Bridget Hefty, an outdoor living design consultant and retail manager at Koper Outdoor Furniture and Living Spaces, said the shift isn’t just seasonal; it’s a mindset.
“Outdoor living is becoming a core part of how people live in Texas, not just a bonus for spring and summer,” Hefty said.
Below, Hefty shares expert guidance on winter-proofing outdoor spaces, what a design consultation looks like inside Koper’s Prosper showroom and the emerging design ideas that will define 2026.
A guide to preparing your patio
Texas homeowners might not always face extremely cold, long winters, but temperatures still fluctuate enough to make durability and comfort essential. Hefty said many people focus on multi-season design, planning spaces that feel like outdoor extensions of their home.
The most requested upgrades for winter are:
- Fire pits and fire tables
- Infrared outdoor heating systems
- Motorized screens or glass patio pergola enclosures
- Powder-coated aluminum
- High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, lumber
- All-weather wicker
- Concrete or glass fiber reinforced concrete, or GFRC
Inside the showroom: how Koper Outdoor’s design process works
Whether customers are starting small or planning a full outdoor overhaul, the process begins at the Prosper showroom with a relaxed, guided consultation.
Hefty and the design team walk homeowners through:
- Lifestyle questions
- Sun exposure and layout considerations
- Preferred materials and color palettes
- Comfort levels of different collections
- Modular options, cushion fills and long-term durability
Hefty said these visits are a game changer.
“This visit allows me to see the space firsthand, understand how the home functions and create a design solution perfectly tailored to the client’s lifestyle,” Hefty said.
Afterward, clients receive layout options, material selections, any alternatives or upgrades, a quote, and timelines for delivery and installation.
Three outdoor living trends coming in 2026
Looking ahead, Hefty predicts that 2026 will bring bold evolutions in how Texans use their outdoor areas:
1. Indoor-outdoor blending.
Homes are shifting toward seamless flow. Expect more large sliding or folding glass doors, matching flooring and design continuity from interior to exterior.
2. Backyard sanctuaries.
More homeowners are wanting relaxing outdoor spaces that support mental wellness and lifestyle.
3. Warm, nature-inspired design palettes.
Terracotta, olive green, charcoal, stone and natural wood textures are trending, paired with low-maintenance aluminum furniture and high-performance outdoor fabrics.
Koper Outdoor’s on-site fabrication team also offers hundreds of fabric options and custom pillows, cushions, curtains and slings for customers wanting a unique look.
Planning ahead and seasonal perks
Hefty said winter is the perfect planning window if homeowners want their space ready for spring gatherings. It allows enough time to choose materials, place orders and schedule installations ahead of the seasonal rush.
Koper Outdoor is offering 20% off all products and services starting December 1. Gift certificates, a popular holiday gift for anyone hoping to upgrade their patio, are also available.
Click here to learn more about the Prosper showroom, design consultations, products and more today.
Location: 1180 N. Coit Road, Ste. 30, Prosper
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
