Home & Garden

Top 5 Outdoor Living Space Design Trends for Your Backyard

Take your outdoor living space to the next level with design trends from Frontgate

With summer getting closer, you've probably started to think about making changes to your outdoor living space. But have you thought about what exciting new design trends are on the rise that might be perfect for your backyard? Don't just drag a new set of folding chairs outside and call it a day — keep reading to learn more about some of the most exciting outdoor living space design trends for your backyard.

High-Tech Functionality

Smart home capability isn't just limited to the indoors anymore. Technology integration is becoming just as common outside as it is inside. Many of the amenities you're used to enjoying inside your home — such as temperature control and smart lighting — are becoming outdoor staples. This isn't just limited to aesthetic controls, either. Many homeowners are opting to install outlets outdoors and extend their Wi-Fi outside so that they can continue to work, watch movies, and stay connected outside.

If you're looking for a simple way to add high-tech functionality to your backyard, the sky's the limit. For instance, the Weber 3201 Connect Smart Grilling Hub makes grilling a breeze by offering home cooks flip and serve notifications and alerts when their food is ready, as well as an app that provides step-by-step assistance with grilling specific proteins. Embracing high-tech functionality isn't just a trend — it's a great way to make your life easier and improve the livability of your outdoor space.

Natural Materials

This summer, make the switch to natural materials. Experts agree that materials such as concrete, metal, and plastic are on the way out, while wood and stone are in. Switching to natural materials is also a great way to make your outdoor living space feel more closely linked to the natural world around you, as organic colors and textures are perfect for helping you embrace an earthier, more grounded look and feel.

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Materials such as concrete, metal, and plastic are on the way out, while wood and stone are in.

To fully embrace the switch to natural materials, you can start big (for example, by opting for an all-wood deck) or slowly ease into a new style by making a smaller choice first. Those looking for a larger commitment may want to consider the Grand 48 in. Fire Pit Kit, a rustic stone fire pit with an attached cooking grate that is certain to add a touch of all-natural elegance to any backyard. In contrast, anyone looking to ease into natural materials may want to consider the Obadiah Natural Stained Folding Wood Adirondack Chairs, which can help add gorgeous wood color and texture without the need to completely overhaul a space. Regardless of what you choose, you can't go wrong with highlighting natural materials in your outdoor living space.

Designated Activity Spaces

Since quarantines and stay-at-home orders have caused more people to spend increasing amounts of time at home in the past year, experience-based and higher-use outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular. These include outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens, outdoor workspaces, and even nooks for reading and yoga. Anything that can be done to transform an empty outdoor space into a designated spot for a given activity or experience is extremely on-trend for this summer.

To start transitioning a given space to a designated activity space, think about what you'd like to do outside. If you're an avid reader, consider setting up a shady spot with comfortable cushions and a table for drinks and snacks. If you're considering working outside, you'll need a source of shade, a spacious desk, and some Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones to stay focused. Creating one or more designated activity spaces outside may be trendy, but it's also a smart way to make the most of your outdoor living space.

Great Lighting

It sounds like a total no-brainer — of course you want to be able to see what you're doing outside — but many people neglect to add proper lighting to their outdoor living space. Adding good lighting outside makes it safer and easier for homeowners to not only better engage in their favorite activities (such as grilling), but it can also make them more likely to want to spend time outside. After all, the more comfortable and accessible your backyard is, the more likely it is that you'll want to use it.

Adding good lighting to your outdoor living space doesn't have to be complicated. A simple string of Outdoor String Lights can add elegance and ambiance to your outdoor living space, making it feel like a Parisian bistro while also helping make nighttime gatherings go more smoothly. If you're feeling more ambitious, you can always add solar-powered outdoor lights or motion-sensor lights to increase security and visibility. If you're hoping to update your outdoor space before summer, you can't go wrong investing in good lighting. Check out more lighting inspiration at Frontgate.

Warm Colors

To bring an element of warmth and add visual interest to your outdoor living space, you can't do much better than to go on-trend and choose warm, earthy colors. Shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown are in for summer — not only do they pop nicely against the natural greens and browns often found outside, but they also add an element of comfort and relaxation to any outdoor living space.

Finding warm colors to accent your outdoor living space is all about finding something that matches your personal design aesthetic. Easy ways to add splashes of color include throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and even flowers or pots. This Geometric Red Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug can add a splash of red to any outdoor living space and serve as a warm, grounding palette for a wicker sofa or wooden deck chairs. Regardless of what color you choose, warm hues are perfect for making your outdoor living space feel cozy, grounded, and connected to nature.

Key Takeaway

If you're looking to get your outdoor living space on-trend before summer, you can't go wrong following these tips. From investing in good outdoor lighting to making the switch to natural materials, this summer's outdoor living trends are all about increasing the comfort and functionality of your backyard. To get more great deals and discounts on products that can help bring your backyard to the next level, don't forget to check out ProductIQ!

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