From natural stone and large-format pavers to smarter surface selection, discover the outdoor living trends shaping 2027 and what to explore with Aquabella at Hardscape North America in Louisville.
As we look ahead to 2027, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: today’s outdoor spaces are about much more than a beautiful pool. Homeowners, builders, and designers are creating complete backyard environments that bring together comfort, functionality, natural materials, and thoughtful design.
Traveling throughout the East Coast and visiting pool stores, contractors, and active job sites has offered a firsthand look at how these preferences are evolving. From expansive pool decks to fully equipped outdoor kitchens, the emphasis is shifting toward cohesive spaces that feel like a natural extension of the home.
With Hardscape North America approaching October 21 through 23 in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the materials, innovations, and design ideas that could help define the coming year.
Here are some of the trends we’re watching closely.
Large-Format Pavers and Cleaner Design Lines
One of the most noticeable changes in outdoor design is the growing interest in large-format stone and porcelain pavers.
Larger pieces create expansive surfaces with fewer visible joints, helping pool decks and patios feel more open, modern, and visually connected.
We’re also seeing designers combine oversized pavers with smaller accent pieces to introduce subtle contrast without creating an overly busy appearance.
Rather than relying on complex patterns or multiple colors, the focus is on letting the material’s natural texture, size, and character make the statement.
At this year’s show, we’re particularly interested in how large-format natural stone and porcelain continue to evolve, especially as manufacturers explore more realistic textures and finishes.
Natural Stone and Porcelain: Finding the Right Balance
Natural stone continues to appeal to homeowners who appreciate authentic texture, organic variation, and timeless character.
At the same time, porcelain pavers are attracting attention for their consistency, design versatility, and relatively low maintenance requirements.
For many projects, choosing between the two is no longer simply a matter of appearance.
Factors such as climate, sun exposure, intended use, maintenance, and surface comfort are becoming increasingly important.
A material that performs well in a shaded Northeast backyard may feel very different when exposed to intense afternoon sun in Florida, Texas, or the Southwest.
The next generation of outdoor design isn’t just about choosing the right look. It’s about choosing the right material for the environment.
For a deeper comparison, explore our guide to Natural Stone vs. Porcelain Pavers, or browse Aquabella’s collections of natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers.
Join us at Hardscape North America in Louisville, October 21–23. Meet our team, explore innovative materials, and discover how Surface Comfort Match can help you select the right pavers for your next project.
Introducing a Smarter Way to Compare Outdoor Surfaces
To make those decisions easier, Aquabella has developed Surface Comfort Match, an interactive tool that helps homeowners and professionals compare natural stone and porcelain pavers based on regional climate, material characteristics, color, and typical sun exposure.
Instead of selecting a pool deck material based on appearance alone, users can explore options with comparative guidance on surface comfort tailored to their projects.
It’s another way to bring practical considerations into the design process before installation begins.
Explore Aquabella Surface Comfort Match
Surface comfort ratings provide comparative guidance. Actual conditions vary based on weather, installation, shade, and time of day.
One Material, One Connected Outdoor Space
Another important direction for 2027 is the use of consistent materials throughout the backyard.
Instead of using one surface around the pool, another on the patio, and a completely different finish for the outdoor kitchen, designers are creating continuity across the entire project.
Natural stone and porcelain pavers can visually connect pool decks, patios, walkways, steps, seating areas, and entertaining spaces.
The result is a more intentional outdoor environment where individual features work together rather than compete for attention.
This approach is especially effective when paired with coordinating pool coping, subtle accent materials, and a restrained color palette.
Warmer Neutrals and Natural Textures
Cool gray palettes have dominated contemporary outdoor design for years, but warmer colors are attracting increasing interest.
Beige, sand, taupe, cream, and other natural stone tones are becoming appealing options for homeowners seeking inviting outdoor spaces.
These colors complement landscaping, wood accents, outdoor furniture, and architectural finishes while maintaining a clean, sophisticated appearance.
Monochromatic designs are also gaining attention. Combining several shades and textures within the same color family can create depth without overwhelming the overall design.
For projects that need additional visual interest, layouts such as herringbone, running bond, linear arrangements, and modular patterns offer opportunities to introduce personality through placement rather than excessive color variation.
