10 Fresh Outdoor Living Trends for 2024

If we were to choose the umbrella theme in 2024 under which all other outdoor living trends sit, continuity would be king. Creating cohesion between indoor and outdoor styling through the use of colour, texture and materials reflects the recent societal shift to value outdoor spaces just as much as interior ones.

Hampton Bay Claxton Steel 5-Piece Patio Sectional Dining Set and Grey Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, The Home Depot, $198-$1,598.

There are few design elements that can bridge the (literal) gap between indoor and outdoor living more effectively than a retractable glass wall, such as this one by Lumon for Backyard Builds.

When closed, you still take in the outside world visually; when opened, you instantly gain usable square footage (and some serious ROI).

Selecting patio and deck surfaces that were previously reserved for interiors (and their more robust budgets) is another one of those outdoor living trends tied to continuity.

Using Mbrico Italian porcelain tiles as decking elevates the exterior living areas to match the interior ones. One does not outshine the other, but rather they work together as one design.

Investing in quality outdoor pieces that are built to last — look for teak, concrete or premium wicker — is definitely on trend in 2024 (and beyond!).

If you’re able to splurge now, you could save money in the long run by avoiding wasteful replacements and repetitive repairs.

Palmera Dravite Black Sofa Set, Article, $4,497.

When considering your outdoor furnishing options, don’t shy away from bold, sculptural shapes — it’s a big trend for 2024. If you already have an existing more-traditional set in your outdoor space, mix in a few modern, ergonomic pieces for an updated look.

SKARPÖ Armchair, Ikea, $99.

The rise of entertainment walls — featuring waterproof TVs, game and sound systems and gas fireplaces — is the clearest sign that designers are blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.

These are full-fledged, open-air living rooms arranged to take advantage of clear skies, but resilient enough to withstand the elements.

Waterproof Outdoor TV, Sylvox, starting at $1,329.

Outdoor lighting is also getting a tech reboot — with the advancement of Smart lighting, whole properties can operate on a single, integrated system. Move from the back door to the garden and control the colour, brightness and even lighting effects as you go.

Philips Hue Smart Lighting, Philips, starting at $120.

Gone are the days of makeshift cinderblock firepits — in 2024, luxury fire features are a hot commodity (yeah, we went there). Installing a high-end, flame-focused feature — such as a Canadian-made DreamCast Design fire table — not only extends time spent comfortably outside, but also vaults up the property value.

Fire Table Linea 72, DreamCast Design, starting at $7,235.

When selecting the top outdoor living trends for 2024, there were a few surprising ones (at-home pickleball court!) but outdoor kitchens were an expected repeat. Take note, however; this current trend does not include the grill-and-cooler “kitchens” of years past.

Like those designed by John Michael Kitchens, these are fully-equipped, full-scale gourmet cooking and dining spaces… only they’re located on the outside of the home’s exterior walls.

Once the stamped porcelain pavers are down, the investment furniture is placed and the sliding wall is installed, don’t forget what the work was for in the first place — to be in nature.

Layering greenery at various levels makes a cold, constructed outdoor space come alive. Think seasonal flower pots, raised evergreen-perennial beds and space-saving ornamental trees.