2013 Top Outdoor Living Design Trends

 

Increasingly, American homeowners want more enjoyment and livability from their outdoor spaces.  It is about time.

 

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According to a recent survey of its members, the American Society of Landscape Architects (“ASLA”) has identified home owners’ top outdoor living design trends for 2013.  At the top of the list are outdoor rooms for entertaining and recreational activities.  No surprise here – we have seen this trend over the past decade.

 

 

Homeowners want outdoor kitchens …

 

Secret Gardens of Sydney

and entertainment areas.

 

Secret Gardens of Sydney

 

Firepits and fireplaces have also grown in popularity among homeowners,  followed by grilling spaces and seating/dining areas.

 

Lauren Leonard Interiors

 

 

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Homeowners still want all kinds of water features including fountains, waterfalls, ornamental pools, splash pools, swimming pools and spas.  No surprise there, either.

 

 

And although patios, decking and fencing have been popular for many years, it appears they are still very much in demand by homeowners.

 

Secret Gardens of Sydney

 

Finally, sustainable and low-maintenance gardening is on the rise and becoming more popular every day. 

 

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American homeowners are finally demanding reduced or no-mow lawns.

 

Rob Steiner Gardens

 

Grow your own vegetable gardens are the trend.

 

 

And the demand for drought-tolerant and native plants is at an all time high.   With the costs of water increasingly rising, homeowners want water-wise drip irrigation and permeable paving. 

 

 

 

Cisterns and other rain-water collection systems are now in vogue. 

 

Kersting Architecture

 

Perhaps, we are finally moving in the right direction!

 

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Fire in the Garden

Self-contained fire pits have grown in popularity among home owners in recent years. Adding fire to our outdoor living space is appealing for those of us who are outdoor-minded. Not only does fire make the atmosphere cozy, but it draws people together.

Putting fire in your landscape can be as simple and easy as placing an affordable self-contained gas or wood-burning unit on your backyard patio or deck, although it is never advisable to burn fire on wood decks.

With much improved safety, a gas firepit is perfect for small spaces such as a courtyard garden, patio or balcony.

Self-contained fire pits now come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes all the way up to state-of-the-art contemporary models such as these:

Both are gas burning and are sure to attract attention!

As it is indoors, the outdoor fireplace should become the main focal point of the outdoor room. It should be a place for people to gather. Furniture should be either built-in or adjacent to the fireplace. Moveable furniture may be best as it will give its users the choice of moving closer or farther from the fire depending on the amount of heat the fire is generating.

Outdoor fireplaces can be custom built.

Or they can be precast units.

In the west where the air is dry and the nights are cool, kiva fireplaces have been around for many, many years. The curved benches attached to the adobe fireplace are called “bancos.”

Outdoor fireplaces can be used to create privacy or they can be constructed as a backdrop for a space.

Firepits can be used as a focal point.

Or a destination - a place to set and enjoy a view.

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Or a place to relax at the end of a long day.

Fire most certainly can make a dramatic way to end an axis!

It can even be used as art. The “ Installation de Feu" by Carabosse was placed in Manchester’s Platt Fields Park during one of the 'Enchanted Evenings' by Manchester International Arts in 2006.

Photo by Paul Hurst

What is it about fire that fascinates us so?

We’ve come a long way since the campfire.