Let’s face it. Your backyard might not be living up to its full potential. And with summer on the way, it might be time to start thinking about a few key upgrades.
In that spirit, the crews here at Smucker Exteriors are excited to bring you ten outdoor living ideas that are becoming increasingly popular here in southeastern, PA. So if you’re looking for some outdoor inspiration—keep reading.
Because this one’s for you.
Make Your Home the Summer Hang Spot
2025 is shaping up to be a year of backyard glory. But what if you don’t have a huge area to work with? No worries. This year’s outdoor living trends are all about smart, stylish upgrades that make every inch count.
Here’s a look at our top ten—something for every budget and backyard.
1. Outdoor Kitchens
Move over, rusty grill. The modern outdoor kitchen has arrived—complete with pizza ovens, gas ranges, and even outdoor refrigerators. More than you need? No sweat.
You can still sport a sleek outdoor cooking setup with simple stone countertops and built-in stainless steel grills or appliances.
2. Multi-Level Decks
At Smucker Exteriors, we love decks. But 2025 is coming in big, and more homeowners in our area are opting for multi-level custom deck designs.
Raised lounge zones, sunken fire pits, and even integrated hot tub platforms are turning tired backyards into at-home retreats.
3. Smart Tech
Automated lighting, weather-proof speakers, retractable shades, and app-controlled appliances (including fire pits) are making outdoor spaces both cool and convenient. (And even if you don’t need the most modern of amenities, it’s still nice to be able to control your lighting from your phone.)
4. Natural Finishes
If a natural, earthy look is more your thing, you may be pleased to find that 2025 patio trends are showing that more and more Pennsylvania residents are leaning toward nature-esque materials like stone, wood, and textured concrete. And if you’re looking for patio color ideas, earth tones like grays, taupes (lighter browns… we had to look it up too), and beige all carry a timely and inviting feel.
5. Bolder Finishes
If neutrals don’t quite inspire you, don’t worry. Deep navy blues, rust-colored oranges, and brilliant shades of green are also popping up as accent pieces for outdoor living areas—particularly with patio furniture and cushions.
Mixed and matched with natural wood tones, and your space will have a clean and fresh look!
6. Covered Living Spaces
Why let a little rain–or the blazing sun—ruin your backyard plans? Covered patios, pergolas, and A-frame pavilions are some of our favorite outdoor living trends for 2025—the perfect way to transform your backyard into functional extensions of the home.
7. Fire Places
We’ve touched on this above, but a sleek gas fire pit table or rustic stone fireplace is always a favorite centerpiece for gatherings. And this year’s patio trends favor clean-lined fire pits built right into the deck or patio.
8. Low-Maintenance Landscaping
While flowers are beautiful to look at, they’re also a lot of work. That’s why modern homeowners are choosing native plants, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant greenery. These landscaping choices not only look great, but are also low maintenance!
9. Outdoor Wellness Areas
Zoom calls from the patio? Sunrise yoga under the pergola? Whatever your daily routines, outdoor workspaces and wellness zones are ramping up in popularity. Why not get a bit of extra vitamin D as you move through the day-to-day?
10. Modular Furniture
Here’s a neat outdoor living space trend this year: furniture that adapts to your needs.
Sectional sofas, adjustable loungers, and multi-purpose coffee tables make your space ready for any size summer hang in a matter of minutes. And when paired with a smart custom deck design, these flexible furnishings let you refresh your space without having to redo the entire backyard.
Ready to Bring Your Outdoor Living Space to Life?
Your backyard deserves to shine, so start thinking about how you want to bring yours to life. Then, find yourself a reputable contractor with which you can share that vision.
While you should definitely shop around, we’d be remiss not to throw ourselves into the mix. At Smucker Exteriors, our crews love renovating outdoor spaces that are functional for spring, summer, fall, and yes, even winter. And by choosing Smucker Exteriors, here are a few things you can count on.
- Free design and consultation guidance
- Hand-picked crews trained beyond best practices
- Top-tier materials and manufacturer’s warranties
- A commitment to exceeding industry standards of craftsmanship
Because here’s the bottom line. Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is. It needs to be safe, comfortable, and fun. And sometimes, that means sprucing up some underutilized outdoor space.
So don’t wait on your backyard oasis. Reach out today for a free quote and consultation.
