Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. A little rain can’t keep us out of the yard! Looking forward to spending some time outside soaking up vitamin D? Read about the hottest trends in outdoor living.

Outdoor Kitchens

Cooking and eating outside is a great way to spend a little more time outside each day. You might also be able to invite more people over once restrictions on gathering are lifted. Save money by cooking and entertaining at home.

You can decide how complete you want the space to be. A variety of appliances are perfect for outdoors like a grill, cooler, refrigerator, pizza oven, table or bar. 

If you have limited outdoor space, you can use a bar cart to easily move things outside. You can also have a fold-up table.

Privacy

Most of us have spent more time at home in the past year than any year before. Consequently, we have learned to make use of every square inch of space on our property. People are bringing the indoors outside, and with that comes the need for privacy. No one wants a nosy neighbor watching you do your morning yoga or the hot sun beating down on you for hours on end. More and more people are turning to solutions to increase the privacy of their backyard oasis, including covered patios and plant barriers. 

Covered patios and pergolas are “hot” trends that can keep you cool. Bioclimatic pergola systems are a unique feature to add to your outdoor living space. The Axis Smart Glass Bioclimatic System by Suntech-Albayrak Group won the 2021 IBSx Award for Best Outdoor Product.

Tall plants, like hedges, placed around the edges of a yard create a natural fence. They can also block off just a portion of the yard with a patio or pocket garden. For those with smaller spaces to work with, sheltered side yards work just as well. Other options include living walls, curtain screens and trellises. 

Outdoor Offices

Hybrid and remote work have taken precedent for businesses today. Having an office space outside prevents feelings of being cooped up inside a stuffy house, especially during the beautiful, albeit hot, summer months. The best place to create these spaces is at the back of the house with direct access to the patio and yard. Cubicles are about 6 feet by 6 feet, so if you can afford that much space you can create an outdoor office.

Important pieces to have are a seating area and table. Make sure they are built to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Relevant decorations include lighted cubes, portable rechargeable lanterns and outdoor speakers. Just be sure to not leave any important papers or electronics outside if the area isn’t covered! An awning or covered patio can keep your space out of the elements. Adding amenities like water features or fans reduce outside noise, and adding plants makes the area more calming. 

Garden office “pods” or sheds are another option, although more labor intensive. An 8-by-10-foot space is suitable for an outbuilding. The best part? No traffic on your commute! It’s just one reason these work sheds or pods are one of the top outdoor living trends for 2021.

Backyard Cottages

You might have heard of a “she shed,” but how about taking it to another level with a whole cottage outside? They are also called accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or “granny flats.” Make sure to check with your local building codes before designing. 

You can use the space to house older relatives or adult children needing a home, or simply create an outdoor retreat to escape the mess of the main house. Other uses include study spaces, spare living suites, home offices, gyms or meditation studios. The primary use of the space will determine the decor you need. 

Complementing the building with greenery will help it flow visually in the backyard. With a new build, you can fully customize the style of your cottage or you can purchase a prefabricated unit. One of the walls can be all windows to allow for a view of the garden. Having AC or fans will keep you comfortable inside. 

Your Favorite Outdoor Living Trends 2021

What would your dream outdoor living space look like? Seiler’s Landscaping specializes in creating award-winning landscapes for everyday moments. Contact us today to bring the inside out.