Monday Market Update: Outdoor Living Redefined In 2026

See what’s hot this summer!

Intentional. Industry experts are using this word to describe the theme of outdoor living in 2026, and we are here for it. With 4th of July just behind us and many beautiful days and outdoor gatherings in front of us, we wanted to take some time to share what summer exterior design trends offer fun and function.

With the theme of intention comes a few cornerstones of outdoor living.

- Think beyond just outdoor furniture, but a well-thought-out outdoor living room.

- Take the word sanctuary literally; more homeowners are adding areas that focus on mental & physical well-being.

- Strive for balance in what looks stunning but offers simplicity too. Any additions should bring purpose or value, and anything else should be removed.

Here are 5 surging summer themes in outdoor living based on articles from Houzz, Elle Décor, Martha Stewart & Real Simple.

1) Wellness. Relax and recharge spaces can be as simple as a quiet reflective seating area, or as extensive as a cold plunge, sauna, outdoor shower or waterfall (sound therapy!).

2) Subtle privacy. Tranquility and serenity don’t always live behind tall wooden fences. Well-placed evergreen shrubs, bamboo screenings and coverings (that provide added shade!) are a great, soft way to protect your peace.

3) Less hardscaping, more natural green spaces. When homeowners replace real lawns, more and more are choosing to go with synthetic turf or low maintenance native plants. Layered plant palettes of color and seasonality also attract bees, butterflies & birds!

4) Calm cohesiveness. Instead of adding every outdoor feature imaginable, residents are editing their spaces to what they will use daily (forget the once-a-year pizza oven!). More restrained themes and color palettes create elevated spaces that are simple and useful.

5) Beams are back. It’s surprising but true; industry experts report that “… the most significant shift in home exterior accents is in the share of homeowners citing a preference for beams; it has jumped by a whopping 24 percentage points to reach 43 percent this year.” Columns, pillars, awnings and shutters have also grown in popularity, while flower boxes have dropped.

If you could add one exterior feature to your home, what would it be? Please let us know – or send a snapshot of your current favorite part of your yard!

Cheers to appreciating all that we have – inside & out,

Bobbi

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
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Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/