Houzz: 2026 outdoor design trends

Houzz’s 2026 U.S. Outdoor Trends Study, published June 4, points to a summer renovation market centered on function rather than decoration. The platform said its findings came from a survey of 1,191 U.S. homeowners with recent or planned outdoor and exterior renovation projects. Houzz said 41% of homeowners cited deteriorated or broken outdoor elements as a renovation trigger, while 25% said they were making spaces more accommodating, up 3 percentage points from 2024. ### What does Houzz say homeowners are fixing first? Houzz said repairs remain the main starting point for outdoor work in 2026. The company reported that 41% of renovating homeowners were prompted by deteriorated or broken outdoor elements, a share it said was steady from the prior study. Houzz also said the share renovating to improve resale value fell to 15%, down 3 percentage points from 2024. (houzz.com) Forbes reported on June 2 that the Houzz study showed homeowners were choosing relaxation over resale in outdoor projects. The publication said private outdoor space remains a priority for owners shaping balconies, decks and patios for personal use rather than for a future sale. ### How prominent is comfort in the new outdoor layouts? (houzz.com) Houzz said 83% of renovated outdoor spaces now include a lounge or seating area, and 71% include a sofa or lounge chairs. The company also said 66% of renovated lounge areas have outdoor lighting and 55% have a coffee or side table, describing a push to extend the use of those spaces into the evening. Martha Stewart’s June 2026 coverage, as summarized in the source briefing, said the season’s most popular outdoor trends emphasized comfort, usability and purposeful renovation over decorative-only upgrades. (forbes.com) That framing tracks with the Houzz data on seating, lighting and accommodating layouts. ### Are homeowners still spending on looks alone? Houzz said personalization held relatively steady, with 20% of homeowners renovating to personalize a recently purchased home and 19% citing recent inspiration. (houzz.com) But the company’s June 4 study placed more weight on utility measures, including repair needs and comfort. Home Accents Today said in June 3 coverage of the Houzz findings that homeowners were prioritizing comfort and functionality over resale value, while professional involvement in outdoor renovation projects reached a new high. (houzz.com) The trade publication’s headline and summary matched Houzz’s reported shift away from resale-focused work. ### What kinds of projects are tied to entertaining? Forbes reported on June 3 that homeowners in 2026 are increasingly designing seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces. (houzz.com) The article said backyard layouts are being planned to feel comfortable, functional and visually connected to kitchens and living areas. The source briefing also pointed to backyard kitchens as part of the summer 2026 project mix. (homeaccentstoday.com) That aligns with the broader push described by Forbes toward extending kitchen and living functions outdoors for gatherings. ### Why are more homeowners hiring professionals? Houzz said 71% of homeowners enlisted professional help for outdoor renovations in 2026, up from 65% in 2024. (forbes.com) The company said landscape contractors were again the most frequently hired pros, used by 26% of renovating homeowners, while 20% hired stone, paver or concrete specialists and 14% hired masonry specialists. Houzz also said design-build firm hiring rose to 5%, up 3 percentage points, while shares hiring general contractors, landscape architects or designers, painters and fencing specialists were relatively stable. The next reference point is the full Houzz report published June 4, with related coverage from Forbes and Home Accents Today published June 2 and June 3. (houzz.com)