According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study from Houzz, the AI-powered software platform for home construction and design, homeowners are increasingly transforming their outdoor spaces for everyday living rather than future resale value. Outdoor Spaces Are Being Divided Into Purposeful ZonesToday’s outdoor spaces are designed to support an array of activities, with distinct zones that turn backyards into multifunctional extensions of the home. Backyards Are Becoming Outdoor Living RoomsPerhaps the biggest story in outdoor design this year is the rise of fully realized outdoor living spaces. Outdoor Kitchens Are Bigger, Better Equipped and Built to LastFor many homeowners, outdoor kitchens now serve as year-round hubs for cooking, dining and entertaining. The TakeawayThe findings suggest homeowners are investing in outdoor spaces with long-term lifestyle goals in mind.