More and more, homeowners are beginning to see their outdoor space as an extension of their indoor living area. In fact, over the past two years, more people have believed that an outdoor living space is more valuable than ever. According to a survey, 78 percent of Americans upgraded their outdoor spaces during the pandemic. Some of these upgrades include planting more trees and building a deck.
As a result, outdoor design trends follow suit of what’s popular indoors. If you’re considering sprucing up your yard this year, here are five popular trends to consider incorporating.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Homeowners are increasingly looking to create an oasis in their own backyard. During the pandemic, because traveling halted and many were isolated in their homes, people yearned for natural outdoor spaces such as public parks, mountains, and beaches. So, it’s not surprising that the biggest trend in interior and exterior design integrates elements of the natural environment.
To achieve this, many are incorporating natural elements such as stone, wood, and plants. This not only creates a serene and visually appealing space, but it also requires less maintenance than a traditional lawn. You can also create a man-made pond or fountain to add the sound of running water, which has been proven to have calming effects.
Creating Multiple Rooms
Just as your indoor living space is divided into distinct areas (e.g., living room, dining room, kitchen), your outdoor space should be too. By creating different “rooms” within your yard—such as a seating area, a gardening area, and a play area—you can maximize its potential and make it more functional for your family.
One way is to build a deck as a space for outdoor meals. You can do this by adding a small kitchen, dining table, and chairs. For this project, you might need to hire a deck designer so that it’s done properly and according to your local building code. Deck designers can also help you choose the right materials for your climate.
If you have young children, designate a spot for them to play by setting up a sandbox or small pool. You can also have your own space for exercising outdoors by setting up a home gym or yoga studio.
By creating distinct areas, you can turn your yard into an extension of your home where everyone can enjoy their own activity.
Outdoor Entertaining
Homeowners are also increasingly using their outdoor space for entertaining purposes. As such, features such as built-in grills, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular. In fact, about 35 percent of homeowners installed fire pits and grills in their outdoor spaces over the past two years.
Many are also turning their backyards into a theater. It’s an easy home improvement project. All you need is a white wall, a projector, and a sound system. This way, you can watch your favorite films or sports games outdoors with family and friends.
Better yet, add a bar to your outdoor kitchen or dining area. This way, you can serve drinks and food without having to go back inside.
If you love entertaining guests, consider incorporating one or more of these features into your backyard design.
Grow Wild
Surprisingly, many people have also learned to love the chaos that comes with an overgrown garden. Instead of a perfectly mowed lawn, homeowners are choosing to let clovers, which were seen as a nuisance in the past, grow and cover their outdoor space. Clovers are better than grass because they don’t need as much water. Because they are used to the local climate, clovers are very hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions. They also help the environment by providing a home for bees, and they’re actually quite pretty to look at.
Many are also choosing to grow native plants, which are well-suited to the local climate and don’t require as much water or maintenance. This type of garden is not only easy to take care of, but it’s also good for the environment.
Work From Outdoors
Outdoor offices have also increased in popularity as more people opt to work remotely during the pandemic. If you have the space, consider setting up a desk and chair in your backyard. You can also put up a small tent or build a shed to create a secluded spot for concentration.
If you don’t have the space for a dedicated office, you can still bring work outdoors by setting up a laptop on your patio table or working at a picnic table. The fresh air and natural light will do wonders for your productivity, and you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful weather at the same time.
Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing oasis or a backyard entertainer’s paradise, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor space trends. Consider incorporating one or more of these popular trends into your own yard design this year and see how much your enjoyment of your outdoor living space increases as a result!