As we step into the new year, it’s clear that 2025 trends are all about promoting a deep connection to nature, comfort and functionality. Keep reading to discover our top 10 outdoor design tips for 2025 and start the New Year strong!
1. Select sustainable, resilient outdoor features
Sustainability remains at the forefront of outdoor design, with homeowners increasingly prioritising eco-friendly practices. Key elements include:
- Native gardens: Incorporating indigenous plants that thrive in the local climate conserves water and supports local wildlife.
- Design for adequate shade: Strategically positioning trees and shade structures helps create comfortable outdoor areas that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
- Drought-tolerant gardens: These require minimal water and highlight sustainable practices. For inspiration, check out our resources on creating a drought-tolerant garden.
- Consider native wildlife: Designing outdoor spaces with consideration for surrounding ecosystems will undoubtedly pay off with increased sightings of native wildlife. Choose a bird bath or plant native flora to make your space inviting for local native animals.

2. Integrate smart-home technology
As can be seen, with eco-friendly and sustainable design at the forefront, integrating smart-home technology is becoming increasingly common. Consider adopting smart-home features to connect household processes to your smartphones or tablets. Features like automated lighting and app-controlled sprinkler systems to optimise water usage while enhancing convenience.

3. Structure spaces for a sense of indoor-outdoor connection
In 2025, homeowners will seek spaces that promote an organic flow when entertaining. Unsurprisingly, the trend of creating a sense of indoor-outdoor flow continues to gain traction. Open layouts and large sliding doors create a fluid transition, allowing families to enjoy a seamless living experience.
Alternatively, some alfresco aficionados like Jimmy and Tam are creating outdoor living spaces, setting the scene for long summer nights and enjoying the fresh air.

4. Embrace wellness
Recovery is of paramount importance for health junkies in 2025. Naturally, there’s a growing focus on creating zones for health, wellness, and relaxation to create a corner of calm in busy lifestyles.
- Hot tubs, spas and saunas: Create inviting spaces for relaxation and muscle recovery with hot-cold therapy.
- Workout or meditation areas: Design an outdoor gym, yoga deck or meditation space to promote physical and mental health in a natural setting.
- Magnesium pools: Known for their added minerals, magnesium pools offer a refreshing swim experience and traditional swimming pools can easily be converted.
ModularWalls’ noise attenuation creates a calm, peaceful outdoor area so you can tune out the noise, relax, and focus on your zen.

5. Low-maintenance landscaping and materials
Whether it’s landscaping or outdoor materials, homeowners want low-maintenance options requiring minimal upkeep.
Composite materials, like those used in ModularWalls, are popular due to their durability and resistance to warping, twisting, and weathering, perfect to withstand the harsh Australian climate with minimal maintenance.

6. Mix textures, embrace earthy tones
In 2025, integrating varied textures and earthy tones is vital for adding depth to outdoor spaces. The 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, complements this trend beautifully, offering a warm neutral that harmonises with natural elements. Combining textures like wood, stone, and metal creates visual interest to outdoor spaces.

7. Ignite connection with outdoor fireplaces
Embracing outdoor fireplaces and fire pits extends the enjoyment of outdoor spaces into cooler evenings. Create a cosy atmosphere for moments with friends and loved ones right in your own backyard!
A fire pit or fireplace will not only provide warmth but will also serve as a focal point for entertaining. However, a fire pit isn’t just for the colder months: with the right setup, you can enjoy it all year round. Providing warmth during winter and a place to roast marshmallows in summer, fire pits are a hit with all ages (don’t leave the kids unsupervised!)

8. Embrace organic shapes: feature curves and arches
In architectural design, using curves and arches adds elegance and character to outdoor spaces. ModularWalls provides the perfect backdrop, complementing a range of outdoor design features.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate curves. As can be seen in this Modern Mediterranean space, curves and arches create dynamic visual elements that draw the eye and enhance landscaping aesthetics.

9. Specify pools to maximise space and value
The pool’s popularity shows no signs of waning in 2025; in fact, it’s on the rise! New shapes, designs, and suppliers make finding the perfect pool for your space easier than ever. Innovative options like semi-above-ground or ready-made pools allow homeowners to enjoy swimming luxury without extensive landscape modifications. A pool in the front yard can be a striking feature—take inspiration from Darren Palmer’s recent home project.

10. Move toward a wilder, more natural aesthetic
Gone are the carefully manicured hedges of yesteryear. The trend is shifting towards wilder, more natural aesthetics in outdoor spaces, emphasising landscaping design that appears to evolve organically. This “more-is-more” approach encourages biodiversity while also creating serene, immersive outdoor environments.

2025 trends: redefining outdoor space enjoyment
It’s clear: 2025 trends are about more than aesthetics – they’re about enhancing our well-being and fostering deeper connections with nature. From lush gardens and wellness zones to inviting outdoor living rooms, the possibilities for transforming outdoor spaces are limitless.