Top Backyard Trends for Minnesota Homeowners in 2026

Design trends for 2026 are redefining the “typical” Minnesota backyard.The new year will bring a new wave of creativity — from bold, eclectic design choices to moody designs that blend natural beauty with modern function, there’s something for everyone. Get inspired for the upcoming year with these trends that are shaping the next generation of outdoor living.

1. Folding Doors for an Indoor/Outdoor Area

indoor/outdoor area with large folding doors. the interior dining area leads out into an outdoor gathering area with a modern fire pit.

Bi-fold doors, folding doors, or sliding doors offer an incredible way to reconnect with nature and merge the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Perfect for interior dens, sunrooms, and foyers, these unique doors help your outdoor space feel connected. Oftentimes attached to outdoor patios and decks, this unique entrance to your home ensures nature stays steps away.

Whether you love entertaining and want to extend your space or you simply want to welcome the ambience of nature when the weather is beautiful, these doors offer an incredible focal point and practical utility of your backyard (and indoor) space.

2. Sustainability with Smart Water Management Options

a backyard with a rock garden

Smart water management helps keep your backyard looking beautiful and also cuts down on utility costs. More homeowners are investing in sustainable smart water management systems. Some of the best smart water management options homeowners are requesting are:

Native plant life that requires less water and maintenance
Automatic and controlled irrigation systems
Organic soil mixtures to improve water retention
Rain gardens and water collection systems
Stone walkways and permeable concrete
Water drainage systems

3. Dedicated Backyard Zones

an aerial view of a backyard space divided into zones using hardcape patterns.

We’re seeing more homeowners move away from their backyard as a big open space. Modern outdoor design is all about creating zones that give each activity its own place and purpose, while still feeling cohesive as a whole.

Imagine a pergola-covered kitchen and dining area where you can cook, grill, and gather around the table. A few steps away, a lounge zone invites conversation around a glowing fire pit. Beyond that, a play area or mini golf setup keeps family and friends entertained. In the center of all activity is a gorgeous in-ground pool, with pavers that connect each area.

Thoughtful zoning uses hardscaping, plantings, and elevation changes to create natural boundaries without closing anything off. Paver pathways, garden beds, or retaining walls guide the eye and define each space, making your yard feel intentional, spacious, and easy to enjoy.

Instead of having a giant, free-for-all backyard, dedicated zones provide a dedicated place for dining, lounging, swimming, relaxing by a fire, and more.

4. Vibrant Colors

aerial view of an in-ground pool in a backyard

While neutrals will always be a classic option, we’re seeing more homeowners opt for backyards with more of a unique flair. Instead of the sleek, modern white on white designs, these homeowners are choosing vibrant colors, multiple textures, and quirky decor.

If you’re not ready to steer away from neutral staples, you can easily try out this trend in replaceable decor:

Accent pillows and throw blankets
Bright outdoor rugs
Vintage planters, vases, and accents
Colorful dining chairs and pillows
Whimsical outdoor sculptures
Mosiac decor: tabletops, coasters, etc.

These touches of color and texture create a space that feels curated, lively, and unmistakably yours.

5. Native Meadowscaping

a patch of native Minnesota plants in a garden

Native meadowscaping is a gorgeous option for Minnesota backyards. Using flowers that support pollinators and Minnesota-native plants, your garden area quickly becomes very self-sustaining. Plus, the variety of plants and greenery brings a gorgeous, meadow-like appearance and plants that bloom at different times throughout the season.

Combined with stone walkways, paver stones, decks, and patios, native meadowscaping offers a beautiful addition to any backyard space.

a backyard with green grass and a privacy screen made out of tall grass

You can also use tall grass as a natural privacy screen. Win-win!

6. Organic Hardscaping Shapes

modern circular chairs on a deck

One of the top trends in 2026 is using shapes that mimic the natural appearance of nature, vs a more traditional structured look. Think smooth, curved edges rather than sleek and angular. Choose asymmetrical garden shapes. Accent it with water features, native rock borders and retaining walls. Organic hardscaping is all about echoing the untamed shapes we see in nature, but in an intentional way.

