5 Outdoor Living Trends for 2015
Today’s outdoor living spaces are simply an extension of the home, created to look and feel more like the inside of the home while still maintaining the outdoor appeal. They are perfect for entertaining, socializing, and simply relaxing with family and friends.
Spring will be here before we know it, so now is the time to start thinking about your outdoor space and start planning for any updates and additions. If you’re wondering what’s going to be hot this year for outdoor kitchens and living spaces, we’ve got you covered. Check out these 5 outdoor living trends for 2015!
Multiple Cooking Appliances
One grill just isn’t cutting it for most homeowners anymore. Outdoor spaces are now featuring a combination of gas grills, charcoal grills, wood-fired grills, and smokers. Homeowners are even building grills into islands or cabinets.
Not only are people buying more and more high end, elaborate grills but also full-scale outdoor kitchens including pizza ovens, refrigerators, stoves, warming drawers, and much more. Outdoor kitchens are continuing to replicate indoor kitchens with all the accessories and features.
When it comes to grills, consumers are looking to upgrade to larger premium grills with the latest performance and convenience features. The more cutting-edge tools and luxury, the better. Simple backyard barbecues have evolved into gourmet feasts that are more than just hotdogs and hamburgers.
According to Russ Faulk, vice president of design, marketing, and product development at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, “The trend of restaurant-quality cooking capabilities in the indoor kitchen is migrating outdoors in 2015. Not only can homeowners craft old-world pizzas and explore the flavors of a wood-fired grill, there is improved design flexibility created by new styles of countertops, such as porcelain slabs for modern homes or durable concrete that looks and feels like wood for traditional homes.”
Sophisticated Seating
Outdoor furniture that looks like indoor furniture is a fast growing trend. Today’s outdoor living spaces are much more than just a few patio chairs. We are talking upholstered, fade resistant, and weather resistant outdoor furniture. Homeowners want outdoor seating that is as comfortable and stylish as their indoor living rooms. They are also looking for built-in seating structures or those that can double as seating such as benches and seatwalls.
Not only are homeowners looking for luxurious seating, but they are also looking to upgrade the seating area as a whole. For protection from the sun and rain, they are adding verandas, pergolas, and awnings. For entertainment, they are installing flat screen televisions and sound systems. The outdoor lounge area is a prime place for socializing so homeowners are making it as comfortable and upscale as possible.
Fireplaces, Fire Pits, and Fire Bowls
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and fire bowls complement any outdoor area. Homeowners love fire features for their functionality, aesthetic appeal, and warmth — both literally and emotionally. In fact, according to Better Homes and Gardens, more than half of all millennials have open fire features in their outdoor space!
Newer versions make fire amenities more accessible with compact design and fewer venting concerns. Gas fireplaces, fire pits, and fire bowls make an outdoor space even more functional by offering an elegant glow with the flick of a switch. This ease and ambience is a huge selling point for many homeowners.
Customized Lighting
Lighting is a key component of any outdoor space, and we can see that homeowners are making it a priority. Layered outdoor lighting seems to be a big trend starting. First, you put the general lighting into the space, which is the light that fills the area — such as a wall-mounted light. The second layer of light is added for function, safety, and security. These lights can be placed around a path and in the landscaping, or can be built into your outdoor kitchen area. This second layer of lighting adds a nice and fun touch to your space.
The right lighting not only keeps you safe but also provides a welcoming ambience. Gas lights work really well for outdoor spaces since they can be turned on and off with a flick of switch. Multiple lights can be installed together in a series and be controlled with one switch. Gas lights can also be installed with timers and programmed to turn on or off for several hours. When it comes to lighting, homeowners tend to want beauty, quality, and convenience, and gas lights will give them just that.
Decorative Stamped Concrete
More and more people are seeking out decorative stamped concrete for their outdoor spaces. This trend has been going strong for the past couple of years, but we are now seeing homeowners choosing even bolder concrete options for their homes.
Homeowners are continuing to be drawn to concrete for its value, longevity, and low maintenance costs. One of the best features of concrete is the never-ending array of colors and styles. Stamped concrete can be made to look like other paving materials such as brick, wood, travertine, stone, and cobblestone.
For homeowners wanting a high-end custom look, you can stain or add decorative elements to the stamped concrete. Stamped concrete gives you the ability to engrave a design or add a decorative border, for example. Regardless of what design you choose, you can really create a unique and enjoyable space with decorative concrete that other paving materials simply cannot provide.
Image Source: Concrete Network
