7 Outdated Outdoor Trends Designers Are Saying Goodbye to This Year

Warm nights on the patio are almost here. This means that homeowners everywhere are dusting off their patio furniture, pulling out their decor, and officially bringing life back to their outdoor living spaces. If you’re looking to update your outdoor space to reflect the current design landscape, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

In general, designers are favoring timeless, quality pieces in muted, earthy tones and textures. Practicality and thoughtfully curated spaces are also top of mind. Here are seven outdated outdoor trends to avoid in 2025 to help you achieve a designer-approved aesthetic for your outdoor space.

Meet the Experts

• Ellie Stein is the founder and principal designer of Stein Studio, a full-service boutique interior design firm based in San Francisco, California, and Birmingham, Atlanta.

• Julia Newman is the founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Design, a full-service design studio based in Los Angeles, California.

• Lisa Delane is the co-founder of Shop Living Gardens, an online retailer of stylish outdoor furniture and decor.

Matching Furniture Sets

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but designers are over matching furniture sets.

“They make a space feel flat and more like a showroom display than a carefully curated extension of your home,” says Ellie Stein, founder and principal designer of Stein Studio.

While purchasing a matching set may feel convenient, taking the extra time to curate your space will pay off in the long run. It won’t just make your space more stylish and sophisticated—it will also make it feel more inviting and personalized.

“Instead of purchasing a set, go for mixing materials and textures,” Stein says. “Pair powder-coated metal chairs with a vintage teak table, or bring in a woven piece for softness. This will create a layered, collected look that feels intentional, but not too perfect.”

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Themed Seasonal Decor

Designers suggest steering clear of overly themed seasonal decor if you want your space to feel elegant and sophisticated.

“Themed decor is so limiting (think spring or Fourth of July themed decor),” says Julia Newman, founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Design. “I prefer colors and patterns that bind you to a particular time of year and can be used throughout all seasons.”

Skip those trendy holiday displays and save your money so you can invest in truly timeless pieces you’ll be able to use year-round.

Designers suggest sticking to muted, earthy tones. They’re not just stylish, they’re practical for outdoor living too.

All Gray Everything

While gray has been the default neutral in outdoor furniture for some time, designers are officially over it. Just as interior design has shifted away from the all-gray-everything style, so too has outdoor design.

“Gray-on-gray patios can feel cold and uninspired—2025 is the year to reintroduce depth, texture, and personality,” says Lisa Delane, co-founder of Shop Living Gardens. “Neutral doesn’t have to mean flat—layered textures and warm hues bring back soul and style.”

Instead, try incorporating warmer neutrals, such as beige, taupe, off-white, and brown, along with pops of color.

Plastic Wicker Furniture

Wicker is having a moment right now, but not all wicker is created equal.

“Synthetic wicker can be beautiful and durable, but low-quality PVC versions that scream ‘plastic’ take away from the luxurious feel of an outdoor space,” Delane says. “We recommend high-end HDPE wicker or a mix of materials like teak and rope for a more refined, resort-inspired aesthetic.”

The gray-on-gray, plastic wicker matching furniture set you’ve been eyeing? It’s outdated on three different counts, according to the pros.

Instead, opt for a higher-quality PVC wicker in a warmer, neutral tone, such as beige or brown, and mix in some different materials and textures to prevent the space from feeling too monotonous.

String Lights Without Intention

Lighting is an often-underrated aspect of outdoor design, usually being left for last after furniture and decor. However, there’s no understating its impact on the look and function of a space.

Often, outdoor string lights are a homeowner’s first foray into outdoor lighting, thanks to their affordability and convenience. However, Delane says they shouldn’t be hung without giving some thought to their placement first.

“String lights can be charming, but haphazard placement or too many competing styles can make a space feel chaotic rather than cozy,” she says. “Thoughtfully placed lighting—like sculptural lanterns, discreet uplighting, or integrated sconces—adds sophistication and makes your outdoor space feel intentional and inviting after dark.”

All White Everything

Just like gray, designers advise against going overboard with white when designing your outdoor space. Not only does it feel sterile and uninviting, but it’s also impractical.

“We love a crisp white moment, but all-white outdoor furniture that shows every speck of dirt, pollen, or wine spill can be a headache for everyday outdoor living,” Delane says.

Instead, consider sticking to warmer neutrals and plenty of texture for a space that feels inviting and functional.

“In 2025, we want beauty and practicality—textured neutrals, performance fabrics, and thoughtful color palettes—think greige, stone, or sand—that work with the natural environment, not against it,” Delane says.

Plastic Outdoor Rugs

Are you sensing a trend yet? Low-quality plastic pieces are out, and rugs are no exception.

Trust us on this one: while purchasing the “affordable” woven plastic rug feels like the most accessible option when money’s tight, in reality, it will probably cost you more than investing in a better-quality option in the long run.

“We believe outdoor rugs should feel as good underfoot as they look,” Delane says. “Shiny, plastic-feeling rugs can cheapen even the most thoughtfully designed space. In 2025, it’s all about high-performance weaves that combine comfort, durability, and understated elegance.”

Read the original article on The Spruce