The backyard is no longer the spot just for the kids to run and play. Homeowners want outdoor spaces that are perfect for relaxing at the end of a long work day, entertaining friends, or for spending quality time with family. While lines have been blurring between indoor and outdoor spaces for the last few years, the 2017 trends are looking to completely erase them. Homeowners are transforming their outdoor spaces into comfortable and functional retreats complete with the same features and amenities in their homes’ interiors, such as fully functional kitchens and cutting edge entertainment centers, making outdoor spaces true extensions of interior living spaces.
Composite Foundations
Concrete, brick, wood, and natural stone patios and paths are all popular hardscape choices, but low-maintenance wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites are the top choices due their fade, stain, scratch, and mold resistance. They also do not require sanding, staining or painting and they do not rot, warp, crack, or splinter. In addition to these desired functional elements, modern composite decking looks and feels more natural than ever before with rich, saturated colors and high-definition wood grain patterns.
Next Level Lighting
Lighting extends the amount of time spent enjoying outdoor spaces and adds a level of safety and security. Path lights and riser lights brighten walkways, under umbrella lights illuminate tables, well lights showcase foliage and key architectural or landscaping accents, and fence lights outline your home’s perimeter. Incorporating both deck and additional exterior lighting creates a cohesive ambiance and a majority of the current lighting that is being chosen for outdoor spaces is LED and solar-powered.
Full-Service Kitchens
While grills are necessities for any outdoor kitchen, smokers are fast becoming a crucial component to the outdoor cooking experience. Outdoor kitchens are also expanding to eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips to your home’s interior kitchen. The modern outdoor kitchen now includes work stations complete with exterior-grade appliances (like refrigerators, sinks, ice machines, and beer taps) and weather-resistant cabinetry, countertops, and prep surfaces.
Individual Furniture Pieces
Outdoor furniture trends still embrace simple lines and comfortable cushions made with fade-resistant, waterproof outdoor fabrics, but matching sets are out, while unique and eclectic pieces are in.
The Tech Connection
Advancements in equipment and equipment storage mean you can now enjoy your favorite show or movie outdoors. Durable and beautiful wall-mounted television and entertainment centers can conceal and protect pricey electronics from the elements.
Gone to the Dogs
Dogs are part of the family and they are influencing a large number of outdoor trends such as storage options (for food, toys, cleaning up tools, and bathing accessories), nontoxic landscaping materials, fencing, and pet runs.
Edible and Sustainable Gardening
Economic and environmental factors have driven the desire for sustainable design to the forefront. Low-maintenance gardens that incorporate edibles (fruit, vegetables and herbs) and drought-tolerant plants have become the norm as more homeowners move away from turfgrass.
Are you ready to embrace any (or all) of these outdoor trends in your outdoor space this year? Call Atlanta Porch and Patio today! We can’t wait to show you all the options your outdoor space holds!