Drainage That Works With the Design
Drainage may not be the most glamorous part of backyard planning, but it’s becoming an essential design consideration.
This is particularly important throughout the East Coast, where heavy rainfall, snow, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can create challenges for outdoor surfaces.
Rather than treating drainage as something to solve after the pool deck is designed, professionals are increasingly incorporating it into the original layout.
Linear drains, discreet channel systems, permeable paving solutions, and carefully planned grading can help manage water while preserving the clean visual lines homeowners want.
For builders and designers, the goal is to create attractive outdoor environments that also function effectively through changing weather conditions.
The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association provides technical resources that help professionals address drainage, installation, and long-term hardscape performance.
Outdoor Living Becomes a Complete Experience
The backyard continues to evolve into an extension of the home.
Outdoor kitchens, built-in grills, dining areas, fire features, pergolas, integrated seating, and shade structures are becoming central elements of outdoor projects.
Instead of thinking about the pool as a standalone feature, designers are considering how people move between different spaces and how those spaces are used throughout the day.
Materials play an important role in connecting these elements.
Coordinated pavers, coping, wall finishes, and accent features can bring visual consistency to areas designed for cooking, entertaining, relaxing, and spending time with family.
One particularly striking combination is the integration of fire and water features.
A waterfall paired with a fire pit or fire feature can create a dramatic focal point, bringing together movement, sound, warmth, and light to give a backyard a resort-inspired atmosphere.
Lighting, Softer Shapes, and More Natural Transitions
Lighting is also becoming more integrated into outdoor architecture.
Rather than relying entirely on traditional landscape fixtures, designers are incorporating lighting into steps, retaining walls, pathways, seating areas, and pool features.
Warm, layered lighting helps extend the usability of outdoor spaces into the evening while highlighting the textures and details of the hardscape.
We’re also seeing contemporary designs embrace softer transitions.
Rectangular pools and geometric layouts remain popular, but rounded corners, curved seating walls, organic landscaping, and natural stone textures can help balance sharp architectural lines.
The result is a design approach that feels both modern and welcoming.
Comfort Becomes Part of the Design Conversation
Perhaps one of the most important developments heading into 2027 is the growing recognition that an outdoor surface needs to do more than look beautiful.
Pool decks and patios are spaces where people walk barefoot, gather with family, and spend extended periods outdoors.
That makes material selection especially important.
Sun exposure, regional climate, surface color, and material characteristics can all influence how comfortable a surface feels.
At Aquabella, we believe these considerations should be part of the conversation from the beginning, alongside aesthetics, durability, and installation requirements.
Learn more about material selection in our guide to the best pool deck materials for hot climates, or explore Surface Comfort Match to compare pavers for your region.
Discover the latest trends shaping pool and backyard design, from large-format pavers and warm natural tones to seamless outdoor spaces that combine beauty, functionality, and comfort.
Visit Aquabella at Hardscape North America 2026
Attending Hardscape North America 2026? Visit Aquabella at Booth #25009, October 21–23 in Louisville, Kentucky. Discover our hardscape collections and learn how our selection tools can support your next outdoor project.
Meet our team, explore the latest in pool and hardscape materials, and discover how tools like Surface Comfort Match can help you make more informed material selections for your next project.
October 21–23, 2026
Kentucky Exposition Center | Louisville, Kentucky
Aquabella Booth #25009
We look forward to seeing you in Louisville!
Learn More About Hardscape North America
Looking Ahead to 2027
The direction of outdoor living is clear. Homeowners are looking for more connected spaces, natural materials, thoughtful details, and surfaces that make outdoor environments as enjoyable as they are beautiful.
From large-format pavers and warmer color palettes to integrated drainage and smarter material selection, the opportunities for builders and designers continue to expand.
We’re excited to see how these trends develop and look forward to discussing what’s next with you in Louisville.
About the Author
Karlie Marie
Karli Marie is a Design & Sales Specialist at Aquabella, bringing a passion for craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and outdoor living to the pool and hardscape industry. Working closely with builders, contractors, and industry professionals throughout the East Coast, she offers firsthand insight into emerging design trends, material selection, and the evolving needs of outdoor spaces.