Lighting shines brightest among outdoor renovations

**PALO ALTO, Calif. — Lighting is leading the way in outdoor upgrades, according to Houzz’s 2024 U.S. Outdoor Trends Study.**

The study reveals that over 75% of consumers’ recent or planned outdoor system upgrades involve lighting. Among these, landscape lighting is the top choice, favored by 81% of homeowners. This is followed by string or bistro lights (44%), porch sconces (37%), and both garage sconces and recessed lighting (19% each). Porch pendants were selected by 11%, with other types of lighting making up the remaining 8%.

In more than half of the projects (62%), homeowners upgraded six or more light fixtures. The materials used varied, with 58% opting for metal/glass combinations, 32% choosing all metal, and 3% going with mostly glass fixtures.

Lighting also topped the list of tech purchases, with 69% of consumers choosing it over security cameras (38%), speakers or sound systems (22%), and smart irrigation (20%). Other tech additions included smart door locks (12%) and home assistants (8%).

When it comes to exterior home colors, Houzz found a preference for classic shades. White was the top choice for 23% of those updating wall surfaces, gray for 19%, and beige for 10%.

For front doors, black emerged as the most popular color, selected by about 25% of respondents. Red followed closely at 22%, often associated with protection and prosperity. White, blue, and green were chosen by 18%, 13%, and 11% of homeowners, respectively.

White remains the most favored trim color (28%), followed by black (22%) and green (13%). Nearly 75% of homeowners opted for contrasting trim and wall colors.

Houzz’s study was conducted via an online poll from May 25 to June 5, involving 1,106 homeowners aged 18 and older who had recently completed, were in the process of, or were planning an outdoor renovation within the next six months.

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