Making News

(Mar. 12, 2008)

BACKYARDS WITH BLING

By Steve Kleber

 

The idea of outdoor living is not new, but the importance it has attained for homeowners desiring to relax and entertain at home has elevated the magnitude of this outside room. Outdoor spaces have ignited the craze for a fundamental shift in how consumers use and view their backyards.  No longer just a grill with a few lawn chairs around, backyards have transformed into sanctuaries created to unwind, eat, play and entertain and which are outfitted with the latest in technology and design. They are spaces where spilling a glass of wine isn’t a catastrophe and throwing a ball is not reprimanded, but encouraged. They are merely an extension of the indoors. 

Factors driving outdoor living spaces

The outdoor living phenomenon is motivated by two things: comfort and convenience. Today’s Americans are infatuated with living a healthier lifestyle and outdoor living spaces are the go-to destination in order to cope with the pressure of a day’s work. Gas prices are rising, vacation time is limited and homeowners are dissatisfied with having inadequate time to ‘let go’ and enjoy their lives, family, and personal time. Consumers crave a well-appointed and designed backyard and are determined to create an “escape room” that improves their living environment and overall attitude.  

Design attributes for the luxury backyard

Manufacturers are responding to the outdoor living craze by offering a wide variety of affordable and fashionable outdoor furnishings, fabrics, appliances and electronics. And outdoor living isn’t just a trend for luxury consumers, living large outdoors is for homeowners of all kinds.

The key to creating a relaxing outdoor space is to make it feel like an actual room. This an area where individual desires and styles really shine. And they are; modern-day homeowners are creating their own ‘outdoor living styles’ that showcase fireplaces and fire pits, attractive and comfortable plush seating, weather-resistant furniture and cushions, sound systems, you name it. Well-designed gardens and landscaping, decks and patios, along with grills, island sinks and even outdoor kitchens are being displayed in these havens, while awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, hammocks and portable shelters demonstrate the latest in comfort. Due to the development of innovative outdoor products, there isn’t anything homeowners can’t do outside they haven’t spent years doing inside.

Experience the Zen-like outdoors

Beauty, harmony, simplicity and balance are achieved in these outdoor areas by implementing natural materials like cotton and linen, bamboo, wood and stone. Clean design and soothing earth tones and solid color palettes (rather than patterns), are celebrated in backyard design to exude the look and feel of the real outdoors.

For the landscaping and garden areas, fountains and ponds add a hint of tranquility. The deck is also an ideal location for plants, both on and around it. This softens the edges, adds colorful accents, and provides privacy while adding a touch of shade. Today’s most garden-friendly consumers are even incorporating homegrown produce into their suburban backyards. 

Homeowners will always enjoy the outdoors

The weekend barbeque at the park or the family camping trip has turned into outdoor entertaining and family time without ever having to leave home. From guests gathering around a new outdoor grill, to relaxing on the deck under the stars, the backyard has become the new “it” place of the home – a refuge for families and friends to bond and spend quality time. 

Expect backyard retreats to become an even greater extension of the home in the years to come, especially in an era when eco-chic is the latest design fad. Defined as ‘a home away from home,’ outdoor areas will continue to rival their indoor counterparts.

More insight into the outdoor phenomenon

At Kleber & Associates, we felt so strongly about this evolving trend that we recently embarked on a market research paper solely dedicated to this evolving outdoor landscape for home and garden consumers. Want a copy of K&A’s Outdoor Living White Paper? Click here.

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