2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study

Gen X and Millennial Homeowners Extend Livable Space with Outdoor Projects

Houzz Inc., the leading platform for home remodeling and design, has released the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study. The survey of more than 1,100 U.S. respondents found that one-third of homeowners are upgrading their outdoor areas to extend their living space (33%). This number jumps to 41% for Gen Xers* and 38% for Millennials, compared with just 28% of Baby Boomers. Similarly, younger generations are more likely to prioritize outdoor upgrades for entertaining (44% and 42% of Millennials and Gen Xers, respectively, compared with 34% of Baby Boomers).

To make their outdoor spaces more livable and suitable for entertaining, it’s no surprise that younger generations invest in major structural improvements, such as decks, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools and hot tubs, more frequently than older homeowners (65% for Millennials, 61% for Gen Xers and 54% for Baby Boomers). Millennials and Gen Xers also pursue outdoor decorating projects at a higher frequency (54% and 45%, respectively, versus 31% of Baby Boomers) to make the space more usable and inviting.

“With limited housing stock and higher interest rates impacting affordability, younger generations are squeezing functionality out of every inch of their current homes by focusing on the outdoors. Millennials, in particular, are most likely to invest in major structural upgrades in the yard and to add furniture and accessories to make it more personalized and livable,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “That said, large-scope outdoor projects are common across generations, and homeowners are hiring professionals to bring their dreams to life.”

Nearly two-thirds of homeowners hired a professional for their outdoor project (65%). Additional insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study include:

LIGHTING UP THE LANDSCAPE: Among homeowners with outdoor system projects, nearly 4 in 5 homeowners upgraded outdoor lighting (78%). Landscape lighting topped the list (81%), followed by string or bistro lights (44%), and porch sconces (37%). Light fixtures are most commonly a combination of glass and metal (58%); however, 32% of lights are entirely of metal.

GETTING SMART WITH OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY: More than two-thirds of all products purchased for outdoor spaces can be monitored or controlled by a mobile device (68%), including security cameras (43%), light fixtures (26%), irrigation systems (16%), and speakers or sound systems (15%). Millennials are significantly more likely than other generations to purchase smart products (89%, compared with 75% and 60% of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, respectively).

INCORPORATING FIRE AND WATER: Among homeowners who upgraded outdoor elements, approximately 1 in 5 added or upgraded fire features, such as fireplaces or fire pits, or water features like fountains in their outdoor spaces (21% and 18%, respectively). Fire features were especially popular among Millennials (37%, compared with 23% and 17% of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, respectively).

LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS: Among homeowners with outdoor feature projects, more than three-quarters of homeowners upgraded plants, shrubs or trees on their property (77%); and two-thirds upgraded beds or borders (66%). Flowering (82%); low-maintenance (70%); butterfly, bee or hummingbird attractant (55%); and native plants (52%) were the most common.

You can download the full 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study at houzz.com.