Expert tips to upgrade your outdoor space for spring

April 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM EDT

(BPT) - Longing to finally embrace that springtime feeling? If so, you're probably ready to refresh your outdoor space in time for the warmer weather, whether for at-home entertaining or relaxing under the sun. Combining different style preferences outdoors to please everyone in your home can be tricky. A recent Lowe's study, conducted by The Harris Poll, shows 67% of U.S. homeowners have sacrificed their home design preferences for someone in their household*. If you're facing the same challenge when it comes to the backyard, balcony or patio, you're not alone.

For those experiencing differing design aesthetics or decision fatigue, meet the new Spring Style Catalog designed by Lowe's trend experts, including Director of Trend & Style Monica Reese, for millennial homeowners, partners and roommates to help blend different styles and tastes for spring backyard refreshes.

"Outdoor spaces are one of the easiest ways to expand livable square footage, making them a valuable extension of the home," Reese said. "By incorporating comfortable, stylish and functional elements, any outdoor area can become a place for relaxation and entertainment."

Reese shares advice for combining aesthetics to balance varying preferences:

Outdoor space extends your indoor space

Unsure what style is best when refreshing your outdoor areas? Let your indoor choices guide you. "A well-designed outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of the interior," Reese explained. "A farmhouse-style interior paired with a stark, minimalist backyard could feel disjointed."

Reese also advises homeowners on ways to indulge the tastes of different people in your household. "The easiest way to merge styles is finding distinct pieces from each of your differing styles that can come together visually," Reese added.

Even if different areas are furnished in contrasting styles, you can still use color, texture and thoughtful layering to connect the spaces. Outdoor rugs, coordinating pillows and planters can help unify different aesthetics. Mixing materials, like this patio bench made of wood and bricks, can also create balance while allowing each style to shine.

Combine aesthetics to create a unique look

Another tactic to satisfy differing design styles is merging them into something new. For example, you may be into Classic Coastal, which brings effortless elegance to outdoor living with soft taupes, denim blues and sage greens, along with seaside icons and crisp stripes for a relaxed yet refined modern nautical feel. But what if your partner wants a serene Zen Garden?

Create "Coastal meets Zen Garden" through peaceful, organic pieces in ocean hues to please both of you. Decorative touches like the allen + roth Floral Island Time Square Throw Pillow offer an ocean feel, while a calming Style Selections Resin Water Tiered Outdoor Fountain inspires mindful meditation. For the perfect project to create your oasis together, this raised garden bed can enhance your Coastal Zen retreat.

Identify your style (or styles)

If you're having trouble pinpointing your preferences, or feel like your style is changing, browsing through Lowe's Spring Style Catalog and spring picks can help you determine the look you want.

"Exploring our curated collections online is a great starting point for discovering your outdoor style," said Reese. "If you're drawn to sleek lines and neutral palettes, the Modern Sanctuary or Bold Minimalist collections may be your perfect fit. Do you appreciate timeless elegance, organic materials and classic styling? Our Resort Retreat and Classic Coastal aesthetics offer a refined yet inviting feel."

Don't forget, each style can be seamlessly combined with other aesthetics for a subtle design shift that will make the space your own. For example, if you love the casual, contemporary West Coast vibe of Modern Sanctuary, but also desire the coziness of the "cottagecore" aesthetic, try merging Modern Sanctuary and Cottage for a cozy, airy refuge with warm hues and lush greenery. Accents like a colorful allen + roth Hooked Polypropylene Indigo Floral/Botanical Area Rug or welcoming Pointer Ridge Conversation Chair Set create this look perfectly, along with Altman Plants Pink True Bloom True Inspiration Roses for added charm and color.

If you're looking to capture the essence of an upscale getaway, consider the Resort Retreat style. Include natural materials like teak, wicker and jute - plus warm corals and lush greens, jungle-inspired icons and bold botanical patterns. To incorporate a whimsical touch for your most playful family member, create a safe haven for their inner child through fun, vibrant colors and charm at the same time. Consider options like an adorable Naturae Décor Green Dog Garden Statue, an inviting allen + roth Warm-Linen Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug or the cozy Style Selections Clifton 4-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set. Then turn your lively resort retreat into a fun entertainment center with this outdoor projection screen you can make together.

"Pairing two aesthetics may seem intimidating, but you'll be surprised how well contrasting looks can actually complement each other," said Reese.

The important thing to keep in mind is finding a vibe - or combination of vibes - that truly resonate with everyone, to create an outdoor space that's visually cohesive, highly functional and a delightful place to spend time together.

Ready to get started? Lowe's has great prices on these design styles. Now's the perfect time to check out all the season's deals at your local Lowe's or on Lowes.com.

Fulfillment options such as buy online, pick-up in store and same-day delivery for eligible in-stock items when you order by 2pm options are available through Lowes.com and the Lowe's mobile app°.

*Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Lowe's from March 25-27, 2025, among 1,278 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are homeowners. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.4 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

°Delivery by 8pm; subject to availability. Fees vary based on purchase. Weight surcharge applies to orders over 600 lbs. More terms apply. Details at Lowes.com/SameDayDelivery.

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Expert tips to upgrade your outdoor space for spring

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