Property expert reveals biggest 2025 trends - with one surprising comeback

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

When the weather allows it, outdoor living is big in Ireland. Once the summer comes, we like to bring the indoors outside, by turning the back garden into an extra room.
Whether you've a big garden or a compact patio, whether your budget is modest or large, there's a lot you can do to make it a beautiful space to spend long summer evenings.
The two big property trends for 2025 is the surprise return of decking, and also, the outdoor sauna and plunge pool.
Brian Burke, a judge on RTE's Super Garden, said: "There's a growing move toward wilder, natural spaces away from concrete-heavy overly manicured landscapes.
"People want plants, trees and a bit of wildlife. Native species like hawthorn trees and hedgerows. Plants once considered 'weeds', like dandelions and buttercups, are left to grow as bees rely on them for pollen."
The summer months will always be warm enough to sit outside, but coverage and heating is crucial on chilly or drizzly evenings.
Brian said: "Whether it's 19C and sunny or a damp spring day, people want somewhere dry. DIYers are building shelters with polycarbonate or perspex roofing. They're inexpensive, hugely popular, and can become real garden features."
The home sauna and plunge pool is the big outdoor trend of 2025 for those who have the space and money.
Brian added: "There are compact garden units available and reasonably priced. They fit snugly into corners and offer an invigorating cold-water experience, though they're still more niche than mainstream."
Brian told how decking had its heyday in the late 1990s to 2008, during Ireland's property boom - but it's making a return.
He said: "Decking got a bad rep during that time, because it was overpriced, poor quality and often badly fitted. Now the well-designed timber decks are proving successful in our damp climate."
On the quirkier trends, dog showers are becoming a thing. "Especially in the muddy months of winter, a simple wash station - often built from galvanised sheeting and tucked in near the back door - can be a game-changer."
"Thoughtful outdoor lighting can transform how a space is used and enjoyed. That's whether you're adding wall lights to a timber shelter, illuminating a pathway, or setting the mood for evening gatherings. Landscape designer Kathryn Feeley said: "Ireland's climate demands durable outdoor furniture. High quality metal pieces that stand up to the elements.
"While hardwood furniture like teak looks stunning, it often requires more maintenance. Trees with a light canopy provide lovely, dappled shade in the summer but still allow light through in cooler months. Pergolas and awnings are excellent choices. Lightweight parasols can be easily stored in a shed to cantilever designs with arms that arch gracefully over seating areas."
Pictures of perfect patios can be unrealistic - we also have to use these spaces for more mundane matters like clothes-drying. It's hard to get everything into one spot - washing lines and dining space.
Feeley added: "Washing lines, for example, can be discreet and flexible. Wall-mounted for small spaces, retractable, or lightweight ones you can easily put away when entertaining. Some even slot neatly into hidden niches.
"BBQs are always popular at this time of year, but they need to be kept out of sight when not in use. Back them up against a side wall so you don't see them when you're looking out the window."
Chloe McKeown, of Kukoon Rugs, advises home owners to go for bold patterns and colours. She said: "Don't be afraid of colour and pattern - go loud and bold. There can often be a hesitancy to introduce bold colours into your indoor space so why not take the opportunity to experiment with playfulness and pattern outdoors."
EZ Living has just opened a special outdoor living shop in its Sandyford outlet, the Garden Room. Spokeswoman Sarah Dunne said: "Gardens are becoming stylish extensions of the home.
"Plush seating like our Hampton range and layered textiles from the Diablo collection bring indoor comfort outside. Multi-functional furniture is in high demand - our Elara dining sets feature built-in fire pits, while the Hampton coffee table includes an ice bucket for easy entertaining.
"Finish the look with bold accessories: bright pinks, blues, textured cushions, and statement patterns add vibrant character to any outdoor space."
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Outdoor rugs are a great way to blend style and comfort. Here are tips on how to nail it, by experts from Kukoon rugs.
Maximise the minimalism: Minimalism can help you lead a simple, more fulfilling life and it looks great too. Clean-lined and monochromatic rugs are ideal. If you're adopting a minimalism approach, less colour is definitely more so opt for timeless neutrals, whites, blacks and greys.
Boho brilliance: Boho-style doesn't have rules so feel free to mix patterns and textures that would not necessarily go together, think festive lights, oversized candles and rattan lanterns.
A touch of Tuscany: Bring Tuscan allure to your outdoor oasis is easier than you think. Start with potted evergreens or lush foliage that add to the sense of tranquillity. Add an oversized outdoor rug and some patterned cushions for the perfect stylish contrast to the earthy tones of terracotta and greenery.
Free flowing style: Take the time to rearrange your furniture to allow your indoor style to seamlessly flow outdoors. Open concept living areas offer the perfect summer vibe.