7 Outdoor Design Trends that will Create a Backyard Oasis

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Outdoor living spaces have been popular for years, but the pandemic has elevated the importance of having these spaces function as secondary dwellings.  After more than a year of confinement, these spaces have not only become sanctuaries of solace and sanity but it’s also provided a safer option as we move toward gatherings with our family and friends once again.   

If you have been considering a home improvement project this year, consider starting with an outdoor living space!  These spaces add additional usable space to your home, increases your home value, and have wellness benefits proven to impact your physical and mental health. 

I’ll be running down 7 design trends that will provide tips to transform your outdoor living spaces into an oasis that is uniquely personal to you and/or your family.  These tips are based on the latest, most exciting design trends and will help you confidently decide which outdoor renovation projects you want to invest your time and energy in this year.  Ultimately, be sure to decide on what works for your unique style and design budget.  So, let’s jump in! 

Outdoor Trend #1 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become a hot commodity this year!  You may also know these as Granny Flats, She Sheds, or Office Pods.  These units are smaller independent residential dwellings that are showing up in backyards across the country.  Because of their size, ADUs can be easily added to your existing land.  They are also an environmentally friendly option when you consider energy consumption.    

As more people began spending time at home, contractors reported a surge in demand for these units. ADUs are being used for varied purposes, including home offices, workout rooms, and creative studios. In general, they serve as a respite from the main living quarters. 

In the image above, a contemporary ADU is featured with mid-century modern design elements. The fully-equipped unit is being used as a multipurpose office and workout space. The large windows allow for a very airy and nature-connected space to keep the brain going and productive all day!

Outdoor Trend #2 - Patios and Decks

Patios and decks are the foundation for most outdoor living spaces.  The choice of which option you’ll choose is totally up to you.  Patios are a great option if you prefer a space that offers you more privacy.  However, a deck is the way to go when you want a better view or multi-layered platform options built around your outdoor entertainment needs.  The options are endless! 

Patios can be made of concrete, brick, pavers, and flagstone, just to name a few.  Wood decks are still a backyard staple.  Beware though, since COVID, the cost of lumber has skyrocketed, so it’s no wonder why other materials such as composite are growing in popularity!   

If you’ve been putting off adding a deck or patio and it’s something you think you want to do this year, get in line now.  Contractors are citing record wait times for these home improvements. 

Who needs tiki torches when you have a backyard oasis ready for use day or night?! As pictured above, decks with built-in LED lighting are all the rage right now. The designer incorporated recessed lighting on the ceiling of the attached home as well as the platform. This creates a well-lit outdoor experience perfect for a relaxing evening after dinner or entertaining guests.

Outdoor Trend #3 – Pergolas

A pergola is a beautiful outdoor garden feature that creates shaded walkways, passageways, and semi-covered seating areas.  They are increasing in popularity because people are trying to create more useable outdoor living spaces.   

It can’t go unnoticed that in addition to its versatility, pergolas add a wonderful architectural element to your landscape.  They can be multi-tiered, made of natural wood or composite materials, and create a rustic or refined vibe.  Pergolas, hands down, are one of the most stunning ways to shade and design your backyard simultaneously. 

If you are a DIYer, a pergola can be a relatively simple and affordable way to add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. These structures can be built in several ways, such as above a deck or as a freestanding space.  The pergola above has been positioned on top of an existing patio space.  

As an attached feature, this pergola is suitable to entertain friends and family as an extension to your indoor living space. Want a bit of extra coverage while you eat? Open up that patio umbrella and ENJOY! 

Outdoor Trend #4 - Outdoor Kitchens

With a need for some semblance of normalcy, people are getting back to entertaining friends and family outdoors.  A growing number of these individuals, likely those who are akin to entertaining in open concept homes, have been investing in outdoor kitchens.  These outdoor spaces allow people to move their entire entertaining experience outdoors and not miss a bit of socializing! 

While this addition is one of the more expensive home improvement trends on the list, it does not disappoint where the return on investment (ROI) is concerned.  After creating your unique outdoor living space, you’ll likely see an increase in your property value, have an expanded living and cooking space fully equipped for entertaining or everyday use, and a decrease in your utility bills.  The list of benefits could truly go on! 

