Top 10+ Outdoor Decor Styles That Are Phasing Out

All-Gray Everything Has Lost Its Appeal

Gone are the days when 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. The monochrome approach that once felt sophisticated now appears sterile and unwelcoming.

Neutral doesn't have to mean flat—layered textures and warm hues bring back soul and style. Think of it like wearing all gray clothing to a party – technically safe, but completely forgettable.

Modern outdoor spaces are embracing warmer neutrals like beige, taupe, off-white, and brown, along with pops of color that inject personality and life into formerly bland patios.

Matching Outdoor Furniture Sets Are No Longer Cool

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. The problem with matchy-matchy outdoor sets is they create an artificial, catalog-like atmosphere that lacks personality.

Gone are the days when outdoor furniture had to be part of a perfectly matching set. Today, eclectic mixes and personalized touches are increasing in popularity.

Why it's out: Lack of personality: Matchy-matchy sets can look too staged and impersonal. Trend shift: The trend moves towards a more relaxed, collected-over-time look.

Limited creativity: Matching sets can limit personal expression. Instead, 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."

Low-Quality Plastic Wicker Is Being Rejected

While wicker furniture remains popular, 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 cheap, shiny plastic wicker that dominated discount stores is being replaced by sophisticated materials. Avoid lower quality plastic wickers, which tend to dry and crack easily and force you to replace your woven pieces sooner.

High-quality HDPE wicker has become the gold standard because it withstands humidity, moisture and rain with ease, so you can have peace of mind your furniture will remain timeless and appealing for years to come. You will not have to worry about your wicker porch furniture decaying because of humidity or your poolside chairs being affected by the water.

The difference is like comparing a plastic toy to a luxury car – both might serve a function, but the quality and longevity are worlds apart.

Haphazardly Hung String Lights Are Out

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." The issue isn't string lights themselves, but the careless way they're often installed.

Picture a teenager's dorm room versus a boutique hotel lobby – both might use string lights, but the execution makes all the difference. Modern outdoor lighting design focuses on creating layers and focal points rather than simply stringing lights wherever there's a hook available.

All-White Outdoor Furniture Is Losing Steam

Just like gray, designers advise against going overboard with white when designing your outdoor space. "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.

While white outdoor furniture once symbolized cleanliness and sophistication, it's now seen as impractical and stark. White pieces show every speck of dirt, require constant maintenance, and can create a harsh contrast against natural outdoor settings.

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."

Cheap Plastic Outdoor Rugs Are Being Replaced

The era of bargain-bin plastic outdoor rugs is coming to an end as homeowners recognize their false economy. 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.

These synthetic rugs not only feel uncomfortable underfoot but also degrade quickly under sun exposure and weather conditions. "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." Think of it like buying paper plates for a dinner party – they might serve the basic function, but they certainly don't enhance the experience. Modern outdoor rugs use advanced materials that feel luxurious while maintaining weather resistance, proving that practicality and comfort can coexist beautifully.

Overly Neutral Color Schemes Are Fading

While neutral tones will always have a special place, relying solely on them can make outdoor spaces feel bland. In 2024, the trend is shifting towards a more adventurous palette, with pops of color bringing outdoor areas to life.

The beige-on-beige approach that dominated outdoor design for years is giving way to more dynamic color stories. This summer, vibrant, bold colors are the way to go.

This year's outdoor furniture trends embrace shades of blue, green, coral, and yellow to breathe life into outdoor spaces. Adding pops of color through cushions, rugs, and accessories can instantly elevate the look of your patio or garden.

Imagine a vibrant blue outdoor sofa paired with bright yellow cushions – a combination that screams summer fun and relaxation. Don't be afraid to mix and match these bold hues to create a dynamic and inviting outdoor space.

These colors not only catch the eye but also enhance the overall ambiance, making your outdoor area a lively and luxurious extension of your home. It's like the difference between a sepia photograph and a vibrant painting – both have their place, but one clearly brings more energy and emotion to the space.

Traditional Farmhouse Outdoor Elements Are Declining

The classic farmhouse outdoor aesthetic that dominated patios and porches for over a decade is finally showing signs of fatigue. If you're here because you're wondering whether farmhouse is out of style in 2024, the answer is yes ..

but also no. There are certain overdone aspects of the farmhouse style that have fallen out of fashion.

But, there are other elements that are truly timeless and will always be in style. The problem isn't farmhouse style itself, but the mass-produced, commercialized version that became ubiquitous.

After 10+ years of signs pointing to the nearest Farmer's Market, white shiplap walls and iron beds, the original farmhouse and modern farmhouse looks feel cliché. Farmhouse decor ended up everywhere, from Walmart and Hobby Lobby, to Wayfair and HomeGoods, even at higher end retailers like Restoration Hardware.

The thing with trends is that people like them because they're new and fresh, and when they stop feeling new and fresh, they start to feel dated. While these concepts find themselves on opposite ends of the design spectrum, they're both focused on making a space feel impactful and intentional, unlike more neutral styles like shou sugi ban-treated wood (which experienced a drop of 69%) and farmhouse style, which has fallen in popularity post-pandemic.

The challenge is refreshing farmhouse elements to feel authentic rather than manufactured.

Themed Seasonal Outdoor Decor Is Out

"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.

The constant cycle of swapping out decorations for every season and holiday has become exhausting for homeowners. Designers suggest sticking to muted, earthy tones.

They're not just stylish, they're practical for outdoor living too. Instead of plastic pumpkins in fall and red-white-and-blue bunting in summer, smart outdoor decorators are choosing pieces that work across seasons.

It's like building a wardrobe with classic pieces instead of buying a new outfit for every occasion – more sustainable, more sophisticated, and ultimately more cost-effective. Quality outdoor decor should enhance your space regardless of whether it's January or July.

Heavy, Immovable Outdoor Furniture Is Being Abandoned

The days of massive, concrete-heavy outdoor furniture that requires a team to relocate are numbered. "Trend shift: There's a move towards lightweight, easily maneuverable furniture that offers more versatility." Modern lifestyles demand flexibility, and outdoor furniture needs to adapt accordingly.