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When it comes to home entertaining, few things are better than utilizing your outdoor living space, especially during the warmer months. The patio remains an increasingly popular place for meals, music, conversation, and beverages. However, if you’re one to follow design trends, a previously sought-after outdoor look is on its way out: the minimalist, monochromatic patio.

For a handful of years, the design idea was heralded as a bastion of sophistication and serenity. But these days, the focus more leans toward making your space as interesting and vibrant as the gatherings you want to hold there, in addition to being more environmentally responsible. “Rather than choosing one surface or one color, homeowners are mixing materials such as wood, metal, glass, and gravel to elevate the look of an outdoor space,” Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, told The Spruce.

Luckily, creating the perfect outdoor oasis doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Among the biggest patio design trends for 2025 is decor that capitalizes on sustainability and usability, incorporates colors and elements of nature, and continues to invite the comforts of indoor living outside. So if you still have that monotone, simple space, a few fresh ideas can get you updated in no time.

Combining elements of inside and outside to make your patio feel more like a living room is a way to involve several trends at once. Bringing in nature’s color palette — think terracotta, natural greens, warm browns, and deep oranges — is a great place to start with your patio revamp, whether it’s through throw pillows, a clay or wood statue, or perhaps an updated outdoor rug. Meanwhile, you can add texture and visual interest to your space with things like stone pathways; woven, resin wicker furniture; and shiny or organic accents made from elements like brass, aluminum, rope, or teakwood.

Other natural elements such as fire and water can make your space more comfortable and more versatile. For instance, tiered fountains like the SunJet 6-Tiers Cascading Rock Outdoor Water Fountain mimic the tranquil sounds of a trickling stream for outdoor relaxation. Meanwhile, this Bali Outdoors Fire Pit Table can increase the function and ambiance of your patio: use it as a full table by day, then remove its central cover and light it up for warmth during the evenings or cooler seasons. Heck, maybe even roast some s’mores there.

Finally, consider harnessing the power of nature itself to add beautiful finishing touches, while making your patio area more environmentally friendly. Native and drought-tolerant plants will enliven and beautify your space and summon local pollinators without requiring much water, while the sun can charge solar-powered lights to transform your daytime soiree into an inviting nighttime wonderland. And just like that, your previously simple space has a new backdrop that will be in style for years to come.