7 Outdated Patio Décor Trends You Should Skip—and What to Try Instead
Looking to upgrade your outdoor space? Consider passing on these elements.
Patio season is officially on, and ideally, your outdoor setup should feel timeless and effortless. But if things are looking a little tired or if you’ve been thinking about giving your space a refresh, don't worry—you’re not alone.
With indoor-outdoor living becoming more popular, having a patio that feels like a stylish, natural extension of your home feels more important than ever. Sometimes, all you have to do is swap out a few outdated elements to completely transform your space—and no one knows what feels overdone better than designers.
Here, we spoke to these experts and got their pro tips for what to phase out on your patio. Here's everything you need to know to create an elevated, on-trend outdoor space this year.
Meet Our Expert
- Lisa Sternfeld, interior designer and founder of Studio LSID
- Kristina Dexner, landscape designer, architect, and founder of Homes Insideout
Related: 7 Outdoor Living Trends That Will Be Gracing Porches and Patios Everywhere in 2025
Oversized Spaces
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to patios. While open layouts might seem like the obvious choice for versatility, many feel like oversized, stage-like spaces that lack intimacy and daily function.
A patio should feel like an extension of your living room—not a showroom. “A well-balanced deck offers space for both quiet reflection and meaningful gatherings,” says interior designer Lisa Sternfeld. “A secluded reading corner or meditation space can coexist with seating arrangements that invite conversation."
”Today’s outdoor spaces thrive when they feel cozy and defined,” adds landscape architect and interior designer Kristina Dexner, founder of Homes Insideout. Her go-to? Creating zones framed by hedges , trellises, or fencing, and softened with pergolas, trees, or vines.
Synthetic Surfaces
Plastic, faux turf, and other synthetic materials may seem low-maintenance, but they rarely hold up visually or environmentally. Beyond fading and warping over time, they just don’t offer that natural, grounding feel.
“The right materials shape the atmosphere,” says Dexner, who recommends timeless options like stone, gravel, wood, and brick. These materials not only age gracefully, but also connect your patio to the natural environment in a more authentic way.
Crowded Fire Pits
Fire pits have earned their place as backyard staples. They add warmth, ambiance, and a natural gathering point. But does bigger always mean better? Designers are beginning to question whether oversized, central fire pits with a ring of ten chairs are really as practical as they look.
Overall, fire pits aren't going anywhere, but the trend is shifting toward more intimate, cozy setups. “Designing for constant entertaining can undercut the space’s everyday functionality,” says Dexner. This year’s approach, by contrast, is all about personal moments and versatile design.
Another evolution? Fire features with purpose. Outdoor cooking is having a moment, from pizza ovens to quesadillas over a cast-iron stove. Whether it’s for solo roasting or social feasts, the fire becomes a meaningful zone, not just a centerpiece. Let it be inviting, but not overpowering.
Related: 30 Fire Pit Ideas for a Cozy Backyard or Patio Year-Round
Trendy and Uncomfortable Features
You know the ones: the swing chair that looks better than it feels, the wildly patterned throw pillows, or the boho umbrella you saw once on Instagram. These features might photograph well, but they rarely stand the test of time. More often than not, they’re uncomfortable, impractical, and stripped of any real personality.
“Too many patios look like catalog spreads—impeccably styled but lacking warmth,” says Dexner. “What matters most is comfort: soft cushions, durable textiles, cozy throws, and storm-proof candles."
And yes, swings can be magical, but only when placed with intention. Dexner suggests treating them like destination features: Tucked into a quiet garden corner or under a shady tree—not dropped in the middle of your main seating zone.
Oversized Umbrellas
Striped umbrellas are cute—but those oversized, hard-to-move ones that dominate patios? They’re out.
“Umbrellas and sunshades work in a pinch, but nothing compares to the dappled light under a tree or a vine-covered pergola,” says Dexner. “Living shade adds comfort, beauty, and ecological value. Green overhead elements soften a space and make it feel like a true garden room.”
Even if you don’t have a big tree, you can still build intentional shade: Train vines up a pergola, hang café shades, or tuck a lounge nook into a naturally shaded corner. The goal isn’t to fabricate space, but to enhance it.
Related: 21 Backyard Shade Ideas, From Pergolas to Decorative Foliage
Lounge Chairs
Unless you have a pool, there’s very little reason to clutter your deck or patio with traditional lounge chairs. Sure, they evoke a certain resort fantasy, but in reality, they’re often awkward to store, uncomfortable to sit on, and a bulky eyesore.
Instead, consider a daybed. It offers all the laid-back comfort of a lounger but feels more intentional, more inviting, and significantly more versatile. A well-placed outdoor daybed becomes an instant hangout zone, perfect for reading, napping, solo sun-soaking, or even impromptu entertaining.
Plants That Don't Belong
In 2025, it’s less about decorating your patio with plants and more about letting plants define the space.
“Greenery isn’t just for looks—it reduces stress, and invites a sense of calm,” says Sternfeld. Instead of sticking to ornamental plants, she recommends native species , layered greenery, and functional choices like herbs , edible greens, or fruiting vines.
Vertical planters , potted trees , and layered arrangements can create privacy, shade, and a sense of enclosure, turning even the smallest patio into a lush, inviting retreat. Let things spill over, climb up, and spread out. This isn’t a showroom—it’s your outdoor refuge. Let nature be in charge a little.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Post a Comment