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 MoreOutdoor kitchens inspire luxury living
Outdoor kitchens are among the top design trends in luxury renovations. Homeowners want these spaces designed with the same attention to detail as any interior room in a home. When undergoing a backyard upgrade, clients want dining, lounging and water elements incorporated within an outdoor kitchen, rather than dropped onto the patio as an accessory. The most popular design in outdoor kitchens has moved away from the standalone island and toward a kitchen drawn into a larger plan. Instead of one bar set apart from the living areas, the cooking zone,…
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 MoreOutdoor living is a major motivator for renovations
A new survey of current homeowners indicates that outdoor living is a priority in their home renovations. In the study, 83% of homeowners noted that they want these spaces to function as extensions of the home with a lounge or sitting area. Accompanied by this area projects with outdoor kitchens, integrated outdoor lighting and other large projects. Interest in DIY methods are shrinking for these projects and remodelers are taking that increase in business. According to the survey, there is nearly a ten percent increase in hiring activity, from 65%…
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