For years, the backyard has been the undisputed star of outdoor living—our private retreat for lounging, hosting, and unwinding. But a new movement is beginning to take shape, and it’s changing the way we think about home from the very first glance. Welcome to the “Year of the Front Yard,” where curb appeal goes beyond first impressions and front yards become social, functional extensions of daily life.
As noted in the Deckorators® 2026 Outdoor Living Report, homeowners are increasingly designing outdoor spaces for everyday use rather than reserving them for special occasions. Applying that mindset to the front of the home reveals an often-overlooked opportunity: front yards, porches, and entry decks designed with intention can become welcoming, functional spaces that encourage daily use, conversation, and connection.
Leading the charge is Premier Outdoor Living, founded and led by Deckorators Elite Certified Pro Sean Collinsgru, a designer and builder with an instinct for creating spaces that feel both elevated and effortless. With the support of modern composite decking by Deckorators, Sean transformed his own New Jersey farmhouse-style home into a stunning example of what the era of the front yard can be.
Before: A Traditional Front Yard with Untapped Potential
Before the redesign, Sean’s property shared a challenge familiar to many homeowners: a classic front yard that was aesthetically pleasing … but didn’t do anything. Sean’s home had:
- A standard lawn that looked nice but offered no usable space
- Minimal hardscaping that limited how the family could interact outdoors
- No defined arrival experience or sense of welcome
- No dedicated areas for gathering, relaxing, or connecting with neighbors
Despite the charm of the farmhouse architecture, the space wasn’t supporting the rhythm of a growing, active family or the desire to engage more with the surrounding community.
Sean set out to change that by reimagining the front yard as a multi-zone environment that blends beauty with everyday use, durability, and connection.
After: A Social, Zoned, Family-Centered Front Yard Built for Modern Living
The redesigned front yard is no longer a pass-through—it’s a destination. Every element was intentionally selected to balance beauty with long-term performance, creating an outdoor experience that supports daily routines and spontaneous moments.
A Deck for Gathering and Daily Life
The centerpiece of the transformation is a sweeping front-yard deck built with Deckorators Voyage decking featuring Surestone® technology. The surface offers exceptional dimensional stability, cooler underfoot comfort, and low-maintenance durability—making it ideal for everything from morning coffee or yoga to casual neighborhood hangouts.
Voyage deck boards in Costa paired with Voyage Khaya inlays help define distinct zones throughout the deck, while matching accents wrap the support pillars for the rooftop above, creating a cohesive and layered design. Overhead, fluted Ayous wood cladding lines the porch ceiling, sealed with a natural stain to add warmth and texture while complementing the home’s farmhouse style.
Defined Spaces, Designed with Purpose
Sean introduces a thoughtful zoning strategy to make the front yard truly functional:
- A conversation nook anchored by built-in bench seating and integrated storage created with Deckorators Voyage decking in Costa
- A paver-lined walkway crafted to enhance flow and raised flowerbeds featuring low-maintenance perennials such as shamrock hollies, ajuga, astilbe, Karl Forester grasses, coral bells, weeping Norwegian spruce, and coral bark maple
- A flexible entertainment zone with a built-in bar and Deckorators privacy screens in Wildwood, perfect for neighborhood gatherings
- A refined, all-season lounge equipped with Bromic Heating Platinum Electric Heaters and a custom Deckorators swing bed for year-round relaxation
- A family-friendly area tailored to the needs of his growing household—including a second entrance with direct access to a mudroom for easy post-play changing
Together, these zones create a layered, welcoming environment that encourages movement, conversation, and connection.
Designing a Space That Nurtures Wellness and Everyday Connection
Beyond its visual charm, the redesigned front yard was intentionally crafted to support a deeper sense of well-being. By bringing daily life to the front of the home—where sunlight, fresh air, and neighborly interaction naturally occur—the area now encourages slowing down and being present.
The open deck invites quiet morning rituals, while the cozy seating zones offer a gentle nudge to step outside, breathe, and connect with loved ones or neighbors. It’s a design that doesn’t just elevate the home’s aesthetic but weaves meaningful small moments of connection into the rhythm of everyday life.
Redefining the Front Yard Experience
Because this is Sean’s own farmhouse renovation, the project offers a rare look at how a top designer solves real-life challenges: durability, functionality, safety, and the need for inviting places that support family connection. The result is an outdoor story that feels both aspirational and deeply relatable.
Looking to apply these ideas to your own home? Explore the full project gallery below for inspiration. If you're ready to start your front yard refresh, use our Find a Builder tool to look for a Deckorators pro near you.
