Elevate your outdoor living with the latest landscape trends of 2025. From sustainable gardening to tech-integrated designs, discover the top 10 landscape trends to enhance your backyard oasis (in no particular order, of course!).
1. Sustainable Landscaping: Eco-Friendly Designs for a Greener Future
Incorpate native flowers, shrubs, & trees into your landscape. Pictured is bee balm, native to North America! Photo by Jose F Bravo.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of climate change, environmental sustainability has become a top priority for homeowners and landscapers alike. This is especially important in the West Coast areas of the US. Sustainable landscaping offers a powerful way to reduce our ecological footprint while creating breathtaking outdoor spaces that not only beautify our surroundings but also contribute to a healthier planet. Reduce your carbon footprint with sustainable landscaping ideas:
- Native plants, drought-resistant plants, and low-maintenance groundcovers
- Rainwater harvesting systems and efficient irrigation
- Repurposed and recycled materials for hardscaping and decor
2. Outdoor Kitchens: Extending the Heart of Your Home
Outdoor Kitchen complete with a grill, burner top, smoker, egg, seating, trash bin storage, mini fridge, built-in lighting, and plenty of outlets. Lovely pergola for shade! Built by The Bravos Landscape.
Bring the heart of your home – the kitchen – outside! Outdoor kitchens are redefining the way we live, cook, and entertain, providing a fluid connection between indoors and outdoors. Discover the joy of cooking, dining, and socializing in the beauty of nature. Elevate your outdoor kitchen with:
- Add multipe kitchen features besides just a grill -- smoker, pizza oven, mini-fridge, sink, etc.
- Durable, low-maintenance paver blocks (e.g., Unilock, Techo-Bloc)
- Integrated seating areas like bars or a dedicated dining area
- A protective structure, such as a covered roof, pergola, or gazebo, to provide shade and define the space
3. Wellness-Focused Design: Landscapes for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Find peace in the simplicity of this beautifully designed Zen garden. A tranquil retreat, where the gentle rhythms of nature can soothe the soul. Photo by Eric Prouzet.
Mental health and wellness are essential aspects of our overall quality of life. Our homes should be a sanctuary, a place to rest and recharge. This concept extends beyond indoor spaces to our outdoor living areas. A well-designed outdoor space can serve as a seamless extension of our homes, providing a peaceful retreat that promotes mental well-being and calmness. Create a peaceful retreat with wellness-focused design:
- Creating cozy room-like spaces that encourage spending time outdoors
- Meditation gardens and peaceful retreats
- Air-purifying plants and green walls
- Soothing water features and calming soundscapes
4. Tech-Integrated Landscapes: Smart Outdoor Lighting and Entertainment
Integrating smart tech can enhance your outdoor living experience! Photo by Sebastian Scholz (Nuki)
Take your outdoor living space to the next level. With tech-integrated landscapes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the freedom of the outdoors and the convenience of smart technology. Whether you're looking to relax, entertain, or simply stay connected, the possibilities are endless. Transform your outdoor space with cutting-edge technology:
- Smart outdoor lighting and temperature control systems
- Wi-Fi enabled outdoor speakers and entertainment systems
- High-tech security features and motion-sensing cameras
5. Maximalist Gardens: Bold, Vibrant, and Eclectic Designs
A colorful springtime landscape with pink perennials, yet-to-bloom flowers, raised planter bed, japanese maple, and a flowering crabapple. Design by The Bravos Landscape.
Get ready to break free from the ordinary! Gone are the boring yews and monotonous plantings. Maximalist gardens are a celebration of individuality, featuring bold, eclectic combinations of plants, hardscapes, and decorative elements. Whether you're a fan of bright blooms, dramatic foliage, or whimsical accents, maximalist gardens offer endless opportunities for self-expression. Make a statement with maximalist garden designs:
- Mixed textures, patterns, and colors
- Statement pieces and unique decorative elements -- a sculpture, fountain, or a specimen tree
- Experimentation with unconventional materials and plant combinations
6. Fire Pit and Outdoor Heating Innovations: Cozy Gathering Spaces
If you experience cold weather, you know how much time you lose enjoying your outdoor living space. Here in the Midwest, we always encourage a fire feature! Extend your outdoor living season with fire pit and heating innovations:
- High-efficiency fire pits and outdoor heaters
- Smart ignition systems and temperature control
- Stylish and durable outdoor furniture for year-round enjoyment
7. Vertical and Living Walls: Space-Saving Designs for Small Yards
A cozy corner with a vibrant living wall and neon sign. Living green walls create a unique and inviting atmosphere in places that lack space. Photo by Maxine Lee.
