As the temperatures rise, so does the demand for well-designed, multifunctional outdoor spaces. In today’s competitive multifamily market, amenities aren’t just an added perk, they’re a critical driver of occupancy, retention, and brand identity. The right outdoor environment can transform how residents experience a property, influencing not only their daily habits but their decision to sign (and renew) a lease.

At Level Five Designs, we’re seeing a clear shift: outdoor spaces are no longer treated as extensions, they’re destinations. Here's what’s shaping that shift this summer:

What’s Trending Now

This season, it’s all about layered experience and livability. We’re seeing a strong push for:

• Shaded Social Zones | Think pergolas with lounge seating, oversized umbrellas, and built-in fans that extend usability well past sunset.

• Flexible Co-Working Outdoors | Outdoor cabanas, power-equipped tables, and quiet pockets for remote work are redefining productivity with a breeze.

• Wellness-Centered Features | Pickleball courts, yoga lawns, cold plunge tubs, and meditative garden zones are answering residents’ call for balance and movement.

• Built-in Pet Amenities | Turf runs, pet-washing stations, and shady hangouts for furry residents are not just functional, they’re a leasing magnet.

• Fire Elements | Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces continue to shine, offering a cozy contrast to open-air environments and inviting year-round use.

Design Insights

What makes these spaces stand out isn't just the feature, it’s the execution. Smart spatial planning allows for natural movement and multiple modes of use, whether you're entertaining, working, or unwinding. We’re leaning into layered textures, warm woods, organic stone, performance textiles to create outdoor zones that feel just as curated and intentional as interiors.

Lighting also plays a crucial role, from soft pathway glows to statement pendants that elevate outdoor kitchens or dining areas. Every detail counts when the goal is to foster atmosphere and functionality.

Developer Value

Outdoor amenities aren’t just a visual selling point, they’re a revenue driver. Properties with activated, resort-inspired exterior spaces see:

• Higher Leasing Velocity

• Increased Renewal Rates

• Improved Community Engagement

• Better Day-to-Night Programming Potential

These spaces support wellness, flexibility, and community, all of which today’s residents value deeply. That means amenities with purpose are no longer a luxury, they’re a market expectation.

Our Perspective | Milo Apartments

Our recent work at Milo Apartments in Raleigh, NC, brings these ideas to life. The outdoor amenity space was designed to be a seamless continuation of the community’s modern, grounded aesthetic, prioritizing texture, light, and layered experience. While the design feels elevated, it’s rooted in real lifestyle use: flexible lounging, co-working potential, and social connection.

It’s not just about what looks good. It’s about what lives well and keeps residents calling it home.

Looking Ahead

Outdoor design is evolving rapidly, and we’re here to help developers and property managers stay ahead of the curve. Want to explore how these trends can come to life in your next project? Let’s design something that not only turns heads, but drives results.