One of America’s biggest homebuilders just revealed what outdoor features wealthy homeowners are demanding in 2025.

And it could change how you think about your own backyard.

Century Communities, a top national homebuilder, has released its list of the hottest outdoor living trends for summer 2025, and it’s giving Americans a glimpse into how the other half lives.

Americans are bringing the indoors outside

Century Communities isn’t just any homebuilder. They’re an industry leader in online home sales and have been featured on Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies and World’s Most Trustworthy Companies.

When they speak about home design trends, people listen.

“Inside and out, our goal is to create elegant spaces that cater to the evolving lifestyles of our homeowners,” said Kieran Hardesty, Vice President of Architecture at Century Communities. “Many of our floor plans incorporate features that promote a strong balance between indoor and outdoor living, providing functional layouts that our homeowners can enjoy throughout the year.”

The company’s expertise in connecting indoor and outdoor spaces has made them uniquely qualified to identify the trends that will dominate backyard living this summer.

The 7 outdoor living trends you’ll see everywhere this summer

1. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow

The days of a stark division between your living room and patio are over. Today’s homeowners want spaces that flow naturally from inside to outside, creating an extended living area.

Multi-slide glass doors (available on select Century Communities floor plans) are one way to achieve this effect. Another approach is to furnish your patio with colors, textures, and arrangements that mirror your interior design.

This trend tops Century’s list because it’s not just popular – it’s timeless.

2. Extended Dining Areas

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home. Now that heart is expanding outdoors.

Whether it’s installing a full outdoor kitchen or simply creating a dedicated space for al fresco dining and entertaining, using your outdoor living space to enhance the dining experience is a trend that Century Communities says many homebuyers will have on their wish list this summer.

3. Embracing Bold Designs

While interior spaces often follow safer design rules, outdoor areas are becoming a place to experiment with vibrant colors and dynamic patterns.

Century Communities suggests using your outdoor space as an opportunity to add extra flair to your home’s aesthetic. You can even complement colors from your garden and landscaping for a cohesive look.

4. Outdoor Rugs

Rugs aren’t just for indoors anymore. An outdoor rug can add style and help define living zones in your backyard or patio.

Century Communities points out that rugs are one more tool in your design arsenal that can complement furniture and décor to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor aesthetic.

5. Firepits

Nothing transforms an outdoor space into a year-round hangout quite like comfortable seating around a firepit.

There are countless options available – from rustic pit designs to fire pit tables and chimineas – that can give your space the perfect vibe for evening gatherings.

6. Raised Garden Beds

Functionality meets style with this trend. Raised garden beds provide an elegant and practical aesthetic that pairs easily with other outdoor living elements.

And if you don’t have a green thumb? Century Communities suggests filling them with low-maintenance perennials that will still provide visual interest without requiring constant attention.

7. Outdoor-Themed Neighborhoods

The final trend extends beyond your property line. Today’s homebuyers are prioritizing communities with robust outdoor amenities like pools, sports courts, trails, and dog parks.

According to John Burns Research & Consulting, 34,000 homebuyers in 2024 purchased homes in amenitized planned communities. Century Communities highlighted developments like Sunterra in Katy, TX and Cadence in Henderson, NV as examples of this growing trend.

The outdoor living boom shows no signs of slowing down

Since the pandemic, Americans have invested more in their outdoor spaces than ever before. What started as a necessity during lockdowns has evolved into a lasting lifestyle shift, with homeowners increasingly viewing their backyards as essential living spaces rather than just aesthetic additions.

Century Communities has positioned itself at the forefront of this trend, designing homes with patios and outdoor features that meet the growing demand for expanded living areas.

For homeowners looking to upgrade their outdoor spaces this summer, these seven trends provide a roadmap to creating an inviting, functional, and stylish backyard oasis that can be enjoyed throughout the summer and beyond.