The Top Outdoor Living Trends of 2025: Style, Sustainability, and Smart Comfort

Outdoor living trends will emphasise the creation of spaces that feel like an extension of the home, yet offer a unique connection to nature. Below we showcase how you can elevate your outdoor spaces, discuss whats in and what’s out!

Embracing Nature with Style

For 2025, outdoor colour trends will follow fashion, as is usually the case in interior design. At the most recent Milan Fashion Week, the collections showcased were full of earthy tones—think coffee browns and soft terracottas with the addition of some bold colourways from nature. Next year we’ll see deep, earthy tones alongside rich blues and greens. The latter grounds outdoor spaces in nature while adding a dash of vibrancy.

The Rise of Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens have evolved from simple BBQ’s and picnic tables to fully equipped culinary hubs, and are becoming more popular in New Zealand. These spaces are designed for serious cooking and entertainment, featuring everything from pizza ovens to wine fridges. With access to advanced products specifically designed for use outdoors both in stores and online, Kiwi’s are embracing this trend, with outdoor spaces becoming as functional and luxurious as indoor kitchens.

The Smart Outdoors: Where Technology Meets Nature

Smart technology is revolutionising outdoor areas, transforming decks and backyards into highly functional and customisable spaces. Controlling lighting, heating, and sound systems from a phone, automated louvres adjustable to the sun’s position, etc.

Sustainability: At the Core of Design

Sustainability continues to be a cornerstone in outdoor design. From tiles to textiles, eco-friendly choices are in high demand as people continue to embrace conscious living. Luxurious outdoor tiles are a top pick, blending elegance with eco-conscious choice – coming from a base of clay. Beyond materials, this trend reflects a lifestyle that values both style and sustainability - minimising impact without compromising comfort.

Wellness Retreats at Home

Turning outdoor areas into wellness retreats is another trend growing in popularity. Homeowners are designing meditation zones, yoga platforms, and even backyard saunas to create spaces for relaxation and renewal. Requests for mini cold plunge pools and wellness-focused outdoor designs are on the rise, with durable tiles proving an ideal base and setting for these spa-like spaces.

What’s Out: Minimalist Lawns and Monochrome Gardens

With more environmental awareness about wise water use and climate change, there's been a trend toward landscapes that integrate native plants in a myriad of colours, unlike the flat, monochromatic lawns of days gone by.

As a result, the minimalist lawn with a restrained colour palette and repetitive geometric planting scheme is on its way out. In its place, people are choosing a more unstructured approach, integrating diverse plant life that creates texture and movement. These modern landscapes not only conserve water but also attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators, creating an environment that’s as lively as it is low-maintenance.

Pools - 2025’s Top Colour Trends

Pool tile colours in 2025 bring a new level of sophistication and vibrancy to outdoor spaces:

• Classic Grey and Charcoal: These timeless choices offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements any setting.
• Midnight Blue: Deep and serene, midnight blue evokes a sense of calm, perfect for a tranquil poolside retreat.
• Turquoise: For a lively, tropical feel, turquoise tiles bring a burst of colour and energy to outdoor areas.
• Black: Bold and dramatic, black tiles create a stunning visual impact when paired with modern furnishings. 

When selecting pool tile colours, think about your overall landscape design and the mood you want to create. Choose colours that harmonise with your surroundings and amplify your pool area’s visual appeal.

2025’s outdoor trends in a nutshell

Nature, sustainability, and technology are no longer separate elements but rather interconnected pieces of a more meaningful and immersive outdoor experience.