Top Trends for Outdoor Living Spaces
Hello out there! Don’t you just love the outdoors? Well, in this article, I’ll be running down the top seven trends for outdoor living spaces. These tips will help you decide which outdoor renovation projects you want to invest your time and energy in this year. This is going to be fun, so let’s get started!
Outdoor Trend #1 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs are smaller independent residential dwellings that are showing up in backyards across the country. They are also known as Granny Flats, She Sheds and Office Pods. Contractors are reporting a surge in demand for these units since more people are staying at home. In general, they serve as a respite from the main living quarters. ADU’s are commonly being used as home offices, workout rooms, and creative studios.
Outdoor Trend #2 - Patios and Decks
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. Patios and decks are the foundation for most outdoor living spaces. Patios can be made of concrete, brick, pavers, and flagstone, just to name a few. Composite decks have grown in popularity, but wood decks are still popular.
Outdoor Trend #3 -Pergolas
Pergolas are outdoor garden features that create shaded walkways, passageways, and sitting areas.
They are increasing in popularity because people are trying to create more useable outdoor living spaces. 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. They are beautiful addition to any yard.
Outdoor Trend #4 - Outdoor Kitchens
With a need for some semblance of normalcy, people are getting back to entertaining friends and family outdoors. More and more people are investing in outdoor kitchens because they allow folks to move the entire entertaining experience outdoors. Today, outdoor kitchens have places for you not only to grill your food but also fry, steam, and prepare a pizza. The outdoor kitchens may also include refrigerators and bar seating -the complete entertaining experience.
Outdoor Trend #5 - Fire Pits / Heat Lamps
Fire pits and outdoor heating lamps disappeared off the shelves last fall, as everyone wanted to extend their time outdoors as the temperatures began to drop. That’s because not only do these heating elements keep people warm outdoors, but they also create a cozy, even magical feeling. With the firepit, you can also roast marshmallows and make smores, or simply watch the flames dance. The demand has only increased for these 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.
Outdoor Trend #6 - Screened in Porches
Screened-in porches are another one of those trends that allow people to come together and enjoy the outdoors while being protected from the elements and bugs. These projects typically entail people 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 adds value to your home and a three-season space to enjoy friends and family.
If you choose black aluminum screening, you will hardly notice the barrier between yourself and the outdoors.
Outdoor Trend #7 – Landscape Lighting
As we’re welcoming 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 a little more lighting. Landscape lighting and accent lighting can give beauty and purpose to your landscape. Landscape lighting can also highlight some of the best features of your outdoor living spaces. These projects are typically a DIY project and don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.