This design philosophy also pairs well with a meadowscaped yard!

7. Gourmet Outdoor Kitchens

an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, traditional grill, and ample storage. the pizza oven and counters are made out of multicolored bricks.

A well-designed outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a true entertaining hub. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying quiet summer dinners under the stars, this trend is all about bringing the full culinary experience outside.

Here are a few favorite features we expect to see in luxury outdoor kitchens in 2026:

Pizza ovens – Nothing beats the flavor (or the fun) of fresh, wood-fired pizza on the patio.
Flat-top grills – From breakfast pancakes to grilled meats, these add versatility and serious chef cred.
Outdoor sinks and prep stations – Keep everything within reach so cooking feels effortless.
Refrigeration drawers and beverage coolers – Perfect for chilled drinks, fresh ingredients, or those mid-day summer snacks.
Natural stone countertops and islands – Durable, elegant, and weather-ready for all four Minnesota seasons.
Smokers AND grills – Get the best of both worlds with these two backyard cooking staples.

an outdoor kitchen setup with pizza toppings to make your own pizzas

When everything’s thoughtfully planned, your outdoor kitchen becomes more than a cooking space. It becomes the heart of your backyard, designed for connection and good food shared outdoors.

Related Content: Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Minnesota

8. Fire Features as Backyard Art

an outdoor fireplace with gorgeous brick pattern. in front of the fireplace is a seating area with couches, end tables, and a sun umbrella.

Fire features are cozy and practical ways to add light and warmth to your backyard setup. But we’re also seeing homeowners pick fire features as a form of dynamic art. Whether you choose to have a focal point like a fireplace or fire pit or add fire features as accents, you can create an entire mood and ambience in your space. Some of our favorite outdoor fire features include:

Fire bowls lining a swimming pool or hot tub
Cozy outdoor living spaces with a central fire table
Dug-out fire pits and seating
Stone fireplaces and pizza oven combinations
Tiki torches and elegant torch lamps

There are so many incredible ways to add warmth and natural lighting to your backyard that can be used year-round in Minnesota. They add a cool visual touch that showcases the elegance and beauty of your backyard.

Related Content: Why You Should Add a Fire Feature to Your Patio

9. Integrated Smart Lighting

a backyard with an in-ground pool at night. Multiple fire features provide lighting: a fire pit, several fire bowls, and an outdoor fireplace

Integrated smart lighting and mood lighting is a great way to get ambience at your fingertips while also providing the opportunity to change out styles at a moment’s notice. With customizable smart lighting, you can change the brightness of lighting, decide which lights turn on when, and even change the color and overall vibe of your lighting to match the mood. If you’re having a fun pool party that extends into the night, you can bring out the bright, colorful lights. If you’re having a quiet, intimate gathering, you can turn on the dim mood lighting.

Integrated lighting comes in a variety of offerings, from unobtrusive solar lights to colorful LED strips and everything in between. Regardless of what you need in your exterior space, smart lighting and mood lighting can be installed to match your exact tastes.

10. Gray Pool Liners

Lighter pool liners have long been the standard, but homeowners are now shifting toward deeper, moodier tones. Instead of the traditional bright turquoise or light blue pool colors, the 2026 trend are grays. This is often paired with much darker surrounding pavers.

The result is a modern, elevated look that blends beautifully with Minnesota’s natural landscape — almost like a riverbed tucked into your own backyard.

Explore Our Gallery for More Backyard Ideas

Get Backyard Ready for 2026 with Outdoor Innovation Landscaping

These top backyard trends for Minnesota homeowners in 2026 will have you updating your outdoor space in no time. If you have a dream luxury space in mind, our team at Outdoor Innovations Landscaping can help create and build it. Whether you want to integrate a swimming pool with the rest of your backyard, you dream of pavers leading from your patio to other spaces, or you want to keep adding on to your current luxury build, our team can make it happen.

Book Now to Be First in Line for a 2026 Project

Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.