Luxury Outdoor Living Spaces: Top Trends and Furniture Guide

A night with friends around the fire, a relaxing afternoon by the pool, or a dinner party under the stars—the trend of luxury outdoor living spaces is here to stay, and for good reason. Outdoor living spaces give homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the outdoors in comfort and style by transforming their backyards into functional extensions of their homes. And of course, interior design trends have paved the way for contemporary outdoor living spaces.

In this article, we’ll explore how to transform your outdoor living space into a functional yet beautiful retreat. With a look at top trends, furniture selection, and material options, you’ll soon feel ready and equipped to create the outdoor living space of your dreams.

The Transition to Outdoor Living Spaces

More homeowners are opting to create outdoor spaces that allow them to unplug and unwind. One of the top reasons stems from a major mindset shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor living spaces transitioned from being a desire to a necessity, particularly in densely populated areas where such spaces have long been considered luxuries.

These trends were not limited to urban spaces. Homeowners across the country sought out ways to improve their outdoor living areas, with online furniture retailers seeing a huge increase in sales. From New York City to small-town USA, the popularity of the “outdoor living room” became both a functional and comfortable way to gather with friends.

The benefits of indoor-outdoor living are more apparent than ever. With comfort, aesthetics, and functionality at the top of the remodel checklist, take a look at some of the top trends for the upcoming year.

Top Trends in Luxury Outdoor Living Spaces for 2024

So, how are homeowners making the most of these outdoor living spaces, and what types of spaces are sought after the most? As more and more families choose to invest in their spaces at home, 62% of experts say that the main goal of these spaces is to be able to enjoy them year-round. From functional outdoor kitchens to comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture, browse through some of the most popular additions to bring the comforts of your home into the great outdoors.

Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas

Dining al fresco with friends, hosting an outdoor dinner party, serving a home-cooked meal under the stars—is there anything better? Homeowners agree that outdoor kitchens and dining areas both top the outdoor living space wishlist. A functional and well-decorated outdoor dining area elevates an exterior space by making it an extension of your home.

Outdoor kitchens equipped with high-end appliances are becoming increasingly popular, as they extend your cooking experience to the outdoors. Combined with an outdoor dining area, you can cook, eat, and entertain in a single space. A well-designed outdoor kitchen and dining area can offer homeowners the ability to bring what they love most about their indoor spaces into the fresh air.

Comfortable Seating Areas and Outdoor Living Rooms

Creating a year-round outdoor living area is a top priority for homeowners, and comfortable seating areas that are weather-resistant allow you to be outdoors no matter the season or weather. The luxury outdoor furniture market continues to grow as families seek out ways to make the most of their outdoor space.

Outdoor living rooms with well-designed sofas and seating areas will help you adapt your space to year-round use. You should consider both form and function in choosing outdoor furniture; high-quality pieces will help you enjoy these seating areas in the open air for years to come.

Fire Pit Tables

One of the best ways to extend the usability of your outdoor living area into cooler seasons is to add a fire pit table. A well-placed fire table as a centerpiece is not only functional but adds ambiance and charm to your outdoor living space.

Outdoor fireplaces, specifically concrete fire tables, are both highly durable and weather resistant, making them an ideal addition to your year-round outdoor living space. These durable, modern fire pit tables use lava rocks to protect the heating element and distribute heat evenly and efficiently. You can choose between natural gas or propane as your heating source.

Water Features and Swimming Pools

Water features and swimming pools are two of the most popular amenities in luxury outdoor living spaces. A well-designed poolside area with high-end outdoor furniture can serve as a resort-like retreat in your own backyard. If you’re thinking about installing a swimming pool, we suggest looking into saltwater pools. They are growing increasingly popular, as they are often easier to maintain. Renowned designer, Emily Henderson, recently revealed the new one at her home, complete with a Haven Sun Lounger. According to Emily, “If you’re searching for the perfect poolside reclining chaise that’s comfortable and effortlessly cool, look no further than Neighbor’s teak lounger. It’s equipped with durable Sunbrella fabric cushions and a custom side table—practically guaranteed to suit any outdoor living space.”

