Homeowners still value personal preference over resale value in 2026 — especially when it comes to their outdoor spaces, according to the Houzz Outdoor Trends Study.
In late April and early May, Houzz surveyed over 1,100 United States homeowners who were either in the midst of a home renovation, planning one or recently completed one. The results showed that homeowners want their outdoor spaces to serve as extensions of their indoor living space, regardless of how that may appeal to future buyers.
Notably, making spaces more accommodating was a priority among 25% of respondents, up 3 points year over year. In comparison, the number of renovators who prioritize resale value decreased 3 points to 15%.
“Homeowners are investing in outdoor renovations with long-term lifestyle goals in mind,” Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz, said in a press release. “We’re seeing a shift away from resale-driven upgrades toward spaces that support everyday routines and blur the lines between indoors and out, from outdoor dining and cooking to reading retreats and lounge areas. As these outdoor spaces become more personalized and multifunctional, homeowners are increasingly turning to professionals to help bring their vision to life.”
Here are some of the most popular exterior home trends of 2026.
A growing number of renovators add lounge areas to their outdoor spaces. (Photo credit: David Morello Garden Enterprises, Inc. via Houzz)
Lounge areas
Homeowners want to spend time in their outdoor spaces. In 2026, over 80% of all renovated outdoor areas include seating, with 71% featuring sofa or lounge chairs.
Another 66% include outdoor lighting to extend outdoor enjoyment into the evening hours, while 55% have a coffee table or side table.
Functional statement details
Beams increased in popularity by 24% year over year, with 43% of respondents incorporating them into their outdoor spaces. Houzz said that was the most dramatic increase of any feature included in the survey.
Also on the rise were awnings at 30% and shutters at 19%.
Popular this year: Beige exteriors with black trim/accents (Designer: Sarahliz Lawson Design; Architect: Luke Clark Tyler – Field Issue Design; Photographer: Adam Potts via Houzz)
Beige (with black trim)
Move over, white and gray. Beige is the new neutral on the rise, doubling in popularity over the past two years, Houzz said. Nearly a quarter of all respondents said beige exteriors are part of their renovation plans.
Homeowners are pairing their beige outer walls with black trim, which emerged as the top trim color for 39% of respondents. Furthermore, 69% of respondents want a trim color that contrasts starkly with the rest of their exterior.
Landscaping
Greenery is important to today’s homeowners, as well: Nearly three-quarters of all respondents said they were upgrading their outdoor plants, shrubs and trees. Interest also increased across the board among low-maintenance plants, pollinator-friendly plants, native plants and drought-resistant plants.
Many renovators also added dedicated gardening areas (49%), with nearly three quarters of those dedicated spaces enclosed by beds or borders.
Outdoor kitchens are an increasingly popular exterior feature in 2026. (Photo credit: HomeTech Construction & Design via Houzz)
Outdoor kitchens
One in eight renovators is adding an outdoor kitchen to their property in 2026, while the share of outdoor bars increased 2 percentage points to 8%. Nearly all of those projects — 95% — are starting completely from scratch as homebuyers take the reins on dictating the functionality of their own spaces.
A majority of new outdoor kitchens (85%) feature a grill, followed by cooktops at 36%, pizza ovens at 29%, smokers or deep dryers at 24% and warming drawers at 9%. All signs point to homeowners thinking of their outdoor kitchens as permanent upgrades they plan on using regularly, rather than as novelties for occasional use, Houzz said.
