With the weather warming up and summer on the horizon, people are starting to look for ways to spend more time outdoors. While traveling is making a big comeback, many are still interested in creating the perfect outdoor oasis at their home. Here are five trends experts say will be big for summer 2021.
Outdoor Kitchens
According to the 2021 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) design trends report, 60 percent of homeowners are looking to add an outdoor kitchen to their space. Grills, pizza ovens, cabinets, countertops, sinks, fridges … there are so many options when it comes to creating a great outdoor kitchen. If you are interested in adding an outdoor kitchen, ask yourself the following questions:
- Where will it be located and how much space do I have for a kitchen?
- What is my budget?
- What are the primary uses for the outdoor kitchen? Do you want a fully independent kitchen where you can store everything you need, do all prep work, and cook everything? Or do you just want a cooking area and use inside your home for storage and prep work?
Finally, don’t forget you will want seating space near the kitchen for outdoor meals, so be sure to include that aspect in your overall planning.
Fire Pits, Heat Lamps, Misting Systems, Fans, Etc.
When people are spending a lot of time outdoors, they want to be comfortable. And that extends beyond just the furniture. More and more people are looking for products that help keep them cool during hot times and warm during cooler times (and also allow them to extend the outdoor living season). When it comes to keeping people cool, misting systems and ceiling fans are especially popular. Fire pits and heat lamps are extremely popular for early season and late season use, as well as nights that might be cooler than expected. Outdoor rugs, throw blankets, and lighting can also help.
Outdoor Movie Theatres and Other Technology
How does movie night under the stars sound? As the indoors and outdoors continue to blend more and more, people are expanding technology to the outside. Outdoor movie theatres with things like blow-up movie screens, outdoor televisions, color-changing lighting, and more are becoming extremely popular. The quality of outdoor speakers has increased tremendously over the years, and adding nice speakers to play music (or support your movies) is also a hot trend. Another tech-related trend? Outdoor workspaces. More people are working from home now, and they are looking for creative ways to stay inspired. Moving outdoors during nice weather is a great way to do that, so some have created mini-workspaces in their yards.
Added Privacy and Protection
Nobody wants to feel like they’re being watched, and we certainly don’t want to get drenched if one of those summer thunderstorms pops up unexpectedly. With outdoor activity increasing, so has the need for privacy and protection from elements. How do you add that to your space? Adding a structure such as a pergola can help and adding drapery panels to the sides to close it off adds an extra layer of privacy and protection. Screens are also a great option and offer a great deal of flexibility and design options. You can also go more natural and grow a privacy screen using trees and other tall plants.
Social Front Yards
Think your front yard is just for curb appeal? Think again! As more people expand their living outdoors, they are expanding what outdoor living space means. Front yards are now being utilized more and more for outdoor living. If you want additional space for your outdoor activities, consider using your front yard in addition to the back.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for more than 25 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have a limited number of single-family homes available in Bluffdale and West Valley and townhomes available in Salt Lake City. Contact us today to get started building your new home.
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