outdoor living spaces

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for Mountain Homes

Outdoor Living Spaces for Your Mountain Home

The Blue Ridge Mountains are bountiful in natural beauty, with serene mountaintop views and tranquil waterfalls. Homeowners in this part of the country will tell you that embracing the natural world is a way of life in the western Carolinas, and what better way to do that than elevating your home’s outdoor space?

Whether planning a backyard renovation or looking to make some minor updates to your outdoor living spaces, understanding the latest design trends can make or break your outdoor remodel. Read on to discover the top five outdoor design trends of 2025.

Related: 8 Living Room Design Trends to Include in Your Mountain Home

Five Outdoor Living Space Design Trends

outdoor living spaces

1. Cozy Gathering Spaces

Gone are the days of rigid outdoor seating and sparse cushioning. Nowadays, outdoor spaces are just as cozy as indoor living spaces, meaning people spend more time in them. Instead of large, expansive patios, we are seeing a shift towards more intimate and defined outdoor entertainment spaces.

Slight level changes, pergolas, and unique paving patterns help divide patios into functional and relaxing living spaces. Additional features, such as built-in seating and fire pits, help to enhance the relaxed vibe.

2. Low-Voltage Lighting

Low-voltage lighting is now integral to outdoor design, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space long after sunset. Pathway lights, uplighting for trees, and recessed deck lighting are all great options for your outdoor living space. Low-voltage lighting not only transforms your outdoor space at night but also adds an additional layer of safety to your home, making it a good investment for any outdoor design project.

3. Windows and Heaters

windows and heaters at the cliffs

If you truly love your home’s outdoor living space, you want to use it year-round, right? Old screened porches are getting a modern upgrade to incorporate vinyl or glass windows instead, allowing homeowners to use their outdoor spaces in any season. These outdoor spaces, paired with a fire pit or heater, become cozy havens for even the coldest weather. Additional features, like ceiling fans and weatherproof furnishings, allow outdoor spaces to be used in summer’s heat or the rainy season’s drench.

4. Upgraded Cooking Appliances

While cooking appliances have been a staple of outdoor spaces for decades, they have only improved over the years. If you want to upgrade your outdoor space this season, incorporate updated appliances, like a new grill or outdoor sink, allowing endless entertainment throughout the year.

5. Add Mountain-Inspired Design Elements

Include elements into your outdoor design that pay homage to the mountain environment. Rustic wood furniture, stone accents, and wildlife-inspired decor help give your mountain home the feeling you are looking for.

Adding a touch of color also helps accentuate your mountain home’s natural beauty and charm. To liven up your mountain oasis, use wildflowers, seasonal foliage, and vibrant outdoor textiles.

Learn More: 9 Must-Haves for Elegant Outdoor Spaces

Buy or Build at The Cliffs

When buying a home at The Cliffs, you can choose to purchase a preexisting home or build one through our highly skilled and experienced Cliffs Builders.

Buy at The Cliffs

When buying at The Cliffs, you will experience:

  • The Experienced Cliffs Realty Team: Cliffs Realty is the only agency that solely focuses on real estate within The Cliffs Seven Communities—so you know you’re speaking with the real experts. Cliffs Realty provides an enjoyable real estate experience and unparalleled expertise to anyone buying or selling a home, or considering either.

Meet our Sales Team here!

  • Luxurious Properties: The Cliffs is home to some of the most beautiful real estate in the Carolinas. From lake houses to mountain escapes, you’ll find the destination that’s right for you in one of our communities.

View Available Properties here!

Build at The Cliffs

When building at The Cliffs, you will experience:

  • Cliffs Builders: Cliffs Builders, The Cliffs’ innovative construction program, combines the satisfaction of semi-custom building with the ease of a quick move-in. We partner with renowned architects, skilled craftsmen, and our talented in-house design team to offer an efficient construction process.

Build with Cliffs Builders

  • Exquisite Homesites: The homesites at The Cliffs provide a wide range of views, acreage, and natural features—meaning whichever one you choose will provide a solid foundation for your new home. Our experienced real estate team will help you find the perfect slice of mountain living for you. All that’s left to do is design the mountain escape of your dreams!

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Enjoy Mountain Living at The Cliffs

Interested in The Cliffs, but still have questions? Reach out to our team below and discover why we are proud to call The Cliffs our home!

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