Curating Elegance: Outdoor Furniture Guide

Selecting the right outdoor furniture is essential in creating a functional yet beautiful outdoor living space. You should think of your outdoor space as a second living room—a place to bring your unique and personalized home design into the open air.

Because your furniture will be exposed to the outdoor elements, it’s important to choose high-quality, durable pieces that will withstand any and all weather conditions. This doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice style for quality, though. Neighbor’s outdoor furniture offers both. In this section, take a look at our outdoor furniture selections and how they can improve and upgrade your living space.

Material Selection

Different materials offer unique and varying levels of durability and maintenance, so it’s best to do some research when considering the right materials for your needs. Furniture material not only affects the aesthetic look and overall design theme, but it also influences the longevity and functionality of your furniture. Visit our materials page to learn more about how we choose our materials for durability, sustainability, and comfort. Here are a few to consider:

• Metal. Metal furniture such as powder-coated aluminum is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Neighbor’s powder-coated aluminum pieces, like the Terra Side Table, are sturdy, functional, and sleek.
• Wood. Acacia wood and teak wood are popular choices. Both are weather-resistant and aesthetically attractive, although teak is widely considered to be one of the most durable woods, even in extreme climates. Read more about acacia wood vs. teak wood for outdoor furniture here—and if you’re ready to add a piece to your space, consider the Haven Chair.
• Fabrics. When selecting fabrics for outdoor furniture, remember to think long-term and choose a material that will last. Sunbrella outdoor fabrics, found on many of our products (like the Bluff Chair), are made to withstand the test of time and are fade-proof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.

Functional and Stylish Pieces

At Neighbor, we are design-driven and we prioritize form and function. We believe your outdoor furniture should be both functional and stylish, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. To have a multifunctional space, consider using modular outdoor furniture, like our Haven Sectional, which can be easily adapted or rearranged with ease.

To create a cohesive space, think about centering your design ideas around a central statement piece, such as a dining table or sofa. Invest in a piece you will use often, whether it be for entertainment, relaxation, or both. With a central furniture piece that’s made to last, you can continue to accessorize and express your own unique style.

Accessorizing Your Outdoor Space

Adding accessories like outdoor lighting, trellises, pergolas, and ceiling fans can enhance the functionality and ambiance of your outdoor living space. Outdoor lighting is both beautiful and practical and will help make your space inviting and warm.

Another great way to accessorize and add a pop of color is with Neighbor’s quality rugs and throw pillows. These help your space feel more like an extension of your indoor living area but are made to withstand changing outdoor climates.

Is Expensive Outdoor Furniture Worth It?

Homeowners may have some initial hesitations when it comes to purchasing high-end outdoor furniture, and this is normal. However, the long-term benefits of investing in quality pieces are numerous. When considering price, homeowners should also think about functionality, longevity, and maintenance of less expensive alternatives. With these comparisons, it becomes clear that investing in the craftsmanship of high-quality furniture is a smart choice.

Transforming Your Outdoor Dream into Reality

A well-designed outdoor space can have a significant impact on your home’s real estate value. Whether you’re in a new home or working to transform a space into your dream home, a luxury outdoor living space can considerably raise your home’s value, and potentially even become a major selling point. An expert landscape architect or exterior designer such as Yardzen can help you work with the space you have and help it to work efficiently. Homeowners are often looking for enhanced, functional outdoor spaces, and a few upgrades can greatly increase your resale value.

Your Invitation to Luxury

Beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces offer so much for a home—they’re the perfect space to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the company of loved ones. As outdoor living continues to shift from a desire to a necessity, it’s important to consider what pieces offer both form and function. Whether you’re interested in starting a new project or a remodel, Neighbor offers sustainable, aesthetic, high-quality furniture that will last for years to come. Want to see more? Get inspired to create your dream space with our outdoor lounge.