Outdoor living can be both exciting and relaxing, depending on how you transform your space. There are many different ways to create a personalized backyard oasis, from sports-oriented spaces to relaxation zones. While creating tailored and unique patio spaces isn’t a recent concept, there have been some new trends inspiring homeowners of 2024. From eco-friendly gardens to urban farms, these trends are exciting and inspiring ways to create your backyard bonanza.
Eco-Friendly Gardening
Environmentalism is definitely in when it comes to outdoor spaces. You can make a garden space more eco-friendly by utilizing solar power, recycled materials, and composting. Planters and flower beds can be built using any type of repurposed or recycled items, such as an old pair of boots or painted bike tires. Harvesting rainwater, if legal, is a resourceful way to water gardens without running up utility bills or wasting water. Native plant life adds a safe and eco-friendly way to admire nature’s beauty. You can even create environmentally safe pesticides if the need arises. Many people even repurpose old furniture or materials to create patio seating!
Maximalism
Many new homeowners are taking control of their backyard space through maximalism. Bold colors, statement furniture, and funky garden sculptures are some of the many ways maximalism can place a personalized spin on your garden space. Don’t be afraid to put a vivid, intricate rug under mismatched, colorful furniture. There’s no such thing as too many water features, pools, or wind chimes. If you’re grabbing eyes and attention, you’re likely doing something right.
Urban Farming
Farming doesn’t have to require large acreage and a barn. Many homeowners are flocking to hosting smaller farm aesthetics, including animals, such as a tiny chicken coop or perhaps a goat or two in their yard. These animals do require long-term care and shelter at night, but you may be rewarded with eggs or some goat milk (if breeding)! You can build a sustainable barn of any size using eco-friendly materials like repurposed wood. If you’re into fishing, you can build a fish pond for catching and releasing as well. Be certain you have adequate space to host any animals you may bring onto your property, however, and that animals are allowed. Barns should be built according to local laws as well. You may need a permit for new structures on your property!
Another aspect of urban farming is the food. Growing small crops can be environmentally conscious and sustainable; it can also lower the cost of your grocery bill. You can plant fruit trees or shrubs, vegetables, herbs, or even edible flowers to add flair and nutrition to your daily meals.
Solar Power
Solar energy is a must for any type of patio or outdoor space. Those cute fairy-light inspiration photos you found? They can be solar-powered! Solar panels are built into the lights themselves so they can use this renewable source of energy at any time. Solar is great for the environment and your wallet, not to mention how convenient it is. There are many different types of solar lighting available for any space or theme. Solar power can also be used for many garden tools or equipment that require electricity. You can even use solar energy to power your entire home if you’d like!
Extending the Indoors
With an increase in working from home, many homeowners desire to bring the outdoors inside their homes! Creating a partially open sunroom or covered deck space is a great way to provide a place to work that is safer from the elements. Pergolas can even feature lighting and vines for a picturesque, relaxing outdoor office space. Greenhouses are another great way to create an indoor and outdoor space. Decks can even feature outdoor kitchens! There’s a deck design that can fit any home or vision. Utilize online searches like ‘deck builder near me’ or ‘eco-friendly decks’ to get some inspiration.
Outdoor Cooking and Eating
While the grill has typically always been hosted outdoors, many homeowners are adding to the grilling experience by creating an entire kitchen and eating experience outdoors. Fire pits, grills, cooktops, wood-fired ovens, sinks, and other kitchen features can provide a beautiful cooking experience in the great outdoors. The use of natural wood or stone can make a beautiful kitchen environment even better. You can build a patio space that hosts any number of sitting spaces for enjoying the food, too!
Summer Houses
Summer houses aren’t new to European homeowners, but they’re growing in popularity overseas. A summer house is essentially a small cabin or shed meant to act as a retreat in your garden. You can add whatever you’d like to a summer house, including bookshelves, birdwatching tools, insulation and air conditioning, beautiful paint colors, and comfortable furniture. If you can imagine it, you can create it. There are no limits to the uses of a summer house. However, be certain you’re paying attention to local structure laws to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Conclusion
No matter what type of homeowner you are, there are infinite ways to transform your outdoor space into one that brings joy and added function to the home. There is no wrong way to use an outdoor space, but these 2024 trends are creating inspiration everywhere in all types of homes. From a cottage-core summer house to the ultimate manly outdoor kitchen, there’s something in the great outdoors for everyone.
