Hardscape experts dig into what’s on the horizon for design and lighting in 2025.
1. Classic design style
While minimalism remains a popular trend, the industry is seeing a shift back to a classic style in design, says Joe Raboine, vice president of design, Oldcastle APG.
“Mixed materials and warm colors such as beige and sepia are reemerging and lend themselves to a more traditional aesthetic,” Raboine says.
Robert Bowers, P. Eng., vice president of engineering, hardscapes, at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, agrees that lighter earth tones are reappearing within the industry.
“I’m not seeing any of the bright reds, blues, yellows or greens as in the past,” Bowers says. “It’s a cleaner appearance to the materials.
2. Multifunctional spaces
With the current economic conditions, consumers are a bit more budget-conscious than in recent years and are looking for value-added features and ways to maximize their space with multifunctional elements.
“In every metro area across the country, property sizes are smaller than before,” Raboine says. “With this trend, homeowners are looking to get the most out of their small spaces and available budget with modular components that serve multiple purposes, such as a patio with a built-in seat wall and planters.”
Also, due to the smaller property footprints, homeowners are looking for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate privacy from neighbors or their surroundings, Raboine says.
“Decorative screen panels, pergolas, plantings and other structures add an element of both beauty and functionality,” Raboine says. “Sound gardens and water features add audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic.”
Health and wellness have risen to a top five focus for consumers in some markets as people prioritize self-care, according to Raboine.
“Americans are looking to be balanced and in harmony with the environment and appreciate native plants and sustainable materials, such as permeable pavers,” Raboine says. “Gardening remains a popular hobby, and enthusiasts can incorporate raised garden beds or planters in their outdoor spaces.”
Finally, as outdoor spaces are a must-have for homeowners, they must be convenient to access and offer the same amenities as the indoor space, Raboine says.
He notes that homeowners are looking for their outdoor space to transition easily from the house to the built environment and offer the same modern conveniences of lighting, eating, Wi-Fi, quality furnishing and accessories.
3. Straight lines
Bowers says in the last few years, he’s noticed a movement toward straighter lines and smoother products.
“They’re moving away from split-faced, distressed or tumbled products for pavers and walls and moving toward straighter, crisp lines for surfaces and materials," Bowers says.
He notes, however, that this creates the potential challenge of fall hazards.
“When you make pavers ultrasmooth and reduce the chamfer and joint spacing, you reduce the friction,” Bowers says. “So, the designers are getting the smooth products they want, but it becomes a concern about the reduced friction and potential slip hazards on those products.”
4. Large format materials
Large format materials, such as bigger concrete slabs or pavements, have also gained interest, according to Bowers.
Bowers notes that this also has the added benefit of more efficient installation for the contractor, especially as recruiting quality employees remains a top concern for contractors.
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