Home Remodeling Priorities: Why Outdoor Living May Be the New Must-Have
For decades, the kitchen was the undisputed heart of the home — and the bathroom wasn’t far behind. Yet today, an unexpected contender has risen through the ranks of remodeling priorities: outdoor living. Once considered a luxury or afterthought, outdoor spaces are now being treated as extensions of the home, integral to both lifestyle and property value.
If you’re planning your next home remodeling project, it may be time to ask: Should your next investment be outdoors?
🧱 Interior Remodeling: The Traditional Route
Kitchen and bathroom remodels have long been the gold standard in renovation return-on-investment. With sleek cabinetry, stone countertops, and high-end appliances, homeowners could count on enhancing both daily comfort and resale value.
According to recent national reports:
- Major kitchen remodels recoup around 60–70% of their cost.
- Bathroom remodels fall close behind, averaging a 55–65% return.
- Basement conversions, though more niche, can yield similar results when properly executed.
These upgrades often modernize infrastructure, correct functional flaws, and improve overall marketability. For families spending more time indoors, the logic remains strong.
But something has changed — and it’s not just consumer preference. It’s how we view home as sanctuary.
🌿 The Rise of Outdoor Living
Driven by lifestyle shifts, climate-conscious design, and evolving definitions of luxury, outdoor living has become a design priority.
Here’s what modern outdoor spaces are offering:
- Fully equipped outdoor kitchens
- Comfortable covered lounges with heaters and fireplaces
- Dining areas with integrated lighting and sound
- Multi-season landscaping designed for beauty and function
- Pools, saunas, or plunge tubs for wellness at home
Unlike the purely aesthetic patios of years past, these are living spaces — curated for year-round use, wellness, entertainment, and emotional restoration.
“An outdoor space should feel intentional, like a room without walls,” as Nate Berkus himself once said. Today, that sentiment shapes how design professionals are redefining comfort.
📊 Comparative Value: Indoors vs. Outdoors
Let’s examine how indoor and outdoor remodeling stack up in 2025 when it comes to return, usability, and emotional value.
| Criteria | Interior Remodel | Outdoor Living Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| ROI (average) | 60–70% | 70–85% (especially kitchens) |
| Seasonal Use | Year-round (climate-proof) | Seasonal, unless insulated |
| Lifestyle Impact | High | Very high (wellness, hosting) |
| Design Flexibility | Moderate | High (modular zones, layout) |
| Permit Complexity | Often complex | Varies (usually simpler) |
| Visual Appeal | Interior-first | Boosts curb & backyard appeal |
Interestingly, outdoor kitchen projects alone can recoup up to 80–100% of their cost in some U.S. markets, particularly in the West and Southwest.
💬 Homeowners Are Rethinking What “Living Space” Means
What was once “just a backyard” is now becoming an integral part of the home’s daily function — not just an entertainment zone for special occasions. Post-pandemic design thinking has accelerated the movement toward indoor-outdoor flow, with features like:
- Sliding or folding glass walls
- Transitional flooring for seamless movement
- Outdoor work-from-home nooks
- Natural privacy screens with vertical gardens
Design is no longer about square footage inside the house — it’s about usable, enjoyable, and meaningful space anywhere on the property.
🛠 When Is Outdoor Living the Better First Step?
While both interior and outdoor renovations add value, here are signs outdoor living should take priority:
- Your interior layout already functions well but lacks adjacent entertaining space.
- You live in a moderate-to-warm climate with 3+ usable outdoor seasons.
- Your home’s curb appeal or backyard is underutilized, dragging down perceived value.
- You enjoy hosting or want to create a calming personal escape.
- You’re interested in wellness design (sunlight, fresh air, natural materials).
🎯 Final Thought: Beauty, Value, and Intentional Living
Home remodeling in 2025 is no longer just about what’s trending — it’s about how you want to live. While kitchens and bathrooms will always have their place, outdoor living is becoming more than a design trend. It’s a shift in how we define luxury, wellness, and quality of life.
The next time you consider a renovation, look past the walls. The space you’re dreaming of might be right outside your door.
✅ Call to Action
Ready to rethink your remodeling priorities? Explore how outdoor living upgrades can transform your home into a year-round haven — where design meets lifestyle, beautifully.