The days are getting longer again, and with them grows the anticipation for the new gardening season. It's time to take a look at the latest trends in outdoor living for 2026. Outdoor living is becoming more natural, more diverse, and above all, more relaxed.
At home in the garden
This year, we will continue to see familiar megatrends such as the concept of the garden as additional living space. In uncertain times, there is a growing need for a personal retreat. Comfortable design conveys a feeling of security outdoors. Upholstered lounge furniture with flowing shapes or comfortable dining sets provide comfort and coziness under the open sky. Home accessories, natural materials, and soft colours also contribute to relaxation on the terrace.
© Spoga+gafa
Living concepts from STERN GmbH & Co.
Sustainability remains in focus
According to recent studies, "environmental friendliness" is another factor in the design of homes and gardens. What is becoming established in house construction with sustainable building materials is also playing an increasingly important role in garden design. New outdoor collections, for example, use organic and recycled materials. The increased use of certified renewable raw materials such as wood and rattan also underscores the desire for more naturalness. With their durability and high-quality workmanship, modern garden furniture also scores points when it comes to sustainability.
Diversity for all
Nowadays, it is easy to design your own garden according to your personal preferences. Versatile outdoor furniture makes this possible. Modular lounge sets that can be arranged flexibly are still in vogue this year. Multifunctional "all-rounders" such as freely combinable side tables or adjustable reclining sofas are suitable for a variety of uses. After all, outdoor areas today serve many purposes: from "green living rooms" to open-air kitchens to garden offices. And for all generations: new outdoor series designed for the special needs of older people or children make outdoor living even more diverse.
More greenery in the city
As a defining megatrend of our time, urbanization continues to shape outdoor living. This year's topics also include self-sufficiency in herbs and vegetables and the desire for green retreats in the city. Compact planting tables, climbing aids, and small seedling boxes are available for growing your own produce on your balcony or roof terrace. Urban farming in community gardens is supported by modular raised bed systems. Compact garden furniture and plant pots help to furnish small outdoor spaces. Lively greenery is also increasingly conquering the interiors of city apartments and offices with mini greenhouses, XXL plants, and green furniture.
© Spoga+gafa
AVON 2-seater sofa by HOUE.
Smarter in the garden
Modern technology also contributes to relaxed outdoor living today. While GPS-controlled mowing robots and automatic irrigation systems take care of the lawn, smart apps control the barbecue temperature or garden lighting. Garden furniture and parasols with LED strips that can be individually adapted to the surroundings also create a pleasant atmosphere. Analogous, but similarly smart, are technologies for even more convenient use of garden equipment, such as gadgets for easy height adjustment of tables or extending parasols.
Playing with contrasts
Today's outdoor areas are also being refreshed by a constant interplay of contrasts: purist design is combined with lush organic shapes, earthy and natural tones with bright colours, cool stainless steel or aluminum with a real wood look. Weatherproof and robust materials are given a light and elegant look. Garden furniture can be combined with different colours and details. This trend invites you to mix and match styles, materials, and colours. A wild, natural garden with linear outdoor furniture is not a contradiction, but an expression of your own creativity.
Further garden trends will be presented at the upcoming spoga+gafa in Cologne. As the leading trade fair for garden lifestyle and BBQ, it will bring together international companies from the green industry and trade visitors from all over the world from June 22 to 24, 2026. Exhibitors of outdoor furniture and accessories, garden tools, BBQs, and outdoor kitchens will once again present fresh ideas for outdoor living.
Source: Spoga+Gafa
