5 backyard trends that are in this year and 5 that are out, according to gardeners and interior designers

Wabi-Sabi design, which embraces weathered materials, rustic elements, and organic shapes, is in, according to Kelsey Ross, designer, landscape architect, and owner of Garden Party Landscape Design.

"In practice, this can mean opting for natural, unstained cedar fencing that fades from tan to silver over time," she said.

Other opportunities to embrace the trend include choosing weathered brick for your patio and planting trees with a naturally weathered or gnarly shape.

Jessica Holmes Holiday, founder and principal designer of HSH Collective Home and Design, told BI that personal cold-plunge tubs "have taken over the outdoor design world."

Use of the tubs, typically available at spas and wellness facilities, can help reduce inflammation and improve mental health.

People are adding flair to backyard design by introducing pops of color and creative shapes — and a fun and colorful umbrella is a great way to lean into the trend.

"When clients design their dream outdoor space, they look for individuality. What better way to do that than in their shade solution? " Holmes Holiday told BI. "We see many bold colors and scalloped designs."

According to Marisa Bettencourt, founder of North + Fair Interior Design, outdoor pergolas are all the rage right now.

"Outdoor pergolas provide additional shade and can help define an area in your yard that's meant for entertaining and mingling," she said.

The outdoor structure, typically made from wood and topped with a slatted roof, can be built in several styles. But Bettencourt said pergolas with retractable shades (for privacy and sun protection) are especially popular.

Lindsey Hyland, expert gardener and founder of Urban Organic Yield, expects to see more edible gardens in backyards this year.

"The idea is to integrate fruits, vegetables, and herbs into landscaping in a way that's not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing," she told BI.

The gardens can be more sustainable and give people access to fresh, home-grown foods.

Lara Hermanson, principal and cofounder of Farmscape, told BI that people are moving away from large outdoor kitchens to preserve the natural feeling of a backyard.

"Clients are more interested in reconnecting with nature in their space than having their backyard feel like an extension of their family room," she said.

Ross said she's seeing more clients remove and replace artificial turf lawns.

"When artificial turf was trending a few years back, people assumed it was a shortcut to a maintenance-free outdoor space," she told BI. "But in reality, it can get blisteringly hot when exposed to direct sun and tends to hold on to pet odors."

The designer recommended using artificial turf as a last resort in deeply shaded areas or where other groundcover solutions are not an option.

According to Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, monoculture lawns with uniform grass fields are declining in popularity.

"The monoculture lawn trend is falling out of favor due to its high water consumption, chemical dependency, and lack of biodiversity, which can contribute to ecological imbalances," she told BI.

Holmes Holiday said most modern firepits are trending out — despite their practicality for evenings outdoors.

"While firepits can create a cozy atmosphere, oversized designs have been left in the past," she told BI. "They dominate smaller outdoor areas, taking away from the overall space."

Hyland said people are swapping industrial-style, minimalist designs for natural touches to create cozier backyards.

"People are moving away from cold, hard materials like concrete and steel in favor of warmer, more inviting settings that include a mix of natural elements," the gardener told BI.

This trend also includes a move toward more biodiverse and wild gardens.