As the arrival of spring welcomes longer days and more time outdoors, homeowners are looking for ways to indulge in their outdoor living spaces. A popular space to gather for the past few years, the backyard is emerging as a haven for unfussy landscaping, climate-conscious ground coverings, and amenities designated for relaxation and wellness.
Combining data from homeowners’ needs and wants with expert insights from over 200 designers, Yardzen has released the Outdoor Living Trends Report for 2023 that details trending styles, functionalities, and exterior design.
Below, find eight trends that have settled into the outdoor living scene for 2023.
Organic-style landscaping. The opposite of previous years’ clean lines and rigidity, homeowners and designers agree that loose and organic landscaping not only creates a natural haven but is also low maintenance. Found through Yardzen’s proprietary style quiz, there was a 100% increase in requests for “cottage gardens.” Full and lush plantings, garden benches, and flowers and blooming plants are also highly requested.
Climate-friendly lawns. As homeowners aim to lower their environmental impact, 24% more clients opted for artificial turf over sod grass compared with last year, and 13% more requested to remove the lawn altogether. A happy medium is a balance between lawn and plantings—with an emphasis on drought-tolerant plants.
Day-to-night entertaining. Amenities that transition outdoor spaces from day to night are highly sought after for 2023. Over 60% request outdoor lighting and 56% request firepits. Compared with last year, there was a 65% increase in pizza ovens, 68% increase in large outdoor dining tables for eight-plus seats, and a 69% increase in outdoor bars. Elements of heat like outdoor fireplaces and heaters also saw increases of roughly 40%.
Yard to table. The pandemic-driven hobby of growing fruits and vegetables at home is a trend that seems to be here to stay. Since 2020, requests for edible gardens and raised beds have increased each year with 30% of clients requesting raised beds, and a 43% increase in greenhouses since 2022. Staying on theme with organic styles, gardening is another connection to naturalism as homeowners are willing to get their hands dirty.
Pergolas and pathways. Drawing the eye throughout the entire outdoor living space, elements of height were common trends for 2023. To design on both a horizontal and vertical plane, pergolas (40%), trellises (23%), arbors (16%), and gazebos (16%) became popular requests as well as designs with pathways at 47%.
Creative sheds and ADUs. Looking for creative solutions to expand square footage, there’s a 33% increase in requests for designs with ADUs, sheds, and storage. Yardzen recommends a Tuff Shed as a less expensive option for storage, gardening, a home office, or kid space. Nestled in a nook or featured as an inviting retreat, the additional "square footage" is valuable for homeowners who are choosing to stay put in their homes.
A sanctuary for wellness. In terms of functionality, homeowners desire designated spaces for wellness this year. Cedar tubs, cold plunges, yoga platforms, and outdoor showers are growing wants. Year over year, there was a 45% increase in requests for saunas. Continuing a top trend from 2022, plunge pools increased 15% year over year as a less expensive, less maintenance option compared with traditional swimming pools.
Here for play. In the same vein as kid spaces via sheds and ADUs, over 70% of clients who are parents request designs for backyard play. For 2023, there was an 85% increase in slides, a 28% increase in play structures, and a 14% increase in treehouses.
