 97% of clients consider craftsmanship valuable.
Natural materials are also playing an increasingly important role in luxury residential design. Nationally, 41% of designers cited natural stone as the primary material choice for bathrooms, while organic finishes and tactile surfaces continue to gain popularity throughout the home. These preferences extend naturally into outdoor environments. Materials such as natural stone, architectural concrete, wood, and carefully selected finishes bring warmth, texture, and character to outdoor spaces. Beyond their visual appeal, these selections contribute to the longevity and overall quality of a project.
For luxury homeowners, investing in thoughtful design and durable materials means creating spaces that can be enjoyed for generations.
4. Wellness Is Shaping the Way We Design
Wellness is no longer considered an additional luxury. It is becoming an essential part of residential design. The report revealed that 94% of luxury clients consider dedicated wellness spaces valuable in their homes. From spa-inspired bathrooms and saunas to spaces designed for relaxation and restoration, homeowners are increasingly interested in environments that support their physical and mental well-being. Outdoor living offers a natural opportunity to embrace this movement. Private gardens, tranquil water features, integrated spas, shaded retreats, and thoughtfully designed landscapes can transform an ordinary backyard into a personal sanctuary.
The connection between nature and everyday living is becoming an increasingly important consideration, reinforcing the value of outdoor spaces that encourage homeowners to slow down, recharge, and spend more time outside.
5. Homeowners Are Investing in Their Own Private Retreats
Perhaps one of the most compelling themes from the Dallas report is the growing desire to create a resort-like experience at home.
As one designer featured in the report shared:
“Homeowners are more interested in improving the way they live and making their home their own personal resort.”
This sentiment captures a defining direction in luxury residential design. Homeowners are investing in environments that offer opportunities for entertainment, recreation, relaxation, and meaningful connection without leaving their property.
The Dallas findings further reinforce this trend, with 59% of Texas designers regularly incorporating sports areas into their projects and 69% of Texas clients preferring modern and contemporary design styles. From custom swimming pools and outdoor kitchens to pickleball courts, fire features, and covered entertaining spaces, today’s luxury outdoor environments are designed to accommodate a wide range of experiences.
More importantly, these spaces are being designed with longevity in mind, creating opportunities for families to gather and make memories for years to come.
Looking Ahead: A More Thoughtful Approach to Luxury Outdoor Living
The 2026 LUXE Luxury Living Report reinforces an important message: the future of luxury residential design is centered on how people live, not simply how their homes look. Personalization, exceptional craftsmanship, wellness, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections are shaping the next generation of luxury homes.
For AquaTerra Outdoors, these findings reflect the principles that have guided our approach to outdoor design and construction since 2007. We believe outdoor environments should be as intentional, functional, and thoughtfully designed as the homes they complement. We were honored to host LUXE Connect in Dallas and contribute to conversations that continue to move the luxury design industry forward. As homeowners rethink the possibilities of their properties, one thing is clear: outdoor living will continue to play an essential role in creating beautiful, meaningful experiences at home.
Ready to reimagine your outdoor living experience?
Whether you’re planning a complete backyard transformation or looking to create a more intentional connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces, AquaTerra Outdoors specializes in designing and building custom outdoor environments tailored to your lifestyle.