The backyard pool has evolved from a simple place to cool off into something far more sophisticated. Today’s homeowners envision their pools as complete outdoor living destinations that deserve the same amount of care as the inside of a home. This transformation reflects broader lifestyle shifts: the desire to maximize home value, create resort-quality experiences at home and integrate technology into every aspect of daily life. Traditional pool designs used to rely on an all-or-nothing experience, meaning a person was either submerged in water or completely out of the water.…
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Minnesota homeowners prioritize outdoor living
Across Minnesota, homeowners are transforming their backyards into true extensions of their homes with custom landscaping, pools, outdoor kitchens, covered porches and resort-style gathering spaces. In 2026, there has been a major shift toward outdoor projects that feel intentional, elevated and designed around how families actually want to live. For many Minnesota homeowners, outdoor kitchens have become one of the most valuable and frequently used features of the backyard. Popular outdoor kitchen features include built-in grills, pizza ovens, beverage refrigerators, bar seating and serving areas, weather-resistant cabinetry, integrated lighting and…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alderwood Landscaping
Alderwood Landscaping completely modernized their clients’ outdoor living space in the Sammamish Backyard Renovation project. The backyard originally had an old, worn concrete surface around its existing pool, accompanied by tired plantings lining the exterior, which offered a dreary aesthetic. The team worked closely with the owners to create a design that expanded their outdoor living space, removing partially elevated decks that compartmentalized the space and left little room to entertain. The updated design created more usable space and improved circulation around the pool. The team added new paving around…
Read MoreCustom decks see increase in backyard upgrades
With summer right around the corner, more homeowners across Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland are increasingly thinking of backyard renovations. The top emerging design for 2026 backyard renovations is custom decks, specifically ones that are multi-level. Clients are increasingly asking for decks that move beyond a single flat platform, using two or three levels to create distinct zones for dining, lounging and grilling. Multi-level designs work especially well on Central Pennsylvania’s rolling lots, where natural grade changes can be turned into intentional design features rather than obstacles. Stepped transitions, built-in…
Read MoreOutdoor kitchens are the upcoming summer trend
The ideal outdoor setup from previous years consisted of a patio and a grill overlooking a beautiful backyard. These days, however, homeowners are thinking bigger for their backyard renovations, seeking more from outdoor living. According to a new outdoor trends study, outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. Clients want their outdoor kitchens designed with as much care that goes into their indoor counterparts. The top upgrades respondents plan to include are as follows: 62% plan to incorporate beverage fridges, 59% are planning for sinks and 38% want an outdoor T.V.…
Read MoreSummer inspires landscape and backyard renovations
Summer is just around the corner, which means that homeowners are starting to think about backyard and landscape renovations. Outdoor spaces are becoming even more communal and wellness-centered. Designers are starting to see an increase in low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping and outdoor spaces that offer visual interest throughout the entire year. Organic, natural materials are continuing to rise in popularity as a staple for both interior and exterior design. Expect to see more stone, reclaimed wood and gravel incorporated in landscape designs. Homeowners are looking to spend more time outdoors to…
Read MoreTop summer renovation trends
Summer is just around the corner, meaning homeowners are thinking more and more about renovations. Warmer temperatures, longer days and drier conditions make summer one of the most practical times to tackle home improvement projects. The following trends are going to be at the top of clients’ renovation design list. Outdoor improvements are among the most popular projects right now. In a 2025 Fixr survey, 56% of home improvement experts said outdoor and backyard upgrades are a growing priority for homeowners. Adding a fire pit can make the backyard a…
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