Today, outdoor kitchens have places for you not only to grill your food but also fry, steam, and prepare a pizza. I am in love with this mixed-design pergola outdoor kitchen pictured above. It includes storage cabinets, a mini-fridge, and even bar seating for your complete entertaining experience!

Outdoor Trend #5 - Fire Pits and Heat Lamps

Last fall, as temperatures began to drop, almost everyone attempted to fight off being stuck indoors again.  To extend social time outdoors, fire pits and outdoor heating lamps disappeared off the shelves!   

These heating elements are the perfect addition to your outdoor lounge area. Not only do they keep you warm outdoors, but they also create a cozy, even magical feeling that’s difficult for most of us to resist.  Talk about multi-purpose; firepits can also be used to roast marshmallows, make s’mores, or simply watch the flames dance.   

The demand has only increased for these outdoor features, so now is a great time to purchase and install either element so that you can enjoy it on a cool spring night or throughout the upcoming fall season.   

Let's face it... as much as we are happy to have welcomed the spring, some evenings get pretty chilly.  However, there is nothing like having a stylish outdoor heating element like the one pictured above when you want to entertain some guests or cozy up with a book outside.  

This centralized heating element allows you to provide a gathering area for continuous entertainment even as the temps begin to drop.  Your guests will stay warm and not miss a beat.  Ambiance and warmth anyone? Yes, please! 

Outdoor Trend #6 - Screened-in porches

Screened-in porches are not what they used to be.  By design, these porches were created to protect individuals from the elements and bugs.  In recent years, these outdoor design structures have transformed from simple protective additions to become a place of complete relaxation or even an entertaining oasis.  

The screened-in porch is yet another trend that allows people to gather “outside the home” regardless of the circumstances outdoors.   

These projects typically entail taking an existing porch and simply adding screening around the perimeter.  Projects that are a little more complex require taking an existing deck or patio and building a roof and wall system wrapped in a screen.  Either project approach is a win-win, as it adds value to your home and a three-season space to enjoy friends and family as we continue to navigate this pandemic.    

I love this simple, yet elegant screened-in addition, pictured above.  The designer was careful to take into account consistent design elements from the home and the outdoor landscape.  This is a perfect space for your morning coffee, evening book, or catching up with a friend in your free time! 

As you make your design choices, note that fiberglass and aluminum are the two main options for screen materials.  If you choose charcoal or black aluminum screening, you will hardly notice the barrier between yourself and the outdoors.  For your non-insect lovers, this addition will bring the summer citronella oil budget way down compared to previous years! 

Outdoor Trend #7 – Landscape Lighting

As much or as often as we may try to fight it, lighting is one of those die-hard design elements that seem to give our spaces a dramatic facelift.  Here, landscape and accent lighting address two essential purposes: beauty and function.    

As we’ve welcomed our family and friends over to enjoy the outdoors with us, it has been abundantly clear that our pathways and outdoor living areas could use some additional lighting.  This addition will enhance safety and security, allow you to enjoy your outdoor living area year-round, and simply put, helps you show off the beauty of all your design work to your guests and those looking from the curb!  

Take heart, landscape lighting projects don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.  These projects are typically DIY projects.  So, start simple but don’t skip it.   

You can get lighting designs as simple or as fancy as you’d like.  Either way, landscape lighting will highlight some of the best features of your outdoor living spaces.  So, get started with brightening up your outdoor spaces.  You’d be surprised by how a few lights along your pathway help your entire landscape come alive! 

And that’s It!

These are the top 7 outdoor trends that seem to be growing in popularity this season.  I hope you found this helpful as you plan your outdoor projects.   

Don’t delay!  Between contractor availability and certain products flying off shelves, these projects may not be easy to complete by summer if you wait too long. 

If you haven’t already done so, check out my “Top Trends for Backyard Living Spaces” Video.  While you’re there, please Subscribe to my channel, give me a thumbs up, and leave a comment below.  Can’t wait to see and hear about your oasis!