As summer comes, it is time to head outside and enjoy the warm weather. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, lounging with a good book, or just soaking up the sun, there is no better season to make the most of your outdoor spaces. By adopting these fresh outdoor living trends, you can reinvent your outdoor spaces. From cooking areas to eco-friendly gardens, the possibilities are endless for enhancing your outdoor experiences and making the most of this beautiful weather.
This article will explore four top outdoor living trends to try this summer, providing ideas and inspiration for making the most of your outdoor spaces.
Top 4 Outdoor Living Trends To Try This Summer
Trend #1: Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas
One of the most popular outdoor living trends this summer is the creation of fully equipped outdoor kitchens and stylish dining areas. These spaces allow homeowners to embrace al fresco cooking and dining, make the most of the beautiful weather, and extend their living space into the great outdoors.
Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchens
A fully equipped outdoor kitchen can significantly enhance your outdoor living experience. A complete kitchen setup outside means you can prepare and cook meals while still enjoying all the outdoor fun. Also, it provides a unique cooking experience that cannot be replicated indoors.
Popular features in outdoor kitchens include high-end grills, refrigerators for keeping beverages and ingredients cool, sinks for easy cleanup, and ample storage space for utensils and cookware. Some homeowners even go above and beyond by incorporating pizza ovens, smokers, and built-in ice makers to elevate their outdoor culinary experiences.
Stylish and Functional Dining Areas
Designing a comfortable and stylish dining space is crucial to complement your outdoor kitchen. The key is to create an area that feels like an extension of your indoor dining room while embracing the natural surroundings. Adding ambiance with landscape lighting and decor can turn your outdoor dining area into an enchanting spot for evening get-togethers. Consider string lights, lanterns, or even a chandelier to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to furnishing your outdoor dining area, go for weather-resistant furniture and materials. Pieces made from teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker are the champions, as they can withstand the elements. Comfortable seating, such as cushioned chairs or benches, combined with some decorative touches, will encourage your family and guests to linger long after the meal is over.
Trend #2: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Landscaping
As environmental awareness grows, sustainable landscaping has become one of the most significant outdoor living trends. This approach not only benefits the environment but also creates low-maintenance and beautiful outdoor spaces that fit well with nature.
Native Plants
One of the main advantages of utilizing native plants in landscaping is their natural adaptation to the soil conditions and local climate. As a result, they need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive, making them an eco-friendly choice. In Milwaukee, we do have several native plants that bloom during summer and can add beauty to your landscape.
Common milkweed adds visual interest and supports local pollinators, while maidenhair fern brings delicate greenery to shaded areas. Another is the culver’s root and bee balm, which offer striking vertical elements with their flower spikes. As an added bonus, both maidenhair fern and milkweed are deer-resistant, making them excellent choices for areas with high deer populations.
Water Conservation Techniques
Implementing efficient irrigation systems is crucial for sustainable landscaping. Drip irrigation and smart sprinkler systems can greatly reduce water waste by directing water straight to the plant roots and adjusting schedules based on weather conditions. Another tip is using drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping techniques that can further reduce water consumption, minimizing the need for irrigation.
Eco-Friendly Materials
When it comes to hardscaping, there are a lot of options to choose from. Permeable pavers let water soak through, decreasing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater. Recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood for decking or recycled glass for decorative elements, can add unique character to your outdoor space while reducing environmental impact. Lastly, a win-win solution for Mother Earth and your local community is to use locally sourced materials.
Trend #3: Multi-Functional Outdoor Spaces
Creating multi-functional outdoor spaces is a versatile and practical approach to outdoor living as they are designed to accommodate various activities and adapt to changing needs throughout the day and season.
Versatile Furniture
Selecting versatile furniture is key to creating a flexible outdoor space. Modular seating arrangements allow you to easily reconfigure your layout for different occasions, whether hosting a large gathering or seeking a cozy nook for reading. Convertible tables that can adjust height or expand size are perfect for transitioning from casual lounging to dining.
Zones for Different Activities
Creating distinct lounging, dining, and recreation areas within your outdoor space allows for simultaneous activities and enhances functionality. Use landscaping and design elements to define these zones naturally. For example, a pergola can designate a dining area. At the same time, a cozy corner with plush seating can serve as a lounge area. Also, you can strategically place planters or outdoor rugs to delineate spaces without the need for physical barriers.
Year-Round Usability
To maximize your outdoor living space, consider adding features that adapt to changing weather conditions and seasons. Fire pits and outdoor heaters can provide warmth on cooler evenings, extending your outdoor enjoyment into the fall. Pergolas with retractable canopies offer flexible shade options, protecting you from both sun and light rain.
Trend #4: Wellness and Relaxation Spaces
In recent years, a growing focus has been on creating outdoor spaces promoting wellness and relaxation. This trend reflects our increasing need for areas that allow us to unwind, destress, and reconnect with nature.
Outdoor Wellness Retreats
Consider incorporating features that offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and practice mindfulness. Outdoor yoga decks or meditation gardens provide a serene space for morning stretches or evening meditation. At the same time, the simple pleasure of a well-placed hammock offers you a perfect spot for long-lost afternoon naps.
Water Features
The sound of running water has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. That is why incorporating water elements into your outdoor space can have a beneficial impact on your well-being. Consider adding fountains or pondless water features, which come in various styles and can soothe any weary eyes. Small ponds are also great for attracting wildlife. However, maintenance can be a bit tricky compared to its counterparts.
Privacy Solutions
There are numerous options to achieve privacy in your little oasis, depending on your specific needs and the layout of your outdoor area. Privacy screens can provide immediate seclusion in various materials and designs. For a more natural approach, planting hedges or tall grasses offers privacy while enhancing the overall landscaping. As for creating intimate spaces, pergolas with curtains are perfect for intimate gatherings with friends and families.
End Note
This summer’s top outdoor living trends offer exciting opportunities to transform your backyard into a functional, sustainable, and relaxing extension of your home. By incorporating these outdoor living trends, you can create an environment that meets your practical needs and provides a sanctuary for relaxation. Whether you implement one trend or combine several, the key is creating a space that reflects your style.
To start planning your outdoor transformation, contact LandCrafters today. Our team of experts is ready to help you design and build the outdoor oasis of your dreams, ensuring you make the most of your space this summer and beyond.
