7 Outdoor Living Trends for 2021
Outdoor living trends

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This year’s outdoor living trends are all about making your backyard, porch, or even balcony a regular part of everyday life. Building on last year’s momentum, homeowners can expect to bring indoor conveniences outdoors with smart technology, multipurpose add-ons, and structures that allow us to be outside longer and more often throughout the year. Whether it’s a spot to grow herbs for homemade meals, a private patio with plenty of shade, or a place to do the cooking, outdoor living in 2021 is synonymous with time spent at home. Check out these 7 outdoor living trends for 2021.

Outdoor living kitchen

1. OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Cooking has become an increasingly popular outdoor activity. But there are multiple types of outdoor kitchens available. A satellite kitchen provides additional cooking elements, like grills and pizza ovens, to supplement the main interior kitchen. Satellite kitchens are often situated just outside the door of an indoor kitchen for convenience. Another option, independent kitchens include prep space, a sink, storage, and refrigeration, as well as cooking elements, so that most if not all cooking needs can be met outdoors. Space, renovation budget, and climate will influence the design of an outdoor kitchen. Regardless of outdoor kitchen type, additional outdoor seating is necessary to complete al fresco meals.

Edible Garden

2. EDIBLE GARDENS

Millions of people began gardening during the pandemic. Motivations varied from the desire to be outdoors to wanting a new hobby to fill the time at home. But one of the biggest reasons for an uptick in edible gardening was to supplement pantries with homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The first outdoor trend is immunity gardens with a focus on foods that boost overall health. Tomatoes are a great example; they are rich in vitamin C, which plays a vital role in a healthy immune system. A second edible gardening trend, meatless Monday gardens that feature hearty vegetables for plant-based dishes. This was partially fuelled by a rising consciousness around climate change and animal welfare. Lastly, to help satisfy the ongoing desire to get out and travel, world herb gardens can be used to create the global dishes and flavours we’re craving, at home.

Multipurpose furniture outdoor living trend

3. MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE

As entertaining became less of a focus in 2020, outdoor furniture has developed to accommodate both everyday living and anticipated social gatherings. Pieces are designed to perform multiple functions, often with hidden features, and made them versatile enough to use in nearly any space you choose. Expect outdoor furniture items that are convertible, like modular tables that can be pulled apart to accommodate seating and social distancing or tables with hidden beverage compartments.

Private backyard

4. STRUCTURES THAT PROVIDE PRIVACY AND PROTECTION

As outdoor activity increases, so does the need for privacy, shade, and shelter from the elements. Whether it’s a secluded space to practice yoga without distraction or a place to use your laptop without harsh glare, a mix of landscaping and hardscaping, and even furniture, can provide protection. And there are abundant ways to add privacy to outdoor spaces. If it has an overhead structure, you can potentially add outdoor drapery panels. It if doesn’t, you can use an outdoor screen. If there’s a border that lends itself to planting, you can create a plant wall. Even an umbrella that tilts can give you some privacy.

Social Front Yard outdoor living trend

5. SOCIAL FRONT YARDS

Creating an outdoor living space at the front of the home is not only about maximizing available space for daily living—it’s for welcoming our communities, too. Throughout 2020, front yards saw drive-by parties and socially-distanced gatherings; now, people are looking for ways to maintain those connections. A social front yard is less formal than a backyard design, and the simplicity is part of its appeal. Adding a bistro table and chairs, a tree swing, or a comfortable bench brings life into an area that was previously only viewed from afar or passed through.

Outdoor technology

6. OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY

As people integrate the outdoors into everyday living, they’re looking to incorporate all the technology they use on the interior, for the exterior. Activities like streaming movies and working from home have many people adding boosters to amplify Wi-Fi signal outdoors. Since most technology can be seamlessly integrated into outdoor living spaces, it’s not dramatically changing the look or layout of outdoor living—unless you’re one of the growing number of people creating entirely new spaces, like outdoor theatres and home offices. 

Extend outdoor living space

7. PRODUCTS THAT EXTEND OUTDOOR LIVING SEASON

Furniture, accessories, and add-ons that help you stay outside longer are an especially popular upgrade. Amenities like fire pits, heat lamps, misting systems, and fans as key products for extending the outdoor living season. Outdoor rugs, throw blankets, and lighting can also provide added comfort into the night or in cooler temperatures. Although these products and ideas aren’t new, their usefulness in turning occasionally-used outdoor spaces into everyday living areas makes them especially popular for 2021.

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