Written by: Heather James
Published: March 14, 2025
Most can agree we love our seasons in Michigan, especially our summers! For the better part of the winter, we’ve spent our time indoors and when spring hits, we are ready to enjoy our time outside. There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors than from a beautiful oasis in your own backyard. For 2024, here are some popular trends in outdoor living.
Continuity Inside Out.
People love treating their outdoor spaces as an extension of their homes. For this reason, we are seeing lots of cohesiveness in design. Whether it is similar color choices, design aesthetic or furniture selection, these decisions help with continuity throughout. An example is incorporating the same hard surface selection in both indoor and outdoor spaces with beauty, durability, and low maintenance items such as brick, porcelain tile and stone. With these small design decisions, your outdoor living space extends your indoor space, making your home feel larger.
Let’s Get Cooking.
Not only do we want to eat al fresco, but we want to cook outdoors too. From smokers to grills and other outdoor appliances and gadgets, we continue to see new technologies improve the outdoor cooking experience. And for this reason, outdoor kitchens are still prevalent in design. In addition, infrared heaters can be strategically positioned to keep us warm in the cooler months, extending the length of time outside, comfortably enjoying our spaces.
Less Can Be More.
We are seeing backyards of all sizes take advantage of outdoor living spaces. No longer do you need to feel like you’re on the cover of a magazine to have the patio of your dreams. Intimate, simpler patios can make smaller backyards more functional and give defined, usable space. Clay pavers continue to be a popular choice for their steadfast color and timeless design. Since they are typically smaller sized, they will fit any size patio that is designed, and their low maintenance makes them an ideal choice for all homeowners.
Chic Backyard Dwellings.
Covered or enclosed spaces take the weather gamble out of the equation when enjoying time outside. We are seeing small out-buildings become incorporated into outdoor living design, both functional for storage, entertainment, and relaxation. These buildings can be designed as a feature to the backyard with an elevated design. One product that is rising in popularity is premium, maintenance free metal cladding. It ties in with many designs from modern to lodge showcasing woodgrains and solid color options, so your building can accent any type of existing exteriors. As a bonus, the metal cladding is attractive as a porch ceiling.
The Finishing Touches.
Biophilic trends have been big in interiors for some time and bringing quality custom planters to the outdoor living space can elevate your aesthetic. Being more thoughtful about the planter selection can exude a statement and be a focal point. With some designs, you can express your own personal flair with some as an optional standalone, art piece. They come in a variety of heights, sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. Premium planters paired with your favorite plants can also serve to define a space or give a bit of privacy without a true wall.
Our outdoor showrooms have many of these trends on display, so stop in soon to see what options would fit best in your space. We look forward to connecting with you on your project!
