Outdoor living spaces increase the usable area and value of your home and provide a fun, relaxing space for you to share with friends and family. According to Mike Rawstrom of Pro-Cut Lawn & Landscaping, several exciting trends are taking shape in 2025 while long-standing favorites are still going strong – all promising to benefit your home and lifestyle.
Outdoor Lighting and Gas Fire Pits
Bruce Goodrich of Gagne & Son in Auburn says homeowners are always looking for ways to make their outdoor space feel more like an extension of their home rather than just a patio or backyard.
“One of the most exciting shifts we’ve noticed is the rise of outdoor kitchens, which has gone beyond just a grill and table,” Bruce says. “Customers are investing in built-in cooking spaces, complete with durable countertops, prep areas, and even outdoor refrigeration.”
According to Gagne & Sons, granite is the perfect choice for outdoor kitchen surfaces. This stone is incredibly durable and resistant to Maine’s extreme weather, while requiring little upkeep.
Another standout trend for 2025 is the growing popularity of outdoor lighting. Stringing lights up in your outdoor living space provides an excellent effect all year round — from dimly lit summer nights by the fire pit to twinkling snowy winter evenings.
“Gas fire pits, in particular, are becoming a top choice for homeowners,” says Rawstrom. “This is because of their ease of use and aesthetic appeal. They provide warmth, light, and a space to gather without the need for wood or the mess associated with traditional fire pits.”
Creativity and Functionality
Goodrich reflects on the creativity of last season and some of the projects that stood out to him.
“One standout trend was the use of custom inlays in patios and walkways – using different styles and colors of pavers to create intricate, personalized designs,” says Goodrich. “It’s a great way to elevate a space without adding a ton of cost.”
In the last few years, Rawstrom has also had the chance to work on some unique projects. Just two years ago, he worked on installing a custom septic cover made out of a piece of granite adorned with an outline of the state of Maine. This project stands out because of its Maine-centric design and the creative use of natural materials that blend well with the surrounding environment.
Custom work is on the rise, and creative touches like this can complete a homeowner’s space.
Protecting Your Space
Maine’s unique weather, with its harsh winters and varying seasonal conditions, can pose a challenge to personal landscapes. Rawstrom emphasizes the importance of protecting outdoor spaces and furniture for longevity, stressing that a well-built base is crucial.
“Do it right the first time,” Rawstrom advises. “The biggest thing with outdoor living space is all about the base when it comes to gravel or crushed rock – and not cutting corners.”
Investing in high-quality materials and construction upfront is preferable to having to redo or repair the patio in the future. Choosing the right base material makes a difference in how well the patio holds up, especially in Maine, where frequent freezes and thaws occur.
“Maine’s climate can be unforgiving in outdoor spaces, with extreme temperature swings, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy moisture exposure,” Goodrich shares. “That’s why choosing the right materials from the start is critical to ensuring a patio or outdoor feature stands the test of time.”
Rawstrom and Goodrich agree that, with a plan and the right materials, an outdoor space can benefit a family for years to come.
“Natural stone, pretreated concrete pavers, and granite are among the best choices,” Goodrich says. “They resist cracking, warping, and fading over time.”
The Value of Professional Expertise
For those considering remodeling their outdoor living space, consulting an expert early in the process is the best way to ensure that it is done right the first time.
“Talk to a professional before DIY,” Rawstrom says. “Many people underestimate the complexity of these projects and find themselves in over their heads.”
When taking on a large outdoor project on your own, you may quickly be overwhelmed by the tools and skills needed to complete the project. Professionals bring the expertise to ensure that outdoor spaces are aesthetically pleasing and durable enough to withstand Maine’s unpredictable weather.
Raised Beds and Gardens
During the pandemic in 2020, prices began to rise, and so did the need to have more choices when it came to feeding families.
Rawstrom shared that while he hasn’t done many raised bed projects, he just met with a client interested in creating a retaining wall garden as part of their new outdoor living space.
“The project involves constructing a retaining wall for stability for the garden,” Rawstrom says. “These projects do best if you use concrete for the walls since they last much longer than pressure-treated wood that can degrade with high moisture levels.”
Concrete or stone walls can also provide a modern, sleek look that complements many outdoor designs and styles. Still, if that isn’t your preferred style, Rosetta’s Heartwood Collection is just as durable as concrete or even stone, says Goodrich.
“Homeowners love raised beds and built-in planters because they enhance the space aesthetically while adding functional benefits like growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers,” Goodrich says. “The Rosetta Heartwood Collection gives the look of natural wood but with the durability and longevity of stone.”
Achieving a High-End Look on a Budget
Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor living space doesn’t have to break the bank. Ensuring your space will last saves money in the long run. Goodrich says one of the best ways to maximize impact is by investing in quality materials where it matters most—like choosing long-lasting pavers for the patio foundation. Getting a high-end look doesn’t always mean starting from scratch, either.
“Another trick is refinishing and enhancing an existing patio,” says Goodrich. “A simple power wash, releasing pavers, and even updating furniture can give a patio a brand-new look without a major investment.”
Whether building new or rejuvenating an existing space, subject matter experts at DuBois Realty Group suggest that always consulting with a professional on the proper materials and installation is imperative.
“We find that the most affordable option often leads to the least cost recovery,” says DuBois. “It may even devalue the property if not done right.”
Adding Value to Your Home
Investing in an outdoor living space not only enhances your quality of life but also adds significant value to your home. Rawstrom emphasized the importance of hardscaping — such as patios, retaining walls, and fire pits — in boosting a home’s equity.
“Everything that you invest into a hardscape and outdoor living space is equivalent to what you put into it, regardless of the size of the space you are working with,” Rawstrom says.
Whether you have 50 square feet or 10,000, everyone can achieve the look and versatility they want for their outdoor space.
“A well-designed outdoor space can significantly increase home value, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make,” shares Goodrich. “A functional, inviting patio extends a home’s living space, and that’s a huge selling point for buyers who are looking for move-in-ready properties.”
DuBois Realty suggests consulting with your real estate professional, even if you do not intend to sell your home in the near future. It may help to refine your approach to maximize your cost recovery – and also your enjoyment.
“Give yourself permission to invest in improvements you will enjoy,” DuBois says. “There is a value to that regardless of the return on investment it may or may not net.”
The Growing Trend
As outdoor living spaces continue to evolve, wellness is becoming an increasingly important design element. Homeowners are looking for ways to combine relaxation and self-care in their spaces. Whether it’s through the addition of outdoor yoga decks, meditation gardens, or areas designed for mindful reflection, creating a space that nurtures well-being is becoming a priority. Rawstrom has observed this shift as more people seek to disconnect from the stress of daily life.
According to a piece written by Dennis Romboy for Deseret.com, “In 2023, a record 175.8 million Americans — 57.3% of everyone age six and older — participated in outdoor recreation, up 4.1% over the year before.”
The Future
As the years go by, the trends influencing outdoor living spaces in Maine reflect a need for both beauty and functionality. From gas fire pits and creative lighting to customized and sustainable design choices, Maine homeowners increasingly recognize the importance of investing in their outdoor space.
As Rawstrom, Goodrich, and DuBois Realty say, doing things the right way from the start, seeking professional help, and incorporating local, durable materials will ensure that outdoor spaces last for years to come, providing homeowners with a functional, aesthetically pleasing area to enjoy no matter the season.
Sources:
www.deseret.com/lifestyle/2024/07/17/outdoor-recreation-activities-hiking-biking-camping/
Gagne & Son
Auburn| gagneandson.com
Pro-Cut Lawn & Landscaping
Sabattus| procutmaine.com
by Jessica Gendron-Labbe