Revitalizing Outdoor Spaces in Kansas City: 7 Trends in Exterior Home Design

We all know that first impressions matter, right? So, when it comes to home, the first impression is the outdoor space. As more people recognize the value of well-designed outdoor environments, trends in exterior home design are evolving to include sustainable practices, modern technologies, and personalized touches that reflect the unique character of their homes.

An attractive outdoor space is what will make your home enjoyable, somewhere you love to spend time with friends and family. Now that summer is just around the corner, spending time outside of your home, preparing a barbecue, or just chilling in the patio or garden is what will be even better than spending time indoors.

Trends in Exterior Home Design

Nowadays, in Kansas City people are putting an effort into creating these cozy, stylish outdoor spots along with the latest trends in exterior home design. It’s about turning the outside of your home into a place where you love to spend time!

Ready to find out how people in Kansas City are making their outdoor living spaces shine?

1. A Fresh Look with New Siding

One of the first things people notice about your exterior home design is the siding. It’s like the skin of your house, and in Kansas City, homeowners are choosing siding that not only looks great but lasts a long time, too.

There are plenty of siding options, from classic wood looks to modern, durable materials that will stand up to Kansas City’s weather.

The first step in finding the right Kansas City siding contractor for your home is to compare prices and services. There are plenty of different packages, tailored to fit a range of budgets.

However, unlike in cities with milder climates, Kansas City homes need materials that can handle both hot summers and chilly winters. Therefore, going for an option that will be both cost-effective and durable should be your first choice.

2. Cozy Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

Who doesn’t enjoy gathering around a warm fire with friends and family? In Kansas City, having an outdoor fire pit or fireplace is becoming a popular choice.

Fireplaces aren’t just for making s’mores, they are the center of your backyard, adding both warmth and style. Choosing a fire pit that matches the style of your home can transform cool evenings into cozy gatherings under the stars.

Fireplaces are an amazing option for any season and can be the number one gathering space outside of your home. They come in plenty of different shapes and sizes, making them an amazing option for revitalizing your outdoors.

3. Outdoor Kitchens: Cooking Up Style

Kansas City is famous for its love of barbecue, and now, more households are enjoying the benefits of cooking outside. This is an excellent option for the summer where the whole family can gather and have lunch or dinner outdoors.

However, when it comes to outdoor kitchens, they shouldn’t be built only for the looks, but also to be functional and provide a safe space to cook while withstanding the outdoor conditions. A fully-equipped outdoor kitchen comes at a price, but it will be worth it.

Also, while setting up an outdoor kitchen in Kansas City might be pricier than in other places, due to the high demand for spaces meant for outdoor entertaining, this investment will make every meal feel like a special event.

4. Outdoor Living Walls and Vertical Gardens

Short on space? That’s not an issue! You can get creative with living walls and vertical gardens that will take up one of the outdoor walls of your home.

These add a natural touch to even the tiniest of patios. When compared to traditional gardens, these vertical setups are surprisingly budget-friendly, bringing greenery into your space without taking up a lot of ground area.

Vertical gardens can be made of climbing plants, flowers, moss, etc. They are not only modern but also look good, purify the air, reduce noise and temperature as well. Tiny outdoor spaces can benefit a lot from living walls and vertical gardens because they get extra points for sustainability and eco-friendliness.

5. Smart Lighting Options

Last, but not least is smart lighting. This will help transform and modernize a Kansas City home design and its outdoors. With everything from solar-powered pathway lights to smart LED systems you can control from your phone, lighting plays a crucial role in backyard design.

While the initial setup might be a bit costly, the energy savings and atmosphere these lights bring to your home are worth it.

Lighting can make a whole lot of difference for those evening gatherings and at the same time make your home look spectacular at night. There is a whole science behind lighting, so you might as well check it out first and apply some of the principles within the outdoors of your home as well.

6. Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Living

The trend toward seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living spaces is evident in many of the latest home designs in Kansas City.

Large, sliding glass doors and continuous flooring that extends from the inside out create a fluid transition between the two areas. This design philosophy not only enhances your home exterior but also changes the way you use your home.

Landscaping also plays a crucial role in this integration. Strategic placement of trees, shrubs, and other plants can blur the lines between indoors and outdoors while providing privacy and enhancing the home’s overall aesthetic appeal.

7. Designing for Year-Round Enjoyment

Kansas City’s varied climate makes it essential for outdoor spaces to be adaptable to different weather conditions. Covered patios and decks are popular solutions, allowing homeowners to enjoy the outdoors regardless of weather.

These areas often feature fire pits or outdoor fireplaces that provide warmth and light during cooler months, making the outdoor living space a year-round retreat.

Retractable awnings and pergolas equipped with adjustable louvers are also gaining traction. These features not only protect against sun and rain but also add a touch of elegance to the home’s exterior. Heating technologies like built-in radiant heaters ensure that even in colder months, outdoor spaces remain comfortable and inviting.

Bringing It All Together

Revamping your outdoor space is more than just keeping up with trends; it’s about creating a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the changing seasons of Kansas City.

Whether it’s installing a stylish fire pit, setting up an outdoor kitchen, adding a bit of nature with a vertical garden, or enhancing the ambiance with smart lighting, these changes can make your outdoor area a dream come true.

Remember, the outside of your home is the first thing people see. By investing in your outdoor spaces, you’re not just following the latest design trends, but also turning your home into a personal retreat for you and your family.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a very small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These links help to pay the editorial costs of writing a blog. For more information, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.

I also use Artificial Intelligence Image generators to create some of my images. These are to show you examples of my ideas and inspiration when I cannot produce the real images myself.