Pennsylvania is a diverse and gorgeous place to live, with urban conveniences in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to family-friendly amenities near Hershey. There's no shortage of economic growth or things to do here, but it can be difficult to choose what to do with an outdoor space in a Pennsylvania home. Should there be a swimming pool despite chilly winters? Are outdoor kitchens popular? A great way to narrow down your choices is to learn what other homeowners are enjoying in their yards across the state.
Smart home technology is highly popular across the country. Pennsylvania homes are no exception; smart tech automation is the best way to control your home’s temperature, lighting, security, and media, all from a single hub. Homeowners are bringing the convenience outside as well, extending their lighting technology to outdoor automation. Security lights, patio string lights, and garden lights can be scheduled according to sunset and sunrise. Solar-powered lighting doesn't even require a standard electrical outlet in most cases. You can improve a home and backyard’s security with electronic smart locks. In an outdoor kitchen, your appliances can clean themselves and connect to Wi-Fi to allow full convenience and control from anywhere. Retractable awnings can automatically protect a workspace or entertainment zone from the rain. An outdoor space integrated with smart tech features allows for optimum comfort and style.
Since lockdowns and phone screens became the norm, more homeowners are looking to get more fresh air and nature immersion than ever before. The lines between the patio and the living room are starting to blur in home designs. Completely enclosed porches or living rooms that open up into an expandable patio space are dominating the modern home scene. Patio spaces are adding weatherproof rugs, throw pillows, and blankets for a cozier feeling. The chill of winter becomes a thing of the past with stylish fire pits and cozy porch heaters. Newer Pennsylvania homes are even adding full-size outdoor kitchens to their patios. A popular deck builder in Lancaster offers designs that include built-in fire pits, cozy outdoor kitchens, and open-air living rooms for total immersion.
In big cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, more homeowners are rethinking how they design their outdoor space to improve their carbon footprint. Eco-conscious homes are opting for grass alternatives, native plants, harvested rainwater, natural pesticides, and composting fertilizer to ensure the local ecosystem is protected as they enjoy seasonal blooms and fresh air. More cities across the state are following in these practices to protect endangered species and support threatened pollinators, like bees. Solar lights don't add to utility bills or power grid consumption, while permeable pavers promote plant growth and proper drainage.
Modern homes aren't settling for a pool and spa combo anymore. They're transforming their entire outdoor space into a full wellness retreat. Picture relaxing loungers and massage chairs next to a soothing hot tub while trees sway in the breeze. Cold-plunge pools in the convenience of your backyard offer many homeowners reduced inflammation and improved mental focus. Soothing water features can immerse you in a meditative sensory garden. A Japanese Zen garden is a popular backyard landscaping style, too.
There's no need to ditch your patio or backyard when winter rolls around. Even in chilly Pennsylvania winters, more homes are opting for cozy fire pits, bonfires, and porch heaters to expand their entertainment space outdoors during the holidays. Warm outdoor couches and loveseats allow the entire family to gather and roast marshmallows. Outdoor kitchens can offer a hearty grill session that will warm anyone right up. With permanent or retractable porch roofs, snow, rain, or wind isn't a deterrent to outdoor fun. Top it all off with a comfortable hot tub for the perfect winter retreat.
Groceries aren't getting any cheaper, and more homeowners are enjoying living off the land. While Pennsylvania farmers aren't uncommon, even the most urban areas are enjoying miniature urban “farms” with homegrown crops and full-size outdoor gourmet kitchens. It's not unusual to see a backyard chicken coop or miniature goat barn, either. Herb gardens have always populated most backyards, but they're becoming more innovative with vertical and hydroponic gardening technology.
As outdoor living becomes an essential extension of the home—complete with cozy fire pits, hot tubs, and full-size outdoor kitchens—many homeowners are planning comprehensive upgrades that blend function and style. If you're ready to create your own alfresco cooking haven, kitchen remodeling services from Kitchen Search can help bring your vision to life, connecting you with trusted professionals in Huntingdon Valley to ensure your project is both beautiful and functional.
Pennsylvania homes are extending the use of their outdoor spaces in many ways. Heaters, fire pits, kitchens, and hot tubs allow for winter enjoyment. Those hot tubs also add to the wellness retreat trend, combined with plunge tubs, massagers, and wet bars. If you're craving a full-size grill zone, outdoor kitchens aren't getting any smaller; in fact, living spaces are extending outside to make more use of these exciting features. From Lancaster to Philadelphia, both new and older Pennsylvania homes are looking to bring technology, comfort, and innovation to their backyards.
