Outdoor Living Trends

Most of us don't have backyards that look like this, right?

What do people want in outdoor living for 2011? For you it could be a wonderful cooking area, a fire pit to sit around, wonderful lighting for evening get togethers, comfortable seating, be it freestanding or built in.


Despite our economic woes people still want a nice outdoor area to live in to expand on the useful living space of our homes. For most of us it is short term for the spring summer and fall and for others it is a useful space year round.

So what are we trending towards?

Outdoor Living Features (Percent rating somewhat or very popular for 2011)


Lighting – 96.2%
Fire pits/fireplace – 94.2%
Seating/dining areas – 94.1%
Grills – 93.8%
Installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, boulders) – 89.5%
Weatherized outdoor furniture – 83.6%
Counter space – 74.2%
Utility storage – 61.3%
Stereo systems – 58.3%
Sinks – 54.7%
Refrigerators – 50.2%
Wireless/Internet connectivity – 46.3%
Televisions/projection screens – 45.4%
Outdoor heaters – 44.4%
Showers/bathing – 42.1%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 36.7%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 10.4%

 

Deck post solar lighting is offered in wide array from simple to sophisticated.

 



Installed seating is on a real upswing and can be very cost effective.

Whether or not you have a larger yard , a smaller space or even a balcony there are many things you can accomplish in your outdoor living space. I love this balcony, what a cozy corner to curl up in.

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For the garden area of your yard people are looking at lower maintenance options including planting native and/or drought tolerant plants that you know will survive in your area. Water features are still quite popular and increasing in popularity is growing your own food. Small vegetable gardens where people can grow a few things, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, peppers to supplement your food supply and you can be sure these products are healthy and free of pesticides.

Other items people are looking at are recycled materials, drip-water efficient irrigation, reduced lawn, rainwater harvesting and composting.

Add some beautiful planters to your deck or patio. The great thing about some of these is that they are raised and easy on the back.

What are you looking at for your outdoor living space this year?

I am on the lookout for some new cozy chairs and some Japanese influenced plants and garden ornaments.