One of the nation’s leading outdoor living design and installation companies, System Pavers, has promoted the value of outdoor living space since its founding in 1992. Primarily located in the western United States, the company recently conducted a nationwide survey to establish an Outdoor Living Trends Index. The company issued this statement: “To stay current with evolving expectations, attitudes, and behaviors about outdoor living, we will issue our Outdoor Living Trends Index quarterly throughout the year. We look forward to providing our industry peers with data and insights that can help to shape their forecasting and customer offerings in 2024.”
In the survey, four renovation options were presented to homeowners age 25 and older with an annual income of more than $100,000. Respondents received questions via text message or through the paid survey app, IQ mobile. Of the four renovation options presented, 34% of consumers chose outdoor space as their top priority. Kitchen renovations were second at 33%, bathrooms ranked third at 23% and living rooms were fourth at just 10%.
For questions targeted specifically at creating an outdoor living space, one-third of the survey participants listed adding a firepit as their top priority. Outdoor kitchen dreams were next at 22% while 20% indicated they would replace their outdoor concrete with pavers, and 19% expressed interest in adding a pergola.
Pittsburgh Homeowner
Trends Confirm the Desire
for Outdoor Living
In Pittsburgh, the trend toward adding multi-functional outdoor living spaces is alive and well. While pools and a backyard deck have long been a part of outdoor living, current trends stretch beyond these traditional staples. Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, crafting an outdoor living space most often includes fire pits or full-size fireplaces, cozy and comfortable lounge areas equipped with outdoor entertainment systems, and outdoor kitchens featuring much more than a barbeque grill.
“In the last three to five years, one of the most popular outdoor trends we’ve seen is outdoor kitchens along with numerous other outdoor amenities including enhanced swimming pools, fireplaces, arbors, and pergolas,” says Eric French, PCH, President of Eisler Landscapes, Inc.
Serving the Greater Pittsburgh area for nearly a century, Eisler Landscapes is a women-owned design-build landscape contractor providing both commercial and residential landscape construction services. Through the years, the company has noted several trends in the Pittsburgh area.
“Swimming pools were the big focus immediately after COVID,” recalls French. “A whole bunch of people built a whole bunch of pools!” While the swimming pool trend continues, it has become more elaborate incorporating rock waterfalls along with a variety of pool slides into the pool design. “Requests for inground hot tubs and plunge pools have also picked up,” says French. “We’re also seeing homeowners enhance and upgrade their pool decks using composite lumber for sustainability and integral lighting.”
The Lure of the Outdoor
Living Space
If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we all need to spend more time outside breathing in fresh air. To maximize space, homeowners are seeking ways to turn the backyard into an area as comfortable as the interior of their homes with the added bonus of fresh air. These intentional spaces typically include a place for lounging on comfortable yet weather-resistant oversized sofas, chairs, and daybeds. Entertainment centers are often incorporated into this space using smart technology which provides additional purposes like controlling irrigation and lighting.
Outdoor living spaces typically include elements of enclosure whether that’s by curtains, glass panels, potted plants, screens, or trellises. Outdoor curtains are particularly helpful additions for cabanas, patios, and pool houses. Look for water and mildew-resistant fabrics with UV-blocking capacity.
Most outdoor living spaces have overhead protection as well. Pergolas are a popular choice for homeowners desiring filtered light or partial shade. Slightly different than arbors which are typically attached to the home, pergolas are free-standing structures with lattice roofs. While they don’t completely block the sun, they allow air to circulate and offer a low-maintenance attractive addition to patios and yards. Retractable and convertible covers made from fabrics that withstand heat, rain, and sunlight provide a solution for keeping weather elements under control.
While having friends and family over for a barbecue is a longstanding tradition across the country, the current trend of outdoor kitchens provides an elevated entertainment experience. Today’s fully equipped outdoor kitchens include not only grills, but also pizza ovens, stove tops, refrigerators, and sinks. Storage areas are incorporated into the designs as well.
Fire pits and fireplaces serve as the focal point for many outdoor design projects with the promise of warmth on a chilly evening. An in-ground custom fire pit begins with digging a hole in the ground and then lining the pit with walls of stone that aid in blocking the wind. The straightforward design of these fire pits mimics an old-fashioned campfire making it a fun place for toasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Space permitting, classic fireplaces can be customized to your design tastes through the use of varying types and shapes of stone.
A methodology for designing landscapes and outdoor spaces, biophilic design is an often talked about trend for 2024. Emphasizing the connection between people and nature, biophilic design incorporates natural elements like stone, water features, and wood into the design of the outdoor living space.
The continued focus on outdoor living spaces isn’t limited to single-family homes. “Pittsburgh apartment complexes are requesting major pool rehabilitations and the addition of outdoor grilling areas, seating, heating, and rooftop amenities,” says French. “The trend has also spread to townhome and patio home communities. It’s no longer enough to have a swimming pool and a couple of umbrellas!”
