5 Backyard Trends Everyone Wants This Year

Gustave Carlson Design

Backyards have become more than just a place to barbecue or drink your morning coffee; they have become full-on extensions of the home. According to Thumbtack’s newly released Curb Appeal Report, which aptly names 2025 “The Year of Outdoor Living,” homeowners are making big investment to bring indoor comforts outside. No surprises here. We know firsthand that buyers crave incredible indoor-outdoor living especially here in Florida.

Here are five of the biggest outdoor trends (and splurges!) we are seeing this season…

Pools

Pool additions have been a long-time staple in the Jacksonville area, but the list of house hunters seeking a backyard pool has been on the rise recently. For many, the enjoyment of a pool outweighs the associated construction and maintenance costs. According to the Thumbtack report, if money were no object, the homeowners surveyed said that the number one feature they would add to their outdoor space in 2025 is a resort-style pool with a waterfall.

Cortney Bishop Design

Outdoor Kitchens with a Pizza Oven

An outdoor kitchen that rivals your indoor one tops a lot of backyard wish lists. Homeowners want the ability to grill, refrigerate, bartend, and so much more. So what’s the biggest outdoor kitchen item everyone wants this year? Hands down, a pizza oven! It’s more than just cooking; it’s a fun experience. Plus, you can easily find pizza ovens of all shapes and sizes that run off of everything from wood to charcoal to gas. Delicious!

Emily Henderson

Greenhouses

Are you ready to kick your gardening up a notch? You are not alone. Another major backyard trend in 2025 is climate-controlled greenhouses. Combined with a little bit of a green thumb, greenhouses allow homeowners to grow fruits, vegetables, and florals year-round. The best part? Being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Nothing tastes as fresh a local, homegrown produce.

Ben and Erin Napier | Southern Living

Guest Houses

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as an ADU in real estate terminology, is a secondary housing space that is built on a single-family residential lot. They are often also referred to as guest houses or in-law suites. Whatever you choose to call them, everyone seems to want one this year because they can serve so many functions. A place for friends and family to come and stay for an extended visit? Check. A work from home space that is free from all of the main house distractions? Check. An income-producing property to help off-set household expenses? Check. There are endless possibilities when it comes to extra square footage.

Jennifer Welch Interior Design

Personal Farms

Buyers may not be looking for a true working farm, but over half of homeowners (59%) would love to have more land. People are craving nature, space, and a little rural flair. Homesteading hobbies like having chickens and beekeeping are are on the rise in 2025. In fact, some of Zillow’s top search terms this summer have included the words “barn", “pond”, “farm”, and “horses”. Whether homeowners dream of keeping animals, growing a garden, or simply enjoying wide-open views, this backyard trend is more aspirational. People are seeking a slower pace and a sense of escape without having to leave their own yard.

Dave and Jenny Marrs | The Welcome Inn

One in three homeowners call their outdoor space their personal sanctuary. So it makes sense that they aren’t afraid to splurge to make it perfect. What takes the number one spot on your dream backyard wish list? We’d love to hear!

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