6 Types of Outdoor Decor Designers Think You Should Avoid

While we love keeping an eye on what’s trending in outdoor decor here at The Spruce, we’re also well aware that just because something looks great doesn’t always mean it’s worth buying.

As with our interiors, there are times when a seemingly great outdoor trend can majorly miss the mark. In an effort to weed out which items are worth skipping this year, we turned to a few design pros.

After asking them for their thoughts on which outdoor trends we can all ignore this year, here’s what we learned.

Propane Heaters and Built-In Fire Pits

According to Catie Casazza of CRL Construction, she’s ready to see propane heaters go away. 

“They are cumbersome, unsightly, and inefficient,” she says. 

Instead, Casazza wants to see more outdoor spaces stocked with cozy blankets in bright colors and lanterns and LED candles for ambiance. 

If you think a fire pit might be a great alternative, Casazza warns against these, too—especially if you’re in a high-fire area, where they may be illegal. 

“Built-in fire pits don’t put out much heat, can be dangerous, and make a space only useable for one function: a fire pit,” Casazza says.

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Too Many Accessories

While decorating your outdoor area for a party or a small gathering might call for bringing out some fun accessories, Benji Lewis of Benji Lewis Design fears we’re all at risk of majorly overdoing it. This is especially true for a space you’ll use day-to-day.

“Accessories worry me because there’s an assumption that they’ll just work,” he says. “Unless you’re going to apply careful curational thoughts to things, then keep it simple.”

Exterior Pillows and Rugs

Plenty of designers will tell you they love their outdoor pillows and rugs for a softer aesthetic outside, but Casazza says she’s over this trend. 

“Usually, people leave these items out all year and they disintegrate and wash out due to exposure by the time summer rolls around again,” she says.

Instead, Casazza once again points to blankets as a much better solution. 

“Inexpensive blankets can be hung on a hook outside during summer months to provide color and design during the day and warmth as needed,” she says.

Outdoor Bean Bag Chairs

If you’re looking at softer seating options and considering a few outdoor bean bags, Lewis has two words for you—“just no.”

The problem is similar to Casazza’s concerns over pillows and rugs. Without proper storage, you’re at risk of mold, decay, or worse: gnawing mice.

“You’ll be bored of them in a week,” Lewis adds. 

Heavy-Duty Sprinkler Systems

With wildflower gardens on the rise, it’s no surprise to learn that some professional gardeners are ready to see perfectly manicured lawns and an abundance of sprinklers take a backseat. Marek Bowers, the founder of Bolder Green, is one such pro.

“I’m a sustainable gardener, so I think large sprinklers are a complete waste of water and open space,” Bowers. says

Instead, he suggests drought-tolerant gardens with a drip system that will both improve your plants’ growth rate and save you money on your water bill.

Faux Plants and Flowers

Yes, faux flowers and plants can work well inside—especially if you can’t have live options due to pets or allergies. But when it comes to your outdoor spaces, Steven Graffam of Stivale-Graffam Home agrees that only live will do. 

“Your outdoor space should be completely natural and organic, and so should the foliage,” he says.