Since the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor living trends have drastically transformed. Your backyard is no longer just a place to relax. Instead, you can convert it into any space you want. You can throw parties there, install an outdoor kitchen and add greenery. In hindsight, the pandemic made people appreciate outdoor spaces more.
With 2023 finally here, there are several outdoor living trends, both new and old, to look forward to. This article outlines some of them.
Outdoor living Space Trends
Bold Jewel Tones
Outdoor furniture in jewel tones is a hot trend. These rich hues are saturated with colour to create a pleasant dynamic effect. If you are new to jewel tones, start small. Begin by locating the areas in your outdoor spaces you want to highlight. This could be a lounge set. Next, use jewel tones to draw attention through vases, pillows or side tables.
What Other Colours Can You Use for Your Outdoor Furniture?
Besides jewel tones, here are some calming colour schemes you can use for your outdoor furniture:
- Pink: It is perfect for a space surrounded by greenery
- Garden: It goes well with any garden scheme
- White and beige: This colour palette is as good in your indoor space as it is in the outdoors
- Grey and blue: This gives your space a feel of freshness and comfort.
Metallic Finishes
Metallic accents are slowly garnering popularity thanks to the visual intrigue and space they give your room. Depending on your preferred shade, these finishes can add chill vibes or warmth to your space. Ready to incorporate metallics into your outdoor aesthetics? You can hang wall mirrors with sleek silver frames. Alternatively, you can throw in some end tables topped with burnished brass vases.
Sustainable Materials
As with most industries, sustainability continues to be everyone’s priority. Many people love outdoor living spaces, and it is common for customers to ask for products like permeable pavers and components made out of recycled materials. Every homeowner is looking for spaces that encourage a healthy lifestyle and have enough diversity to satisfy their needs without sacrificing eco-friendliness.
In the spirit of sustainability, here are some solutions you can try:
- DIY planters made out of repurposed items
- Reclaimed wood coffee tables
- Solar-powered lights
- Jute mats
- Biodegradable pots
- Wood-burning hot tubs
Accessible Spaces
When it comes to outdoor living spaces, safety and accessibility are critical. Here are some ideas to enable easier access to your yard:
- Putting traction tape at the edges of the steps
- Installing motion-sensing lights in areas with high traffic
- Installing LED light strips along walkways, on stairs and beneath railings
- Updating door hardware with deadbolts that you can lock and unlock using your smartphone
Merging the Indoors and Outdoors
Another top trend you should jump on involves seamlessly integrating outdoor and indoor living spaces. It only takes a few tweaks to blur the lines separating your outdoor and indoor spaces. One way to do this is by installing folding glass doors, enclosed verandas or partially covered gardens. You can also select luxe materials for outdoor furniture to give your patio a feel of the indoors. Popular materials include granite and marble. As for metals, opt for copper or brass. Lastly, putting indoor furniture such as plush sofas in the garden won’t hurt.
Home Office outdoor Spaces
More and more people are converting their outdoor spaces into clean and comfy home offices. Who wouldn’t want to work out in the open, serenaded by the singing birds? Go for an all-weather table and prop up an umbrella to shield you from the harsh sun. Do not forget to get a chair cushion and small accents like water features to make the stressful work days more bearable.
Vertical Gardens
You can indeed use decorative screens and fences to create secluded spaces. However, expect to see more people opting for plants instead. Vertical gardens are lauded for their space-saving abilities. They are perfect for offering privacy whilst making the most of outdoor living space. This is because you can use trellises, planter boxes or hanging baskets. If you want your partition to look natural, consider adding a living wall.
Moody Lighting
Lighting can surely elevate any space. Liven up the mood in your outdoors with curvy pendant lights. You can also go for floor lamps with heavy natural stone bases or lanterns with fairy lights. Interior designers argue that lighting is among the most crucial factors to consider when it comes to the outdoors. It has an almost magical effect on your space, elevating them instantly. And people will always love warm fire features and soft layered landscape lighting that highlights architectural and garden features.
Which Is Better for Outdoor Lighting – Warm or Cool Lights?
As a general rule of thumb, consider warmer colour temperatures (2500k–2700k) for architectural elements. Save the cooler temperatures (3000k–4000k) for plants and trees.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Because most families spend most of their time outside, why not bring the kitchen along? This 2023, expect to see more alfresco kitchens stocked with furnishings and large appliances such as:
- Sinks
- Dishwashers
- Weatherproof furniture
- Side burners
- Mini refrigerators
- Built-in charcoal and gas grills
Eclectic Style
Why choose when you can have both? This should be your mantra when selecting aesthetics for your outdoor living space. Outdoor eclecticism is becoming popular as more homeowners understand the freedom and fun that comes with this style. Bring this trend to your patio by mixing and matching fabrics. You can lay a patterned rug under neutrally-coloured furniture and layer on blankets and pillows in different shades. To finish this look, consider adding oversized lanterns, assorted planters and metal wall art.
What Other Outdoor Living Space Trends Will Dominate 2023?
Other trends you are likely to see in 2023 and the years to come include:
- Globally inspired spaces
- Front yard decorating
- Kitchen gardens
- Mediterranean-inspired landscaping
- Use of less permanent gadgets like outdoor pizza ovens
Final Thoughts
Each year brings with it new trends, and 2023 is no different. However, some trends are timeless and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. From outdoor kitchens and work spaces to more accessible spaces and the use of sustainable materials, there are several trends to watch out for this 2023.
