Outdoor Living Styles Trending Now
Merging Inside and Outside Living Spaces
A growing trend is to create a seamless transition from an interior room to an inviting outdoor living area, such as a covered entertaining area or outdoor kitchen.
Large sliders and expansive windows help bring inside the appeal of a home's outdoor spaces, making both areas feel larger and more connected.
Lighting that Sets the Mood
Lighting can go a long way when it comes to creating the right atmosphere and energy for various occasions.
Dimmable lights, reflected lighting, and the ability to change the direction of beams are all features that allow lighting to remain versatile and adapt to various moods.
Pergolas and Trellises
Pergolas have been popular for years because they offer the opportunity to incorporate greenery, overhead cover, and lighting in many appealing ways. There are quite a few DIY pergola kit options available online.
Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces
Fire pits and fire tables are still going strong, as they have for a long time.
More recently, Yardzen reported a 40% increase in demand for designs with an outdoor fireplace. This ties in with the underlying trend of incorporating living room comfort into outdoor spaces.
Outdoor Dining Options (Especially Pizza Ovens)
Yardzen reported a 65% increase in requests for pizza ovens in their 2023 trends report. Demand for outdoor bars surged even more, increasing by 68%.
People want to feel comfortable entertaining in their outdoor spaces, which means bringing as many indoor perks and cooking options to the outside as possible.
Balcony option:
Some pizza ovens, such as a few in the Ooni oven line, don't have a chimney and may be suitable for some balconies (depending on side and overhead clearances).
An "Organic" Approach to Decor and Landscaping
Many designers say they're seeing a move from the clean lines and minimalistic vibe of the past few years to a less structured, more organic feel when it comes to both decor and landscaping.
Searches for "cottage garden" have doubled, according to Yardzen, as landscaping moves in the direction of a less manicured, more natural look. Garden pathways are also in high demand.
Smaller, Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
With the need to preserve water making headlines more frequently, the trend of reducing lawn areas that need tending (for those homeowners not going the way of the cottage garden :) is likely to grow even more prevalent. Native drought-tolerant plants are especially desirable.
Greenhouses and Garden Beds
People are looking for ways to grow their own produce, a trend that started during the pandemic and is now spurred on by higher food prices.
Raised garden beds have always been a big selling point because they have both functional and emotional appeal. Now greenhouses are also seeing a notable growth in demand, with Yardzen reporting a 43% increase in requests.
Sheds, Playhouses, and ADUs
Whether it's a storage shed or a tiny house that doubles as an Additional Dwelling Unit or home office, a secondary structure is likely to boost home value
and functionality.
The goal is simply to make sure it has good visual appeal and doesn't use up space in a way that would detract from other features and result in a net loss of property value or usability.
Tip: BBQ Recommendations for Summer
Whether your BBQ of choice features steak or veggie burgers, there's a grill and a recipe to suit your style. Here are some resources to help you choose the best grill for your needs, along with recipes to make your outdoor meals a success.
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