This one is HUGE in cities! When you don't have a lot of room to plant, it can leave your patio feeling too bare and lifeless. The growing trend of living green walls might be the perfect answer. Maximize your outdoor space with vertical and living walls:
- Modular and customizable living wall systems
- Self-watering planters and automated irrigation
- Innovative use of space-saving materials and designs
8. Creative & Unique Patio Designs: Make Your Patio...YOU!
A unique patio designed in a grid using Unilock's Arcana slabs & Copthorne Pavers. A finalist in the Unilock Awards of Excellence for "Best Use of Slabs." Designed & Built by The Bravos Landscape.
Elevate your outdoor living experience with a patio that's truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're looking to create a cozy conversation nook, a vibrant entertainment hub, or a serene retreat, creative patio designs can help you achieve your vision.
Consider incorporating:
- A combination of different colors and patterns using concrete pavers to add visual interest and personality
- Innovative shapes and layouts, like curved or multi-level designs
- Integrated features, such as fire pits, water features, or outdoor kitchens
- Personalized decorative elements, including statement lighting, artwork, or sculptures
9. Outdoor Lighting Revival: Energy-Efficient and Smart Lighting Solutions
Embrace the magic of color-changing outdoor lighting. A well-designed outdoor lighting system can transforms the landscape into a dynamic & enchanting scene. Colorscaping Outdoor Lighting System by WAC Lighting. Installation by The Bravos Landscape.
Outdoor lighting has come a long way from traditional porch lights and those cheap solar powered lights. Today's trends showcase a perfect blend of form, function, and technology. The latest outdoor lighting trends offer a range of innovative and stylish options to enhance your outdoor living experience:
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart controls
- Ambient and task lighting for enhanced ambiance and functionality
- Unique and decorative lighting fixtures for added visual interest
- Color-changing lighting systems for dynamic effects & holiday decorating
10. Multifunctional Spaces: Flexible and Functional Outdoor Designs
A thoughfully designed outdoor living space with a multi-level patio, central fire pit, outdoor kitchen space, and plenty of room for different layouts. Design by Greg Frick Landscape Design. Built by The Bravos Landscape.
The modern backyard is no longer just a lawn and a patio. As outdoor living continues to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, multifunctional outdoor living spaces have become the ultimate design goal. By seamlessly integrating different areas and purposes, you can create a versatile and functional outdoor space that adapts to your every need. Optimize your outdoor living space with multifunctional designs:
- Combination patio, dining, and kitchen spaces
- Flexible seating and layout options
- Integrated storage and organization solutions
- Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions through matching patterns, materials, and design styles
Stay ahead of the curve with these top 10 landscape trends of 2025. Whether you're looking to create a sustainable oasis, a tech-savvy entertainment zone, or a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone.
Need Help Bringing Your Vision to Life?
With so many exciting landscape trends to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. If you're feeling unsure or lack experience in landscape design, consider consulting a professional landscape designer. A skilled designer can help you:
- Assess your outdoor space and identify its full potential
- Create a personalized design plan tailored to your lifestyle, budget, and preferences
- Choose the perfect materials, plants, and features to bring your vision to life
- Navigate local building codes, permits, and regulations
- Oversee the installation process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience
By partnering with a landscape designer, you'll not only save time and effort but also end up with a stunning outdoor space that exceeds your expectations.
Local Expertise in the Midwest
Do you live in the Midwest? The Bravo's Landscape design team, led by a certified landscape designer, specializes in crafting breathtaking outdoor spaces tailored to our region's unique climate and style. Our main service area is the Chicagoland Area & Southeast Wisconsin. For many larget projects, however, we are able to travel to most of Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and parts of Michigan. Contact us to schedule a consultation and let's bring your outdoor vision to life!
