7 Backyard Trends That Will Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

I will be running down the top seven trends on outdoor living spaces today. These tips will help you decide which renovation projects you want to invest your time and energy into this year. This is going to be a lot of fun, so let's get started.

Here are the top seven trends hitting the design space this year:

1. ADUs

Outdoor trend number one is accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short. Also known as granny flats, she sheds, or office pods, ADUs are smaller independent residential dwellings that are showing up in backyards across the country.

Now that more people are working at home, contractors are reporting a surge in requests for these units.

They are being used as home offices, in-law suites, creative studios, and even workout rooms, but in large part, they are considered respites from the main living quarters.

ADUs are a super hot trend right now, and the industry doesn't see them slowing down anytime soon.

2. Patios and decks

Outdoor trend number two is patios and decks.

Patios and decks are the foundation for most outdoor living spaces so there's no surprise here why they are growing in popularity. I mean, people are really getting serious about adding them to their homes.

Patios can be made of concrete, bricks, pavers and flagstones, just to name a few.

Composite decks have grown in popularity too, but wood decks are still popular.

So if you've been putting off adding a patio or a deck to your home, and it's something you want to do this year, you need to get in line now because contractors are already talking about having a two to three month wait.

3. Pergolas

Outdoor trend number three is pergolas.

Pergolas are outdoor garden features that offer shaded walkways, passageways, and seating areas.

They are increasing in popularity because people are trying to create more usable outdoor living spaces.

Pergolas also offer a wonderful architectural element to your landscape.

They can be multi-tiered, made of natural wood or composite materials, and create a rustic or refined vibe.

Pergolas can make a beautiful addition to any yard.

4. Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor trend number four is outdoor kitchens.

With a need for some semblance of normalcy, people are getting back to entertaining their friends and families but outdoors.

More and more people are investing in outdoor kitchens because it allows them to move the entire entertaining experience outdoors.

The outdoor kitchen also includes a refrigerator and bar seating. The complete entertaining experience.

5. Fire pits and heat lamps

Outdoor trend number five is fire pits and heat lamps.

The fire pits and the heating lamps were disappearing off of the shelves last fall as everyone wanted to extend their time outdoors, even as the temperatures began to drop.

And that's because not only do these heating elements keep you warm outdoors, but they also create a cozy, even magical feeling.

With the fire pit, you can even roast marshmallows and make s'mores, or simply watch the flames dance.

The demand has only increased for these features.

So now is a great time for you to go ahead and purchase and install them so that you can enjoy them now during a cool spring night or the upcoming fall season.

6. Screened-in porches

Outdoor trend number six is screened-in porches.

Screened-in porches are another one of those trends that are allowing people to come together and enjoy each other while staying protected from the elements and the bugs.

Projects that are a little bit more complex require taking an existing deck or patio and building a roof and wall system and then wrapping it in screen.

Either project adds value to your home and creates a three season space for you to enjoy your friends and family.

And if you choose the black aluminum screening, you will hardly notice the barrier between yourself and the outdoors.

7. Landscape lighting

And lastly, outdoor trend number seven is landscape lighting.

So as we are welcoming our friends and family over to enjoy all of these outdoor living spaces, it has become abundantly clear that we can use a little bit more lighting for our pathways as well as our living spaces.

Not to mention your landscape lighting can also highlight some of the best features of your outdoor living spaces.

Landscape lighting projects don't have to be expensive or time-consuming. These are typically DIY projects.