Sustainable & Stylish: Outdoor Living Space Ideas for Your Next Renovation
Comfortable, practical, and sustainable—these are the themes of outdoor renovations this year. Whether you’re working with a lush, spacious yard, or something cozier, we’ve got the best trends in outdoor living space ideas for your next renovation!
Deck it Out!
Before we get too far into the little details, let’s cover the basics: your deck / patio. Do you already have one, or is it something you’ve always wanted to build? Before you rush into DIY, we’ve got some great reasons you’ll want to hire a professional team.
Whether you’re planning to add on to your deck or starting from the ground up, focus on the bigger picture. While it’s tempting to get caught up on the size and dimensions, ask yourself what will work best for your space?
For a larger, open space, homeowners are opting for “grilling courtyards,” outdoor kitchens or grill surrounds. (Note: this doesn’t necessarily include fire pits, which we’ll discuss in a moment). On the other end of the spectrum, screened porches or semi-enclosed patios offer a more intimate atmosphere. Either way, consider whether your deck / patio will be elevated or closer to the ground. In some cases, even a simple stone tiled space can create an elegant feel.
Investing in your outdoor space is a great way to add value to your home.
Comfortable and Practical
Style is important, but practicality and comfort are even better! If you’re planning on updating your outdoor furniture, consider investing in:
- Furniture with water-resistant fabric
- Quality wood materials
- Hammocks and swings
Again, consider your space. Do you want your outdoor space to entertain several guests at a time? If so, you may want lots of seating options and a nice table. If you’re looking for something more intimate, try a two-person hammock or even a couple of adirondack chairs.
Simple Gardens
Gardens are becoming a big part of outdoor renovations. Practicality is still important, with many homeowners planting gardens more for produce than design. But who says you can’t have both? Position your garden so that it accents your space or creates an appealing vantage point.
If you’re looking for great, green outdoor living space ideas, try:
- Accenting with a trellis
- A vertical garden (also called a “living wall”)
- Investing in some trees
Simple, sustainable designs are also popular, with drought-resistant plants and low-water landscapes, while planting native wildflowers is a much-needed way to support the bee population.
And if you’re worried about upkeep, try starting small with a simple herb garden or even some aloe vera plants!
Fire & Water
Fire pits and chimineas are always a popular choice for outdoor renovation projects, fun for families and entertaining guests. You can either incorporate them into your outdoor space—such as digging out a pit or creating a stone fireplace—or purchase one that complements your style.
Alternatively, water fountains are making a comeback. However, while past trends have focused on large, impressive displays, today’s homeowners are more interested in simple, self-contained systems (even better if they can help sustain your garden!)
A Good Place to Hang
Hanging fixtures are more popular than ever:
Greenery: Hanging vines, hanging terracotta pots, and air plants with glass and macrame
Lighting: string lights, party lights, Edison bulbs, and mason jar lights
Wind chimes: Decorative or functional
Whether these additions are quick and simple or require a bit of planning before installation, hanging fixtures can really tie your space together!
