Top 5 Outdoor Trends for Summer

We love summer, a time when everyone and everything moves outside! The days are longer; dinner is served from the grill; and cool cocktails taste even better while lounging on the chaise. If you’re considering an update for your outdoor space, here are the top 5 outdoor trends for summer 2015:

1. Outdoor Cooking

This is one trend that never seems to go out of style, especially during summer. What’s trending now is moving beyond basic outdoor kitchen with built-in premium grill to incorporate special amenities including pizza ovens and fire pits for cooking as well as kegerators, wine cabinets, ice makers and under counter refrigerators, providing options that were previously available only to indoor chefs.

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Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchen

2. Tranquil Backyard Sanctuaries

More and more homeowners want their yards to be sanctuaries. Water features like ornamental ponds, fountains, and lap pools as well as zen-themed rock gardens, sculptures, and decorative lighting are all popular options for creating relaxing outdoor spaces. Of course, all that relaxation requires comfortable seating. There are many advancements in outdoor furniture, including fully upholstered outdoor furniture that looks and feels as comfortable as its indoor counterpart. Seating is enhanced by hammocks, bed swings and outdoor rugs.

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Lane Venture Upholstered Outdoor Furniture

Design Trends

Interior decorating techniques and color schemes are being extended to outdoor living spaces. This season’s cool color is aquamarine. What makes this shade so popular is the calming and cool effect it has, thus forming some really impressive pairs with brighter tones as well as the calm ones. Add a bright splash with accent pillows, cushions, or even an umbrella.

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Tropitone Outdoor Furniture

Landscaping and Garden Trends

Drought and other environmental concerns have led consumers to seek gardening products and methods that are sensitive to the environment. Vast lawns requiring lots of water and maintenance are giving way to low-maintenance, drought tolerant plants, and those in condos and apartments are turning to vertical gardens to maximize growing space on patios and balconies.

Vertical Garden. Source: Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Vertical Garden. Source: Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Ornate Decks and Patios

Not everyone is scaling down, however. Homeowners with large yards are adding ornate decks and patios as an extension of their indoor living space. According to a 2015 Outdoor Living Forecast compiled by Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, homeowners want multiple tiers, curved features and built-in pergolas and walls to define various deck areas similar to outdoor rooms that  allow entertaining to flow seamlessly from the indoors.

photo courtesy of Trex & Front Range Lumber

photo courtesy of Trex & Front Range Lumber

These are just some of this summer’s top outdoor trends for backyards, patios and decks. These additions make outdoor living more enjoyable and comfortable, and serve as a great investment, enhancing your home’s value.

At Bay Breeze Patio, we’re passionate about outdoor living. Call or stop by to learn how your backyard can be transformed into the best backyard in the neighborhood.

Trends compiled from Zillow Digs and Industry Edge National Hardware Show, which offers information on product trends and industry insights.