Outdoor Living Trends: What’s Hot in Hardscaping?

Though the COVID pandemic has been over for some time, we still see lingering effects. Some of them, luckily, are positive–like outdoor living, for example. People are continuing their enthusiasm for spending time outdoors and bringing it straight to their backyards. Outdoor living spaces are trending within themselves, but what hardscaping features make these spaces so valuable? Let’s talk about it. Emerging Outdoor Living Design Trends As previously mentioned, outdoor living has been highly sought after for some time. However, new trends are still emerging, the most popular being bright colors, natural or organic aesthetics, smart technology, and multifunctional spaces. What’s ironic about current outdoor living design trends is that it’s very split down the middle; you’re either loving the bright colors, crazy patterns, and abstract art feel, or you’re going for something very modern with a muted color palette and clean lines. Many homeowners incorporate a mix of textures, such as a modern, wooden patio in a dark stain with bright, beachy patio furniture, but ultimately, people lean on one side or the other. The overall consensus is that folks are attempting to make their yards as multifunctional, self-sustaining, and low-maintenance as possible without compromising the health of the environment. For example, you’ll see high-tech, automated irrigation systems and an in-ground pool with interior lighting in the same yard as a vegetable garden and wildflowers. Innovative Outdoor Living Design Materials The materials you use to sculpt your outdoor living spaces vary widely based on your preferred aesthetic, hardscaping features, and preferred maintenance. However, based on the trends above, homeowners gravitate toward natural and environmentally friendly materials like natural stone, concrete, wood, recycled materials, and composite materials. Depending on your project, you’ll also likely see a rise in paver and porcelain use. Overall, homeowners are trying to be as sustainable as possible, and to do that, they’re prioritizing sustainable materials. Whether the sustainability wave is the reason for the surge of a natural aesthetic or the other way around doesn’t matter; people want both. When you work with a professional hardscaper, they can assess your project to help you develop a solution that’s just as sustainable as it is effective. Popular Outdoor Living Design Features Many outdoor living design features are going around since everyone wants something different and personalized. But four trends that aren’t going away any time soon are fire pits, outdoor kitchens, patios, and vegetable gardens. Fire Pits Fire pits have long been a popular outdoor addition, so it only makes sense that they’re seeing an upgrade. Most homeowners are installing fire pits that fit a very modern aesthetic; hexagons, octagons, and other irregular shapes are popular, as are dark, neutral color palettes and natural stone or paver materials. Long, rectangular pits are also increasingly common, as you can fit more people around them, and it’s not uncommon to see a fire pit built into a patio. Additionally, gas-powered and smart fire pits are how homeowners make their space more luxurious. Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor kitchens are probably the biggest trend in outdoor living spaces right now. People are particularly going all-out with pizza ovens and beverage bars. They’re becoming entertainment hubs utilizing smart lighting technology, fireplaces, and music. Many homeowners are building their outdoor kitchens with natural materials like stone, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials. There’s also an allegiance to energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Patios You can’t go wrong with a patio; they’re so customizable, and even folks with small spaces can build them. The goal is to make them cozy and personalized. Most are enhanced with other landscaping enhancements, like lots of greens or the multifunctional addition of a vegetable garden. There’s also an emphasis on lots of lighting, using smart technology, and building with natural materials. Paver patios are increasing in popularity because they’re customizable to fit any yard, but there’s no shortage of bamboo or recycled plastics. Vegetable Gardens To become more self-sufficient, sustainable, and multifunctional, many homeowners are trying their hand at planting vegetables. There’s a large emphasis on curating edible landscapes recently, and it provides so many benefits that it almost doesn’t make sense not to do it. While plants may be more on the landscaping side of things, it’s worth noting that vegetable gardens are used to enhance your hardscaping or even to be planted within it. The great thing about these current trends is that everyone is trying to personalize their space. So it doesn’t matter if you follow these trends exactly or develop something new; every design is valuable as long as you love it. Conclusion Now that you know more about what’s trending in outdoor living spaces, you can begin your next project. Whether you want to sell your home or find more ways to enjoy it, all it takes is creative hardscaping.