The concept of outdoor living has evolved dramatically since the days of simple family picnics on blankets. With significant advancements in exterior features, outdoor relaxation has become as integral to daily life as spending time in the kitchen or living room. This shift has opened up a world of possibilities for homeowners to extend their living spaces beyond the confines of their homes.
In recent times, we’ve found ourselves spending more time at home, inspiring a renewed focus on enhancing our backyards. Even as society gradually returns to normalcy, the interest in outdoor living remains undiminished. Industry experts have identified six key trends that homeowners should consider implementing in 2022 to maximize their outdoor spaces.
The first trend involves creating an expanded home office environment. As we move past the initial shock of virtual meetings in Brady Bunch-style Zoom boxes, those working from home are carving out unique spaces for themselves. Many are converting decks into workstations, while others are installing outdoor gazebos with shade structures to create ideal havens for working al fresco. (A Wi-Fi extender might be a worthwhile investment to ensure seamless connectivity.)
The second trend focuses on bringing indoor comforts outside. An outdoor office is just the beginning. With thoughtful design, homeowners can replicate indoor amenities in open-air settings. Retaining walls, fire pits, and comfortable seating areas can create permanent outdoor entertaining spaces. With sufficient overhead protection, it’s even possible to construct an outdoor kitchen that rivals its indoor counterpart in functionality and style.
Innovative infrastructure is the third trend gaining traction. Much like children playing with building blocks, homeowners are discovering countless combinations of bricks and pavers to create unique outdoor spaces. The only limits are imagination and budget. Professionals report seeing an increasing number of creative designs incorporating retaining walls, steps, and other structural elements to enhance lawns and gardens.
The fourth trend involves thoughtful pathway design. If your yard sees a lot of activity without designated pathways, foot traffic will inevitably create unsightly trampled areas. By adding structured walkways, you can guide people through your outdoor space while preserving the beauty of your lawn. Well-designed paths can also define and connect different areas of your yard, creating a cohesive outdoor living environment.
Trouble-free water features represent the fifth trend. While a sparkling fountain can instill a sense of luxury and tranquility, extensive water features like koi ponds can be costly and high-maintenance. Professionals recommend low-intensity water features that require minimal upkeep after installation. Systems without standing water, which filter and hold water underground, are particularly popular for their ease of maintenance.
The final trend involves “wiring” the yard for enhanced comfort and functionality. By extending electricity, heating, and gas lines outdoors, homeowners can increase comfort and extend the usability of their outdoor spaces into the evening and cooler months. Heaters and additional outdoor lighting can prolong social gatherings, while weatherproof televisions can provide entertainment in the safety of your outdoor living area.
By embracing these trends, homeowners can transform their outdoor spaces into true extensions of their homes, creating versatile areas for work, relaxation, and entertainment throughout the year.
