With the beautiful springtime moving in, more and more people are getting outside. Whether for work or play, maximizing your yard for functional use is one of the top outdoor living trends for 2018. In fact, Architect Magazine has found that outdoor living spaces have become the most popular “special function rooms” for the past six years. So how can you make your outdoor living space more comfortable, stylish, and functional? Here are some simple ways to maximize your yard.

Bring the Indoors Outside

Your yard should be an extension of your home and everything you have inside, can be used outside, too! More and more people are adding outdoor kitchens, televisions, and lounging areas to their patios and yards. Hang solar lamps, add colorful cushions, and activities like card games, chess and other things to do while enjoying time outside.

1) Smooth Transition

A smooth transition from inside to outdoors helps eliminates steps and obstacles and makes the outdoors inviting for guests and family members. Continue the inside color palette outside, or play around with new patterns and colors with decorative rugs and pillows. Think about adding a custom patio cover to expand your livable space regardless of the weather. Let your outside space offer the same comforts as your inside space does.

2) Edible Gardens

Planting edible gardens is a top trend for 2018 and a perfect way to maximize your yard space. You don’t have to have a huge area to start growing your own foods, either. Many people create container gardens or build a simple window box or a raised bed to grow herbs, greens, and other edibles. Gardening for the table can become a family project and it is fun to eat the foods you grow!

3) Create Zones

Regardless of your yard size, work at creating different and unique zones to create depth and personality. Have a barbeque area with a grill and relaxed seating in one area and perhaps in a shady spot, add a bench or seating for reading with a water fountain and windchimes. Make sure to have space for entertaining, or an area for the kids to play, if you have any. Creating zones is sure to help you enjoy your outdoor area more often and throughout the entire year.

4) Comfortable and Practical Seating

Without comfortable and practical seating, no one will want to spend time outdoors. It is hard to relax when you only have a hard, wooden seat to sit in, or a moldy pool chair that is six years old. More and more companies are making quality outdoor furniture these days that will withstand the weather and last longer. If you have a roofed patio, the addition of a couch and coffee table makes your outside space just as warm and welcoming as inside.

5) Outdoor Kitchen

With all the time spent relaxing and entertaining outside, an outdoor kitchen is a must! Not only does it add convenience to your life, but it also helps keep the house cool in the summer months, but it keeps the smells outside, too. An outdoor kitchen also makes a great place to entertain without being too crowded, or having to make constant back-and-forth trips inside the house to get items. Most outdoor kitchens have a grill, refrigerator, storage and other items necessary for seamless entertaining and cooking.

Outdoor Living Trends to Maximize

Not only does bringing the inside outdoors create a relaxing environment for your family and friends, but it also adds usable living space and boosts home values for future sales. With outdoor living trends like comfortable seating, an edible garden, and new zones to explore–you might find yourself more outside than ever!

To learn how you can bring maximize your yard with these top trends, Contact Us.