It’s 2025 and outdoor living spaces have become more popular — and more luxurious — than ever. Long gone are the days when outside decor was simply a picnic table and a chaise lounge. Today’s clever homeowners are getting creative with their backyards, front yards and even side yards, transforming their outdoor areas into multifunctional showplaces that feature everything from full kitchens and lounging spots to bathrooms and saunas.
Consumer preferences are trending toward clean, modern designs and eco-friendly products that maximize comfort and self-expression. And the options are practically limitless, ranging from a few simple backyard changes to a full-on entertainment system that’s perfect for movie night. Regardless of your choices, outdoor living areas now aspire to be not only lovely, but profoundly meaningful.
“I think there’s a huge push for outdoor living,” says Jennifer Castile, designer and founder of Jennifer James Inc., a luxury kitchen and bath showroom in Eugene. “It’s an extension of your indoor living space, bringing us outdoors and getting us back in touch with nature, plants, and fresh air.”
Castile, who also owns and operates Castile Construction with her husband, Forrest, says modern outdoor living is a representation of how we feel. “It’s about the sun, the community, entertaining, and the food. It’s about having a good time. It enhances our lives because it brings us together.”
Outdoor living accessories have evolved in recent years to include high-end furniture and numerous state-of-the-art appliances and products that can withstand nature’s elements, regardless of the season. Castile says even high-tech pizza ovens and barbecues can be incorporated into the landscape, noting that Jennifer James offers resin-based cabinetry as well as weather-resistant lighting and heating fixtures.
An important component of outdoor living, Castile says, is that it allows homeowners to develop a space that represents their personalities and lifestyles and gives them a special place to kick back and relax. “There are many options available” and “all different kinds of styles and products and all different price tiers,” she says. “And we can create a space that works for you to meet your needs.”
Castile says today’s homeowners are mindful and prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and wellness when it comes to their outdoor living choices — and “Eugene values quality craftsmanship.”
As a designer who’s knowledgeable about both the construction business and the importance of good materials, “I love today’s products,” Castile says. “My goal is to create a space of luxury for people that empowers them. I love connecting with people and being able to share my ideas. I like to be surrounded by things that are about my heart, and I want other people to feel that too.”
Outdoor living spaces are beneficial to your physical health and mental well-being, Castile says. Basking in the sun, breathing fresh air, and making a connection with nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of wellness. “By expanding your living area, you’re providing extra space for yourself and everyone in the family,” she says. “It’s like a retreat.”
Additionally, modern outdoor living areas can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal and increase the value of your property. A cozy patio or an outdoor sauna may attract potential buyers, which could ultimately result in a higher sale price. “Houses that have outdoor living spaces are selling faster and for a bigger profit,” she says.
Castile says one of the best things about outdoor living spaces is their versatility. “Your project can be whatever you want it to be, and I love the way a space energetically feels when the project’s done.” Ultimately, “I want to help others be a better version of themselves,” she says. “I think of it as giving the gift of community. My mission is to create a better world, one person, one experience, and one home at a time.”
Jennifer James, Inc., 1350 Chambers Street, 541/554-1527, jenniferjamesinc.com
