Homeowners invest in functional outdoor spaces, outdoor kitchens and sustainable landscaping as lifestyle needs outweigh resale considerations
Outdoor spaces are increasingly becoming an extension of the home as homeowners prioritize lifestyle, comfort and functionality over resale value, according to the latest 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study.
The study found that only 15% of homeowners renovating outdoor spaces cited improving resale value as a key motivation, down from previous years. Instead, most homeowners are focusing on creating versatile outdoor environments that support daily living, relaxation and entertainment.
Lounge and seating areas emerged as the most popular outdoor feature, included in 83% of renovation projects. Dining areas followed at 55%, while 53% of homeowners incorporated quiet retreats or reading spaces. Gardening areas and outdoor cooking zones were also highly popular, featured in 49% and 48% of projects respectively.
According to Marine Sargsyan, Head of Economic Research at Houzz, homeowners are increasingly viewing outdoor upgrades as long-term lifestyle investments.
“Homeowners are investing in outdoor renovations with long-term lifestyle goals in mind. We’re seeing a shift away from resale-driven upgrades toward spaces that support everyday routines and blur the lines between indoors and out,” she said.
The growing complexity of outdoor projects has also driven increased demand for professional expertise. Seventy-one percent of homeowners hired professionals for their outdoor renovations in 2026, compared to 65% in 2024. Landscape contractors remained the most commonly hired specialists, followed by concrete and paving experts, general contractors, and landscape architects.
Outdoor structures continue to gain popularity, with shade structures recording significant growth. The share of projects incorporating shade features increased to 35%, while decks remained the most common structural addition at 43%. Outdoor systems such as plumbing, electrical installations and heating solutions also saw increased adoption, reflecting the growing functionality of outdoor environments.
Outdoor kitchens are evolving into fully equipped entertainment and cooking destinations. Among homeowners upgrading outdoor structures, 12% added or renovated an outdoor kitchen. Notably, 95% of these projects were built from scratch, indicating strong demand for customized outdoor cooking spaces.
Modern outdoor kitchens now feature a wide range of amenities. Grills remain the most common component, included in 85% of projects, while beverage refrigerators and sinks were added in 62% and 59% of installations respectively. More than one-third of outdoor kitchens also include televisions, highlighting their role as social and entertainment hubs.
Sustainability is another major trend shaping outdoor renovations. Homeowners are increasingly choosing low-maintenance and environmentally responsible landscaping solutions. The use of synthetic lawns rose significantly among those replacing traditional grass lawns, while native plants, drought-tolerant species and pollinator-friendly gardens also gained popularity.
The findings reflect a broader shift in homeowner priorities, where outdoor spaces are no longer viewed as secondary areas but as essential living environments that support wellness, entertainment, sustainability and everyday comfort.
The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study surveyed 1,191 homeowners across the United States who were planning, undertaking or had recently completed outdoor renovation projects, offering valuable insights into the evolving outdoor living landscape.
