In 2026, outdoor design is about simplicity. Homeowners want solutions that both look amazing and make their lives easier, hence the rise of no-mow lawns, container planting, and weather-resistant furniture. Hardscaping is a clever way to reduce the planting area for easier maintenance, but it isn't always stylish – that's why this year we're following John Lennon's example.
A 1960 photograph of the Beatle on his back porch at his home in Weybridge, which is a part of Surrey, England, reveals a stylish stone patio that extends long into his backyard. Created of slate and native rocks, it gives the outside of the home a historic feel. It also reduces the amount of space he has to plant out. However, the design still feels intentional and aesthetically led.
