'Sunday Garden' Trend Focuses on Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living
A new outdoor living trend for 2026, the “Sunday Garden,” emphasizes creating sanctuary-like spaces with minimal upkeep. This concept, along with a broader push for biophilic design and entertainment-ready spaces, is a central theme at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2026, which is showcasing innovations in modular outdoor kitchens, pools, and smart entertainment systems.
- The "Sunday Garden" concept is being promoted by trend spotters like Katie Tamony of the plant brand Monrovia, who notes the style focuses on "tidy bones" and "quiet luxury" by using a disciplined color palette and evergreen structure. - Biophilic design, a term popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, seeks to connect building occupants with nature to improve well-being; studies suggest it can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and even lower blood pressure. - The emphasis on low-maintenance is a response to busy lifestyles and a desire to reduce resource consumption; establishing native plant gardens can cut water and maintenance needs by 60% to 80% compared to traditional landscapes. - The global outdoor kitchen market, valued at USD 27.23 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to USD 60.2 billion by 2034. North America currently accounts for the largest market share at 46.73%. - A key innovation in outdoor kitchens is the move toward modularity for easier customization and installation, with companies like NewAge Products introducing smart-ready cabinet systems that include integrated power and lighting. - Smart outdoor entertainment systems now commonly integrate with home automation platforms like Control4 and Lutron. Technology on display includes weatherproof, high-brightness 4K TVs from brands like SunBrite and Samsung, and discreet landscape speakers designed to look like rocks or blend into garden beds. - At IBS 2026, building material companies like Trex are showcasing "Performance-Engineered" outdoor living products designed to address environmental challenges such as wildfire risk, extreme heat, and coastal conditions. - The residential sector is the primary driver for the outdoor living boom, accounting for over 63% of the outdoor kitchen market. A 2025 survey showed 59% of households planned to purchase new outdoor furniture or accessories.
