Outdoor Space Trends We’re Seeing In Luxury Homes In 2021

The pandemic has made outdoor living more popular than ever before in 2021.

Beautifully designed outdoor spaces with high-end amenities are having a moment that isn’t likely to end any time soon. After all, it’s these extras that can make an ordinary home into a luxury home and a luxury home into an elevated one. And while outdoor space is particularly coveted during the pandemic, it’s also something that can be enjoyed long term and potentially improve the resale value of a property. Here are some of the best outdoor space trends we’ve been seeing in some of the top luxury homes on the market. 

modern century city condominium with glass walls opening to outdoor living room

An outdoor living room is among the features of this Century City condominium priced at $2.695 million. (Hilton & Hyland)

Outdoor Living Rooms

The amazing thing about living in California is the ability to have an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, even with a condo or high-rise apartment. We see this on the balcony of this Wilshire Corridor residence. There’s plenty of room to sit and enjoy the magnificent view from this luxurious Century City building. The outdoor sofa, chairs, and coffee table make this a perfect gathering spot to sit and meet with friends and family, enjoy a charcuterie board and a glass of wine or simply have some quiet time to appreciate the spectacular view. 

outdoor dining space at 439 paseo miramar pacific palisades

This Pacific Palisades home has carved out dining space near the pool. (Hilton & Hyland)

Outdoor Dining Rooms

If Covid has done anything, it’s made outdoor gathering space essential. The outdoor dining space at this stunning Pacific Palisades home has everything an indoor dining room has plus much more, including gorgeous light fixtures and bold curtains, along with the jaw-dropping view. It’s a one-of-a-kind place for regular meals with families or to throw large dinner parties.

outdoor living room with television and fireplace in toronto canada

This Toronto home listed for CAD 26.9 million takes the entertainment outdoors with an outdoor media setup. (Barry Cohen Homes)

Outdoor Televisions 

Why watch television inside when you can do it outside? While this is currently a trend, outdoor televisions are surely on their way to becoming the standard for high-end outdoor spaces. A great example of this is the outdoor television at this gorgeous Toronto estate. Situated above the outdoor fireplace, this home has the ideal ambiance for outdoor movies nights or football parties on Sunday. If you’re feeling inspired to get a television for your backyard, just make sure to install it away from the elements. 

tennis court at justin timberlake's hollywood hills home 3100 torreyson

Tennis courts are popular options among athletic-minded homeowners. This blacktop tennis court is one of many amenities at Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s $35-million home in Hollywood Hills. (Hilton & Hyland)

Tennis Courts

Tennis anyone? Installing a tennis court is a smart use of land. Take the tennis court at Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s Hollywood Hills home, for example. This tennis court is more than a place for a friendly game; it adds value to this truly unique property. Best of all, it’s lit, so you can play a game at whatever hour the mood strikes you.

glass fire pit at a los angeles luxury home

A glass-enclose fireplace draws the eyes in the backyard of this $32.5-million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. (Hilton & Hyland)

Firepits

Firepits have probably been the biggest backyard essential during the pandemic. They create an ambiance of fun, a place to hang out late into the night, and even to roast a marshmallow or make delicious smores. This traditional-style home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles has so many amazing features, and the firepit is one of the many amenities that this sleek, modern property has. 

outdoor kitchen, fireplace and pool in a scottsdale, arizona, backyard

An outdoor kitchen complements the pool and fire pit in the backyard of this luxury property in Scottsdale, Arizona. (RETSY)

Outdoor Kitchens

What’s the point of living in a warm climate like Arizona in a beautiful French Country style estate unless you have a place to cook outside? Just a barbeque isn’t quite enough, and you really need a complete outdoor kitchen. Fortunately, this home in Scottsdale has it all, including a built-in barbeque, large countertop, and a place for a small refrigerator. After all, with all the swimming you can do in the pool, you’re bound to get hungry.

rendering of a luxury swimming pool in scottsdale

Want to take outdoor living up a notch? Install a brand-new swimming pool like the one at this Mediterranean estate in Scottsdale, Arizona. (RETSY)

Pools & Hot Tubs

Speaking of pools— pools and hot tubs are a must for luxury homes, especially in warmer climates. This newly constructed modern Mediterranean estate in Scottsdale has a great outdoor area with a beautifully tiled pool and hot tub. The pool is a great place to cool off on those sizzling Arizona days, while the hot tub is the right spot for relaxing.

rooftop deck los angeles

A rooftop deck for residents crows the Empire West development in Los Angeles. (Hilton & Hyland)

Roof Deck

Just because you live in a condo doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy some of the same amenities popular in single-family homes. We see this at this Empire West residence in Los Angeles. This luxurious high-rise building has many outdoor amenities on the roof deck, including a firepit, pool, hot tub, and lounge area. These spaces are ideal for inviting over friends or perhaps even connecting with neighbors. Did we mention the views? No matter the reason, it’s a beautiful place to experience everything Los Angeles life has to offer. 

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Author

I am a writer, design expert, host of the podcast Bougie Adjacent, and comedic performer. I am absolutely fascinated by all aspects of décor and design. It once took me six months to choose a soap dispenser and I can’t even remember what it looked like. I like bright prints, southern exposure and any location you can call a “village or town.” There are currently over 100 episodes of House Hunters on my DVR.

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