As costs rise and homeowners focus on maximizing space, there's a growing trend to make outdoor areas more functional and engaging. With many seeking to spend more time outdoors, transforming outdoor spaces into distinct "rooms" for cooking, dining, relaxing, and gardening is becoming increasingly popular.

Historically, the budgeting rule suggested allocating 10% of a home’s value for outdoor improvements, but according to landscape architect Steve Chepurny of Beechwood Landscape & Construction in Southampton, N.J., this figure has increased to 20-25%. In Denver, landscape designer Abby Rupsa sees the average closer to 15%. This rise is partly due to increased labor and material costs, as noted by Michael Glassman, a landscape designer in Sacramento, Calif., who points out that costs have doubled and even tripled in recent years. To manage expenses, some homeowners undertake part of the work themselves or scale back their projects.

Here are a few tips from experienced homeowners for optimizing outdoor spaces:

• Choose plants that suit local climate and soil conditions.

• Develop a cohesive design plan from the start.

• Opt for low-maintenance features unless budget allows for hiring maintenance help.

The popular options for enhancing outdoor living include pools and water features, with homeowners favoring modern materials and designs. In gardening, there's a shift towards native plants that attract pollinators and are more sustainable. Water conservation is also a priority, with more homeowners opting for drought-tolerant gardens and efficient irrigation systems. Meanwhile, outdoor kitchens are trending towards simplicity, balancing size and sophistication according to homeowner needs.

Ultimately, these outdoor improvements are about enhancing quality of life, particularly as many continue to work from home post-pandemic.