As we become increasingly aware of the positive impact that outdoor living has on our physical and mental health, especially in this time and age when so many people work remotely, we start to pay more attention to the design of our gardens, patios, and terraces. It’s not enough to have a simple wooden deck for the occasional summer barbecue anymore. Homeowners want to create their safe havens, somewhere they can retreat to when they are tired of screens and hustle, somewhere they can not only enjoy their morning coffee, but also do their yoga, exercise, meditate, spend some quality time with friends and family. It’s not only more time and thought that we’re willing to put into the process of creating our slice of outdoor paradise. We are also more conscious of eco-friendly materials and sustainable solutions that we can implement in our decks and gardens, so that they are not only beautiful and functional, but also environmentally friendly and durable.
The House Extension
Homeowners are not satisfied with run-of-the-mill deck solutions anymore. They want multi-functional spaces that would blend seamlessly with their indoor living area. We’re talking outdoor kitchens, fire pits, integrated lighting, and covered lounging areas so that you can enjoy your patio anytime throughout the year. These elevated expectations are reflected in the fact that more and more people decide to hire outdoor designers and specialty retailers like the deck store, searching for original solutions and high-performance materials. Patios and terraces are not just add-ons anymore – they are the extension of your home.
The Rise of Composite and Eco-Friendly Materials
Wood has long been the material of choice for decks, but as we all know, it has its limitations. Susceptibility to pests, rot, and high-maintenance – it all leads homeowners to explore different alternatives, and boy, do we have a lot of them these days! Introduction of composite materials that would blend wood with plastic has been a real breakthrough, raising its durability while lowering the overall maintenance and preserving the natural wooden look at the same time.
On the other hand, sustainability is another big concern. Homeowners become increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and search for environmentally-friendly solutions that are recyclable and responsibly sourced. Manufacturers immediately responded with reclaimed wood and other products that reduce waste and carbon emissions while still offering a long lifespan.
Natural Aesthetics
Speaking of which, we can notice a visible trend for biophilic design growing in recent years. Homeowners want to go back to nature without losing any of the comforts of the modern world, and outdoor spaces reflect these efforts. Muted earth tones, natural textures and materials, a plethora of lush plants and flowers, and organic layouts that complement the landscape will make you feel like you’re in The Great Outdoors without leaving your house. If your space is limited, think about implementing vertical gardens, creating living walls with built-in planters. You can also consider adding a water feature, like a little fountain or a water wall, and some stone accents.
A Look Ahead
The shift towards nature, in addition to our growing design consciousness and never-ending creativity of human beings, makes the future of our outdoor living spaces look bright. It’s bound to get more innovative, sustainable, closer to nature, and, as such, more peaceful and beautiful. Each homeowner adds their personality to their space with little details, colors, choice of furniture and plants, reflecting their personal style and enhancing their quality of life. The key lies in thoughtful planning and teaming up with knowledgeable partners. And obviously – having fun with it!
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