7 Porch And Patio Trends Still Thriving In Washington And 4 On The Way Out

Your porch or patio is more than just an outdoor space – it’s an extension of your home that reflects your style and the unique Pacific Northwest lifestyle. As seasons change, so do design trends for these beloved outdoor areas. I’ve noticed some fascinating shifts in what Washington homeowners are embracing and what they’re leaving behind.

Let’s explore what’s hot and what’s not in our outdoor living spaces right now.

1. Weather-Resistant Natural Materials

Cedar, stone, and bamboo continue to dominate Washington’s outdoor spaces. These materials stand up beautifully to our rainy climate while bringing that quintessential PNW feel to your home’s exterior.

I’ve seen countless homeowners incorporating these elements in creative ways – from cedar-planked ceilings to stone accent walls that transition seamlessly from indoors to out. The natural aging process of these materials actually enhances their beauty over time, developing rich patinas that tell a story.

2. Multi-Season Outdoor Rooms

Gone are the days when porches gathered dust all winter! Smart Washingtonians have embraced covered spaces with weatherproof heating elements, allowing year-round enjoyment despite our famously rainy climate.

Retractable awnings, patio heaters, and outdoor fireplaces transform what would be seasonal spaces into true extensions of the home. My neighbor recently added a gorgeous covered patio with a stone fireplace, and I’ve noticed their family using it even during light drizzles in November – pure PNW magic!

3. Native Plant Landscaping

Our unique climate calls for unique greenery! Native plants like salal, sword ferns, and Oregon grape continue gaining popularity for their low maintenance needs and natural beauty around porches and patios. By choosing plants that evolved in our region, you’re creating a micro-ecosystem that thrives with minimal intervention.

The bonus? Native plants attract local wildlife – hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects that bring your outdoor space to life while requiring less water and fewer chemicals than non-native alternatives.

4. Outdoor Kitchen Expansions

The basic grill setup is evolving into full-fledged cooking areas with weather-resistant cabinetry, built-in pizza ovens, and even refrigeration. Washington homeowners are maximizing their outdoor time by bringing culinary adventures outside.

I recently visited a friend’s newly renovated patio featuring a stunning stone pizza oven and prep area. The joy of making wood-fired pizzas while chatting with guests in the fresh air transformed the entire entertainment experience. These spaces are becoming the heart of summer gatherings, allowing hosts to remain part of the conversation rather than disappearing inside.

5. Smart Outdoor Lighting

Programmable LED systems have revolutionized how we illuminate our outdoor spaces in Washington. App-controlled lighting allows homeowners to create the perfect ambiance while extending usable hours, especially during our short winter days.

Solar-powered options have improved dramatically, offering sustainable solutions that work even in our cloudier climate. My favorite trend combines practical path lighting with artistic accent lights that highlight architectural features or landscape elements.

The technology has become so sophisticated that you can now schedule lighting changes to coincide with sunset times that shift dramatically throughout our Washington year.

6. Rain Gardens & Water Features

Embracing our abundant rainfall rather than fighting it, Washingtonians are incorporating stunning rain gardens and water features adjacent to patios. These beautiful installations manage stormwater while creating tranquil soundscapes. The gentle babbling of a stream or the peaceful patter of rain into a collection basin adds a meditative quality to outdoor spaces.

Beyond aesthetics, these features serve practical purposes by preventing erosion and filtering runoff. My rain garden has transformed a formerly soggy corner of my patio into a vibrant habitat for native frogs and dragonflies while solving drainage issues.

7. Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Washingtonians continue blurring the lines between inside and outside with large sliding doors, consistent flooring materials, and architectural elements that create seamless transitions. The effect makes both spaces feel larger and more connected to nature.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass walls allow homeowners to enjoy our spectacular views year-round. Carrying interior design elements outside – like matching throw pillows or complementary color schemes – strengthens this connection. One Seattle home I toured featured porcelain tiles that continued from the kitchen straight onto the covered patio, creating an illusion of one expansive space.

8. Wrought Iron Accessories

Once a staple of Washington porches, ornate wrought iron furniture and railings are fading fast. Their formal, heavy appearance conflicts with today’s preference for lighter, more natural aesthetics that better complement our landscape. The maintenance requirements don’t help either – constant rust prevention becomes tiresome in our damp climate.

I’ve watched neighbors gradually replace these pieces with sleeker, more weather-resistant alternatives. Modern cable railings that preserve views and lightweight composite furniture that mimics natural materials have become the preferred alternatives, offering both style and practicality for our unique weather challenges.

9. Artificial Turf Carpeting

The artificial grass carpeting trend is rapidly disappearing from Washington patios. While it initially seemed practical for our rainy climate, homeowners discovered it traps moisture underneath, creating perfect conditions for mold and mildew problems.

Environmental concerns have also hastened its decline, as synthetic materials conflict with our region’s eco-conscious values. Natural alternatives like moss gardens, native ground covers, or permeable pavers have surged in popularity instead.

These options handle our rainfall gracefully while supporting local ecosystems and requiring minimal maintenance – a true win-win for busy homeowners who care about environmental impact.

10. Matching Patio Sets

Cookie-cutter furniture collections purchased as complete sets are quickly falling out of favor. Washington homeowners are instead embracing eclectic, personalized combinations that reflect individual style and our region’s creative spirit.

Mixing materials like wood, metal, and woven elements creates visual interest and allows for more flexible arrangements. Found and upcycled pieces add character while aligning with sustainability values important to many Washingtonians.

My favorite patio transformation featured vintage chairs restored with weather-resistant fabrics alongside a custom cedar table built by a local artisan – the combination tells a story no matching set ever could.

11. Oversized Concrete Pavers

Those massive, uniform concrete slabs that dominated patios a few years back are rapidly disappearing from Washington landscapes. Their industrial look and tendency to crack in our freeze-thaw cycles have homeowners seeking alternatives with more character and resilience.

Natural stone, permeable pavers, and mixed-material approaches have taken their place. The trend now favors materials that age gracefully in our climate while allowing rainwater to percolate naturally into the ground.

Last summer, I replaced my own cracked concrete patio with a beautiful irregular flagstone design that handles our seasonal weather changes beautifully while complementing the surrounding landscape.