It’s impossible to ignore how the pandemic changed daily commuting to telecommuting for so many. Nowadays, one in seven are remote. Whereas, before the pandemic, it was one in 67, according to a LinkedIn study.
Families will adapt to these lifestyle changes by reimagining how they can maximize the use of their indoor and outdoor spaces. This is blurring the scope of work for landscape architects and designers who are now being asked to discover how to achieve greater utility, functionality, and comfort for all of these spaces.
Now that homeowners have become accustomed to new living arrangements, they have new aspirations about how they expect to live. This is testing norms and leading to new trends that are expected to endure. are proving to endure, most families are currently in the early stages of adapting to them.
You’ll find that some of these trends have evolved from our 2021 predictions.
#1. Technology Integration for Utility and Safety
One of the driving 2022 trends is the concept of super apps that integrate multiple controls into one platform.
One of the most familiar examples is the Uber mobile app. You can locate a driver with it, track his or her location, and pay for the ride. Once you arrive home you can use it again to have dinner delivered to your door.
Look no further than Apple, Google, and other technology giants to add new integrations to their platforms so that they can become a dependable and possibly irreplaceable part of your lifestyle.
Traditionally, architectural landscape designers have considered the relationships between indoor and outdoor spaces. You can expect technology to make their job easier with indispensable apps for technology-minded families.
Thus, when choosing technology to make your home more liveable, investigate how it can integrate the utility and safety of your spaces. At present, the focus is on utility, simplifying people’s lives, but more time at home will have consumers asking for safer homes.
#2. Organically Designed Spaces
In many ways, this trend is a throwback to the California Style of outdoor living pioneered by renowned landscape architect Thomas Church. He is credited with bringing the garden tradition of outdoor rooms to the United States that worked especially well in the Mediterranean climate of California.
Imagine waking up in the morning and stepping outside to breathe in Nature’s freshness and aliveness. Now imagine going further to your gazebo where you will enjoy magical moments as the sun rises. This is one of the key principles of the California Style, the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Organically inspired structures such as arbors, pergolas, and gazebos, punctuate, transition, and facilitate the dance among people and Nature. This is why they are enjoying a resurgence with homeowners who may not have previously been aware of them or had the wherewithal to build them into their landscape.
Also leading the way with the inside-out trend are outdoor kitchens. It’s important to note that outdoor kitchens, dining, and living rooms complement rather than replace their indoor counterparts. Respecting this rule will make maximize the utility of all your home’s spaces.
#3. What’s Old Is New Again
Landscape designers predict a mix of traditional design elements, like natural stone and wood, reminiscent of Mid-century modern, used in more contemporary ways.
When deciding what type of materials to use for the deck or patio, you may have to make compromises. Natural materials like wood, stone, and clay bricks are more attractive, but they require more maintenance and won’t withstand harsh weather like composite, aluminum, and other brick pavers.
Natural stone and clay bricks are standard materials used for thousands of years. Using them for patios creates an elegant look. They can increase your home’s aesthetic appeal because, over time, their naturally worn patina becomes part of their charm.
Different types of wood have been used to make beautiful decks for many years. From redwood, cedar, and tropical hardwoods, you’ll get a natural, warm look. Some tropical woods are more expensive and harder to work with than others.
#4. Productive Spaces for Work
Since many students are now attending remote or virtual schools, space inside homes is becoming scarce. Many homes simply don’t have enough room to ensure each family member has a quiet space for work and study. Noise, distractions, and interruptions can make it hard to focus with multiple family members under the same roof all day.
There are several advantages to a backyard home office. One of the hardest things about working from home is often the lack of separation between home and work. Physically leaving the house helps many people get into a work mindset. And a separate space almost guarantees better focus and productivity.
Building codes, permits, and other legal requirements are important factors to consider before adding a permanent structure to your property. If you are capable, patient, and committed to building your own backyard office space, consider partnering with a local company that has the experience to help you manage the project.
#5. Refreshing Color Schemes
The creative use of color to express personal taste and style is alive and well. People are staying in their homes longer, so they’re opting for a look that’s refreshing to them and that doesn’t go out of style.
The use of color must consider light and how it changes throughout the day and seasons. Outdoor living and modern interior spaces provide opportunities for color palettes that remind us of Nature. Warm ochres, soft whites, and endless shades of green provide the perfect backdrop for a splash of hot or cool accent colors.
If your style leans toward contemporary, a monochromatic scheme of neutral whites, greys, and black may be more appropriate. The key is not to look at the colors but through them. How do they create interesting shadows and shapes as the light changes?
Proactive Landscaping: Helping Homeowners Enjoy Outdoor Living
Here at Proactive Landscaping, our top priority is creating living spaces that are right for you. Our team of dedicated professionals will work with you to help make the right decision for your personal needs. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your next outdoor living project.
