The hottest outdoor living trends
Get the latest tips on decking, design and porch preferences from experts and top influencers.
Pinning down what homeowners are prioritizing for their exterior design flourishes can be a bit of a moving target. But tuning into certain specific trends could be a boon for business.
Here to help offer the latest guidance and insight is Deckorators, which has published its latest "Outdoor Living Report."
The report, which features insights from "outdoor living influencers," explores trends in homeowner engagement, the rise of health and wellness features, retractable decks and increasing interest in front porch design.
[Explore the interactive 2024 Field Guide to Decking here.]
“As the outdoor living industry adjusts to a new normal, we’re finding that homeowners have taken a more active role in contractor selection as well as their participation in the creative process to build outdoor living spaces that are extensions of the interior of their home and reflect their personal design aesthetic,” says Michelle Hendricks, category marketing manager for Deckorators.
“The homeowner mindset has shifted,” says Hendricks. “A new emphasis is being put on finding the right products through carefully considered research. This includes more intentional design solutions and more in-depth dialogue about how outdoor accessories function and work with a family’s lifestyle.”
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Lighting is an emerging decking trend to watch.
Trend highlights from the summer edition of the report include:
- The homeowner’s mindset. Homeowners are engaging in much more product and builder research, carefully contemplating their decisions and being far more intentional about their design ideas and inspiration.
- The business of outdoors. Homeowners are seeking out multiple builder quotes and focusing on getting things done right the first time.
- Outdoor wellness. Homeowners have demonstrated a growing interest in "health and wellness" features like hot tubs, saunas and plunge pools.
- Architectural features. Composite decking can be transformed into design elements that offer an ideal way to integrate lighting, greenery and decor.
- Color blocking with decking. Color blocking with unique color combinations creates a stark contrast that can add depth, definition and a touch of personality to decking.
- Retractable decks. Homeowners can add an entirely new outdoor living zone with furniture, decor, and more—all integrated with an inground pool.
- Front porch design. Front porches are becoming social hubs again—and people are looking to create comfortable, inviting spaces that encourage neighbors to socialize.
To download the full Deckorators 2024 Outdoor Living Report, click here.