8 Outdoor Decor Trends for 2024 to Revitalize Your Courtyard Space.
For most of us, now is the time of year when we finally open up our gardens and eagerly await the arrival of warm days, giving our outdoor spaces a much-needed refresh. What better starting point than reviewing this year’s hottest outdoor decor trends? From improving outdoor entertaining, to the latest garden terrace designs, fence colors, and even creating an ambient atmosphere with layered lighting – besides gardening, we have consulted top experts to learn about the garden trends you need to know for 2024.
Here, we present to you our favorite eight trends. Whether you have a large garden or a small one, for most of us, the backyard is an extension of our indoor space – another place to decorate, host, entertain, and relax. Therefore, approaching backyard design with the same enthusiasm as indoor decor is only natural. These eight exciting outdoor decor trends are sure to inspire you.
- Playful and Unexpected Tile Installation In outdoor decoration, using playful and unexpected tile installation can add vibrancy and uniqueness to your space. You can choose tiles in different colors, shapes, and textures and create visually striking effects through creative installation. This design not only adds personality to your garden or terrace but also becomes a focal point that catches people’s attention. Whether used for flooring or as decorative elements, playful and unexpected tile installation brings freshness and vitality to your outdoor space. Finding the right terrace flooring design can be quite a challenge. Besides the numerous choices (smooth or rough? modern or rustic?), you also need to consider practical criteria such as slip-resistant materials. While we could discuss recommended types of outdoor tiles all day long, it’s important to consider the trends and styles within them.
For the 2024 outdoor decor trends, the focus is on bold innovation. “Terraces don’t have to be boring,” says Grazzie Wilson, Creative Director at Ca’Pietra. “Instead, you can opt for tiles instead of decks or paving stones to bring life to your garden.” “Adding tiles with patterns and colors adds a whole new dimension to your garden, creating an unexpected focal point,” she continues. “To add variation, you can extend the tiles from your home to the garden, creating a seamless flow. Just make sure you choose tiles that are durable enough to withstand frost.”
- Invisible Dark Fences Ideas for fence decoration can be quite subjective. For some, painted fences are an absolute no-no, while others like to use color to highlight their personality. When looking for popular garden fence colors this year, Patrick O’Donnell, International Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball, suggests looking towards darker shades.
“The best way to treat a regular fence is to paint it in a dark color,” he advises. “This not only looks quite elegant but also allows the fence to blend into its surroundings, becoming an ideal backdrop for plantings. Here, a wise choice is Inchyra Blue, which has a sympathetic greenish glow. Alternatively, try a more moody yet quite chic option like Railings or Off Black in Exterior Eggshell. Avoid using shiny gloss; what you want is for the color to ‘take a backseat’,” says Patrick. “For a more urban style, you can add some warm spice tones – which look beautiful in smaller gardens. Here, Red Earth in Exterior Eggshell is your good companion, bringing warmth even on the darkest days.”
3. Emulate Indoor Comfort:
“When it comes to outdoor decor, I like to adopt the same principles as any indoor design project,” says interior designer Kathy Kuo. “Look for items that you love and that can serve you well in your daily life, while also withstanding the test of time. Consider incorporating waterproof seating (even if it’s not the most comfortable) with cushions, blankets, and rugs to make your patio or lounge area as cozy as a living room. If you want to extend your indoor style to the outdoors, try matching outdoor cushions and rugs with items from your living room,” she suggests. “The result will be harmonious and elegant – just make sure to choose performance fabrics suitable for outdoor use.”
4. Go Beyond Black and White:
It may sound obvious, but your garden should reflect the natural world. While black and white can be captivating, they are not natural tones. Instead, in 2024, interior and landscape designers are opting to move away from contemporary monochromatic color schemes and towards warmer, earthier tones with more texture. It’s worth noting that most gardens and outdoor furniture seem to only offer black or gray options. However, designer Abbie Naber from A.Naber Design encourages homeowners to embrace the new color trends in outdoor decor this year. “There is a trend now to reduce black finishes and incorporate earthy tones, bringing browns and warmer colors into exterior materials and furniture,” observes Abbie. “I think people tend to default to black and white furniture easily. Here (above), we chose to avoid that and instead focus on pool tiles and outdoor furniture that blend seamlessly with the landscape.”
5. Consider Sustainability:
Sustainable and environmentally-friendly gardening practices will become a central theme in 2024 and beyond. From rainwater collection systems to using recycled materials for garden rooms, sheds, and landscape designs, it’s important to view sustainability as a long-term investment in the environment rather than just a trend. “I lean towards cleaner, sustainable design,” says garden designer Keith Williams from Above Gardens. “I always try to repurpose existing materials on-site, whether it’s trees, structures, walls, etc. I believe in green and white gardens; however, I also enjoy playing with different shades of green in an all-green garden and utilizing textures to create combinations,” he adds. Choose eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, natural stone, and recycled metals and plastics for furniture, flooring, and landscape designs. You can also consider learning how to refinish garden furniture to give your old pieces a fresh look.
6. Add a Fun Sunshade:
Enhance your garden with a sunshade that exudes luxurious European vacation vibes. It not only provides much-needed shade for dining, gatherings, and relaxation but also makes a stylish statement. “Enjoy the cozy ambiance that a sunshade brings to your garden, whether you’re hosting parties, reading a book, or simply enjoying the summer days. It shields you from the afternoon sun,” says Lucy Ferguson, CEO and designer of East London Umbrella Company. “Invest in a sunshade made from durable and weather-resistant materials to ensure its longevity, especially if it will be exposed to outdoor elements. Also, choose a sunny spot in your garden that has enough space for the sunshade to provide effective shade,” she suggests.
7. Try Striped Elements:
The best-decorated gardens are often unique and imaginative. While we are accustomed to seeing unusual flowers or tropical patterns outdoors, what about bold and beautiful stripes? In this pool space designed by Sarah Stacey Interior Design, strong stripes perfectly complement the soft pink hues of the surrounding architecture, creating a modern outdoor space that exceeds expectations. This year, stripes will be a major trend, both indoors and outdoors. Just take a quick look at Lulu & Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel’s latest outdoor collection or McGee & Co’s new garden products, and you’ll see stripes everywhere. They are the ultimate symbol of fashionable outdoor spaces.
8. Create Layered Lighting Schemes:
“Good exterior lighting has the power to transform outdoor dining spaces and create a sophisticated blend of indoor and outdoor aesthetics,” says Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC. Just like in indoor spaces, creating a layered lighting scheme in your garden is equally important. “To add some personality to an outdoor dining area, consider placing a large pendant light right in the center of the table. It will cast a wide glow and add decorative grandeur,” suggests Charlie, who is passionate about bringing oversized lighting fixtures outdoors. “For a multi-layered look, carefully positioned wall lights will provide practical task lighting and focal illumination, creating a more intimate and cozy atmosphere on summer nights. Portable lighting adds a fantastic movable option for ambient lighting in a relaxed environment.”