6 Top Outdoor Projects Homeowners Are Taking On

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Nearly half of renovating homeowners say they’re targeting outdoor projects to upgrade their home’s curb appeal. They’re adding decks and porches, landscaping, and more, with “improving aesthetics” as their chief goal, according to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study(link is external), which is based on 1,000 respondents. The study found that renovating homeowners were prioritizing the following projects:

Colorful front doors: Homeowners are making a statement with front doors painted in a bold color to make them a centerpiece in a home’s curb appeal. The top six most popular front door colors selected by homeowners are:

1. Black: 24%
2. Red: 22%
3. White: 18%
4. Blue: 13%
5. Green: 11%
6. Gold: 7%

Exterior accents: The details matter, and a home’s trim work is becoming a focus for updates. White is the top choice for trim color, followed by black and green. The Houzz report also found homeowners are adding columns or pillars and awnings for windows or doors to give their homes an update.

Upgraded landscaping: Homeowners are enhancing their yard’s softscape by adding plants, shrubs, or trees (prioritizing flowering and low-maintenance options) as well as adding flower beds and borders, planters, and planter boxes. The most popular hardscape features include adding a path, stairs, or steps as well as patios, terraces, fences, or property borders.

Outdoor kitchens: One in eight renovating homeowners say they are adding or upgrading an outdoor kitchen. They’ve installed plumbing, electrical or heating systems, appliances (like a grill, beverage refrigerator, and cooktop), countertops, storage, and roofing over a deck. Grills are the most common appliance in the outdoor kitchen, followed by cooktops, pizza ovens, and smokers or deep fryers.

Lit-up landscapes: Nearly four in five homeowners say they are upgrading their outdoor lighting by adding more lights throughout their landscapes to capture a glow at night. String or bistro lights and porch sconces remain popular updates as well.

The finishing touches: The front yard and backyard are getting styled with the addition of furnishings and accessories, including chairs, pillows and throws, umbrellas, rugs, and sofas or sectionals.

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