With house values remaining stagnant across much of New Zealand, we're seeing more homeowners hold onto their existing properties and look for ways to invest in them. The focus is on making homes more liveable for the medium term while adding value for when they eventually come to sell.Kiwi backyards have been working harder every year. What used to be a lawn, a barbecue and a few plastic chairs is now an outdoor room in its own right, and the fireplace usually sits right at the heart of it.
As we head into 2027, the outdoor fireplace design trends we're seeing across New Zealand point in a few clear directions. Homeowners want spaces that feel more personal, get used more often and look as considered as the inside of the house. Budgets matter too, with more people rolling up their sleeves for projects they'd once have handed to a builder.
We've been designing and building outdoor fireplaces since 2006, so we've had a front-row seat to how Kiwis use their outdoor spaces. These are the four trends we expect to shape outdoor living in the year ahead.
1. Smaller, More Intimate Outdoor Rooms
The big open deck built for 30 guests is giving way to something cosier. With section sizes shrinking in many NZ cities and more townhouses going up, people are creating smaller outdoor rooms tucked into a corner of the garden or the edge of a deck.
These spaces are designed for a handful of people rather than a crowd. Think a pair of armchairs, some planting for privacy, soft lighting and a fire to gather around. They feel sheltered and personal, and they get used far more often than a large area that only comes alive at Christmas.
The Mini Burton suits this kind of space well. It has the same clean, modern lines as the full-size Burton in a compact 1400mm wide footprint, and it can arrive plastered and painted from our workshop, ready to install. Add wood boxes on either side, and it frames a snug little nook beautifully.
For even smaller spaces, the Spencer offers another option. Its compact, kitset design makes it well suited to decks, courtyards and patios where space is limited, or access is more challenging. With no crane required, it brings the appeal of an outdoor fireplace to spaces where a larger precast model may not be practical.
Because the fire is the focal point, it does a lot of the design work for you. A small courtyard with a fireplace reads as a destination rather than leftover space, which makes it far easier to furnish and enjoy year-round.
Our brochure covers every model in the Trendz range, along with dimensions, finishes and accessories. Download the brochure to find the right fit for your outdoor space.
2. Outdoor Fireplaces as Multi-Use Social Hubs
At the other end of the scale, larger properties are treating the fireplace as the anchor for a whole outdoor living zone. Poolside lounges, outdoor kitchens and games areas are being planned around the fire so the space works from mid-afternoon well into the evening.
The appeal is easy to see. During the day, the area is all about swimming, lawn games and long lunches. Once the sun drops, the fire gets lit, and everyone drifts over to it, so the party doesn't move inside when the temperature does.
The Burton is a natural fit here. Its larger structure holds its own beside a pool or outdoor kitchen, and it can be configured with additional wood storage boxes to suit the area while providing a handy source of wood. A pizza hood can also be added to our swinging cooking grill, making the fire more than just a heat source. One Burton owner told us they've given up buying takeaway pizza altogether with this accessory.
When planning a multi-use space, think about sightlines and flow. Position the fire so it can be seen from the pool or kitchen, keep seating close enough to feel the warmth, and leave clear paths between zones so nobody has to squeeze past the hearth.
3. Japandi and European-Inspired Finishes Move Outdoors
Japandi, the blend of Japanese restraint and Scandinavian warmth, has shaped NZ interiors for a few years now. In 2027, we expect it to move firmly outside, alongside European detailing that favours texture and craftsmanship over bold colour.
The finishes leading the way are tactile and natural:
- Venetian plaster: A lime-based plaster that's trowelled and burnished for soft movement and a subtle sheen. Exterior-grade systems such as marmorino are well suited to outdoor use.
- Otsumigaki: A traditional Japanese polished plaster technique using clay and lime, compressed by hand to a smooth, quietly glossy surface.
- Raw, textured materials: Natural stone, schist, bagged render and off-form concrete that weather gracefully over time.
- Minimal detailing: Clean edges, symmetrical forms and muted tones like warm whites, stone greys and soft clay.
These looks rely on a good base, which is why the Douglas and Hudson are popular with architects and designers. Both are delivered as a precast concrete shell, so the finish is entirely up to you. The Hudson's vertical lines and symmetrical proportions suit a pared-back Japandi look, while the Douglas has a more classic silhouette that pairs beautifully with European plaster or stone.
If you're going down the polished plaster route, use an exterior-rated system and an applicator with outdoor experience. Done well, these finishes give a fireplace the feel of a piece of architecture rather than an add-on.
4. DIY Outdoor Projects Get More Ambitious
Rising building costs have pushed plenty of Kiwis to take on bigger projects themselves. Decks, pergolas and paving have long been weekend jobs, and now more homeowners are adding a proper wood-burning fireplace to that list.
The Spencer was designed with this in mind. It's our lightweight kitset fireplace at 370kg, and four people can typically assemble it in around an hour. There's no crane or concrete pad required, and it can sit on a timber deck when installed to our guidelines.
At $5,990, it's also the most accessible way to bring a Trendz fireplace home. You still get a 5mm steel firebox, a glass-reinforced concrete body, an integrated wood store and a black stainless steel flue, with an optional cooking grill and mesh door available.
For DIYers, skipping cranage, site prep and extra labour can make a real difference to the overall budget. Just check your local council's rules before you start, as requirements vary between regions. Our guide to consents for outdoor fireplaces is a good place to begin.
Bringing These Trends Home
Whether you're carving out a quiet corner, building a full entertaining zone or tackling a weekend project, 2027 is shaping up as a year for outdoor spaces with plenty of personality. The common thread is a fireplace chosen around how you live and who you'll be sharing it with.
Our team is always happy to talk through sizes, finishes and installation for your project. Get in touch with Trendz to start planning your outdoor fireplace.
Have a question? Contact us