Explore the top 15 trends that will elevate our terraces, gardens, and balconies for an outdoor living space you can enjoy day and night, all summer long.

1. New WFH Freedom

With the rise of remote work and flex hours, the outdoor workspace has become an undeniable trend. Why stay cooped up inside when you can be inspired by nature? Setting up a outdoor office takes little effort—all you need is a comfy chair, a table and an umbrella for shade—but transforms daily life. Imagine working from home in a bubble of calm outdoors, in the fresh air and sunshine. And the best part? At the end of the workday, your commute is just a few steps! Working outdoors has never been so inspiring.

2. In the spotlight

Well-designed outdoor lighting transforms a terrace or garden into a practical yet enchanting escape. Recessed spotlights, elegant lanterns and discreet LED strips create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and extend the magic of the outdoors beyond sunset. Here are some bright ideas for illuminating your yard.

• Enhance trees and flowerbeds with uplights for a dramatic touch.
• Use directional lighting like downlights along pathways and stairs for safety.
• Create a pleasing ambience with lanterns on terraces and around lounge areas.
• Animate water features and fountains with submersible lighting.
• Consider energy-efficient solutions like LED and solar lighting, because style goes hand in hand with sustainability.

3. Outdoor Kitchen 2.0

Catering to our evolving lifestyle, where cooking outdoors is a pleasure year-round, an outdoor kitchen and bar is now a must. In 2025, no longer are we content with a simple grill setup. The homeowner of today is looking for a fully functional backyard kitchen that rivals their indoor kitchen, complete with luxury appliances like a pizza oven, smoker and sleek stainless-steel grill. And with its work counter, sink, storage and specialized outdoor appliances (who else is dreaming of an outdoor fridge with built-in ice maker?), the modern outdoor kitchen and bar allows you to prepare entire meals and drinks outside, without the need to constantly go inside. Cooking alfresco has never been easier!

4. Floor Show

Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly common to find patio stones and pavers that mimic indoor flooring options. Bold patterns and herringbone designs add a decorative, dynamic touch to outdoor spaces. A chic choice for those who want to bring indoor comfort and style outdoors.

5. Steely Good Looks

Unknown in Canada a decade ago, corten steel (aka weathering steel) has now become a must-have in landscaping design. And while its rusty appearance is intriguing, it’s this finish’s resistance to corrosion that is truly impressive: the patina that eventually forms on the metal’s surface actually acts as a natural shield, ensuring exceptional longevity outdoors with no maintenance required. Initially reserved for art pieces and high-end architectural projects, corten steel is now captivating a wider audience, draw to its contemporary style and easy upkeep. Its durability makes the material ideal for use in structural outdoor elements, such as screens and fences, as well as fireplaces, fountains, step borders and lighting. In a garden, where weathering steel can take form as raised beds, planters and flowerbed edging, its raw look and warm hues—ranging from ochre to brown to orange—perfectly complement vibrant green foliage. Rustic glamour has reached a new level!

6. Say yes to the pergola

Pergolas continue to gain popularity—and this year, it’s the bioclimatic version that’s stealing the show! An excellent example of design ingenuity, this new generation of pergolas features adjustable louvres that allow you to control the shade to your liking. Need full protection? When closed, the louvres also form a waterproof roof, which, along with an integrated gutter system, enables you to enjoy the outdoors even in heavy rain. A true extension of the home, the bioclimatic pergola offers unmatched comfort in all seasons.

7. Green fences

Goodbye, unsightly fences! Hello, greenery! Manicured hedges and climbing plants are transforming backyard fences into green sanctuaries. The perfect combo of privacy and good looks, green walls are an essential element of outdoor living, creating interesting focal points while helping to purify the air. This trend is accompanied by the return of the vertical garden, an ideal option for optimizing space and adding a touch of greenery, even on the smallest balcony. Herbs, lettuces and cherry tomatoes are pretty, practical choices for an edible vertical garden. For easy maintenance, consider installing an automatic irrigation system or using self-watering planters. Or opt for no-effort faux green walls!

8. Permeable Pavers

9. Zen Gardens

Well-being is a central theme of landscaping this summer. Think: relaxation retreats, with green spaces dedicated to meditation and yoga. Features such as fountains, hammocks and comfortable seating can turn your backyard into a tranquil haven, a serene space to relax and recharge after a busy day.

10. Floating furniture

Multifunctional outdoor furniture and accessories are the perfect partners for poolside lounging. But what if you could use your pool float both in and out of the pool? Modern floating beanbag chairs are revolutionizing the art of relaxation, seamlessly transitioning from sleek lounger to playful pool float. Durable, stylish and ultra-trendy, they turn every moment into an invitation to unwind.

11. Terrific Teak

Scandinavian teak is taking over outdoor decor thanks to its thoughtful simplicity and modern design. Always a sure bet, teak settles in with its natural warmth and can be left to weather into a lovely silvery grey patina, while wood-effect aluminium offers the look without the upkeep. Here’s to outdoor spaces that are as beautiful as they are durable!

12. Wild At Heart

An eco-friendly alternative to traditional lawns, the wildflower meadow stands out as a beautiful, responsible choice for today’s garden, addressing environmental concerns while infusing outdoor spaces with a natural, authentic beauty. A true tribute to biodiversity, it combines wildflowers, grasses and native plants to create a living ecosystem where bees, butterflies and hummingbirds thrive. In addition to its bucolic charm, it offers numerous benefits:

• A refuge for biodiversity, attracting pollinators and local wildlife.
• Less effort and lower cost, for a garden that requires minimal mowing and watering.
• Continuous colour from spring to fall, if you plant a mix of species with successive bloom times.

13. Outdoor art

Photo by SRIIZ

This summer, outdoor artwork has emerged as a top landscaping trend. While furniture and decor layer in character, it’s artwork that takes garden design a step further by transforming the entire ambience of your outdoor space, expanding the ability of your yard to truly reflect your personality. Think beyond sculptures and creative planters. Large wall art such as murals and paintings gives a patio an intentional and expressive presence, turning it into your own personal gallery space. Make sure you choose artwork designed for outdoor use, so they’re resistant to UV rays, extreme temperatures, humidity and rain.

14. Casual Luxe

Drawing inspiration from luxurious beach villas, where elegance meets comfort, “casual luxe” is making its mark on outdoor design. This style embraces rounded furniture, plush seating, and tropical plants like bird of paradise, yucca, and palm trees. Rich tones like charcoal grey, deep green, and dark brown evoke the calming beauty of nature and high- end spaces. To enhance this sophisticated look, black river stones bring a modern flair to landscaping, while rattan adds texture to planters, lighting and decorative accents. The result is a relaxed yet refined atmosphere—the perfect balance between luxury and comfort.

15. Raised-bed design

Raised garden beds have become an enduring trend, as they offer a practical
way to bring greenery to urban terraces and spaces without traditional gardens.
A raised-bed garden is perfect for organizing outdoor areas: not only does this gardening approach maximize space, but it can also create natural divisions for different zones. Elevated raised beds make it even easier to enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants – no bending is required to tend your garden! Popular materials include wood and powder-coated metal, available in modern and rustic styles to complement any design. Oversize fibre clay planters are another option. Ideal for those who want a green escape without the upkeep of a traditional garden.

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