As the warmer weather approaches, so does the time to enjoy outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a minor “tweak by adding some teak” or a complete makeover, Canadians are prioritizing the design of functional outdoor living spaces, proving that the trend of “al fresco” living is here to stay longer than the passing summer season.
This year in particular, homeowners are moving away from inexpensive patio furniture and opting to invest in longer-lasting staple pieces. As the need for green continues, gardens, both vegetable and decorative, are highlighting the back-to-nature feel that is surging when it comes to creating backyard sanctuaries and private resort-type retreats.
Photo courtesy of Doman Building Materials
Photo courtesy of Goodfellow Inc.
All Decked Out
Covered and uncovered patios, porches, and decks have become more than a family meeting place or focal point. Many of these homeowners have also started to convert or climatize these into spaces that can be enjoyed all year round. Deck railings are also becoming a key focal point in design. Both contractors and homeowners have realized that as the most visible aspect of a deck, it is a great way to add a sophisticated or modern element to an outdoor space. The railings can be used as a statement or accent piece. From composite to wood, to various colour choices, there are so many trends making their way to a deck near you!
Photo courtesy of Taiga Building Products
Scenic Seating
Outdoor living spaces have always been a desired home addition, but the popularity and ingenuity of this trend have boomed in the past decade. Current market research suggests that consumers are showing a growing willingness to invest in their backyards to create comfortable, entertaining extensions of their homes. The trend of blending outdoor and indoor living continues to be one of the country’s most predominant home trends, and multi-use patios are already one of the top three features homebuyers look for in a new home. All this is a sure sign that this trend is here to stay beyond the summer. The line between indoors and outdoors has become more and more blurry with home designs starting to incorporate large stacked-sliding-glass-and-disappearing walls where almost the entire wall of a room can be opened to a covered patio or deck for a more seamless transition. Other options for this desired look include using several sliding glass doors to give the appearance of a disappearing wall. Creating this type of open-aired room will expand living areas, further blend, and bring the indoors outside. More and more televisions, screens, and entertainment units are also becoming a staple in these areas.
Photo courtesy of Goodfellow Inc.
Further to this, pieces like loveseats and loungers are becoming more popular. These elements are becoming more and more prevalent in backyards as homeowners want to make the outdoor space truly feel like a “room”. Integrating interior-inspired accents like decorative outdoor area rugs, cushions, pillows, and throw blankets made of weather-resistant materials is also a great way to add to this trend. Things like plants, flowers, artwork, and whimsical accessories, are a great way to add personality and colour. With a plethora of choices, it is also important to look for high-quality furniture that will hold up outdoors in all types of weather.
Photo courtesy of Doman Building Materials
Keeping it Lit
While outdoor cooking once meant a basic grill, homeowners have taken backyard cooking and dining to a whole new level. Keeping it lit, a fire pit is another great backyard addition that can create many different atmospheres and is a great way to bring family and friends together. From “fire-side” chats, to making smores, it is a sure way to create more memories around this piece.
Photo courtesy of Doman Building Materials
There is a newfound way of appreciating alfresco living, from an influx of outdoor products to designing exterior areas, it has become a key feature and often becomes the focal point of a home. Whether a homeowner wants to try and replicate a “resort-style” escape, or an extension of the comforts of their home, creating a functional outdoor space that they can retreat to is more than a trend. Visit your local Castle Building Centres location. —
Photo courtesy of Doman Building Materials