One of the nation’s leading outdoor living design and installation companies, System Pavers, has promoted the value of outdoor living space since its founding in 1992. Primarily located in the western United States, the company recently conducted a nationwide survey to establish an Outdoor Living Trends Index. The company issued this statement: “To stay current with evolving expectations, attitudes, and behaviors about outdoor living, we will issue our Outdoor Living Trends Index quarterly throughout the year. We look forward to providing our industry peers with data and insights that can help to shape their forecasting and customer offerings in 2024.”
In the survey, four renovation options were presented to homeowners age 25 and older with an annual income of more than $100,000. Respondents received questions via text message or through the paid survey app, IQ mobile. Of the four renovation options presented, 34% of consumers chose outdoor space as their top priority. Kitchen renovations were second at 33%, bathrooms ranked third at 23% and living rooms were fourth at just 10%.
For questions targeted specifically at creating an outdoor living space, one-third of the survey participants listed adding a firepit as their top priority. Outdoor kitchen dreams were next at 22% while 20% indicated they would replace their outdoor concrete with pavers, and 19% expressed interest in adding a pergola.
Pittsburgh Homeowner
Trends Confirm the Desire
for Outdoor Living
In Pittsburgh, the trend toward adding multi-functional outdoor living spaces is alive and well. While pools and a backyard deck have long been a part of outdoor living, current trends stretch beyond these traditional staples. Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, crafting an outdoor living space most often includes fire pits or full-size fireplaces, cozy and comfortable lounge areas equipped with outdoor entertainment systems, and outdoor kitchens featuring much more than a barbeque grill.
“In the last three to five years, one of the most popular outdoor trends we’ve seen is outdoor kitchens along with numerous other outdoor amenities including enhanced swimming pools, fireplaces, arbors, and pergolas,” says Eric French, PCH, President of Eisler Landscapes, Inc.
Serving the Greater Pittsburgh area for nearly a century, Eisler Landscapes is a women-owned design-build landscape contractor providing both commercial and residential landscape construction services. Through the years, the company has noted several trends in the Pittsburgh area.
“Swimming pools were the big focus immediately after COVID,” recalls French. “A whole bunch of people built a whole bunch of pools!” While the swimming pool trend continues, it has become more elaborate incorporating rock waterfalls along with a variety of pool slides into the pool design. “Requests for inground hot tubs and plunge pools have also picked up,” says French. “We’re also seeing homeowners enhance and upgrade their pool decks using composite lumber for sustainability and integral lighting.”
The Lure of the Outdoor
Living Space
If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we all need to spend more time outside breathing in fresh air. To maximize space, homeowners are seeking ways to turn the backyard into an area as comfortable as the interior of their homes with the added bonus of fresh air. These intentional spaces typically include a place for lounging on comfortable yet weather-resistant oversized sofas, chairs, and daybeds. Entertainment centers are often incorporated into this space using smart technology which provides additional purposes like controlling irrigation and lighting.
Outdoor living spaces typically include elements of enclosure whether that’s by curtains, glass panels, potted plants, screens, or trellises. Outdoor curtains are particularly helpful additions for cabanas, patios, and pool houses. Look for water and mildew-resistant fabrics with UV-blocking capacity.
Most outdoor living spaces have overhead protection as well. Pergolas are a popular choice for homeowners desiring filtered light or partial shade. Slightly different than arbors which are typically attached to the home, pergolas are free-standing structures with lattice roofs. While they don’t completely block the sun, they allow air to circulate and offer a low-maintenance attractive addition to patios and yards. Retractable and convertible covers made from fabrics that withstand heat, rain, and sunlight provide a solution for keeping weather elements under control.
While having friends and family over for a barbecue is a longstanding tradition across the country, the current trend of outdoor kitchens provides an elevated entertainment experience. Today’s fully equipped outdoor kitchens include not only grills, but also pizza ovens, stove tops, refrigerators, and sinks. Storage areas are incorporated into the designs as well.
Fire pits and fireplaces serve as the focal point for many outdoor design projects with the promise of warmth on a chilly evening. An in-ground custom fire pit begins with digging a hole in the ground and then lining the pit with walls of stone that aid in blocking the wind. The straightforward design of these fire pits mimics an old-fashioned campfire making it a fun place for toasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Space permitting, classic fireplaces can be customized to your design tastes through the use of varying types and shapes of stone.
A methodology for designing landscapes and outdoor spaces, biophilic design is an often talked about trend for 2024. Emphasizing the connection between people and nature, biophilic design incorporates natural elements like stone, water features, and wood into the design of the outdoor living space.
The continued focus on outdoor living spaces isn’t limited to single-family homes. “Pittsburgh apartment complexes are requesting major pool rehabilitations and the addition of outdoor grilling areas, seating, heating, and rooftop amenities,” says French. “The trend has also spread to townhome and patio home communities. It’s no longer enough to have a swimming pool and a couple of umbrellas!”
Changes in Landscaping Trends and Traditions
Traditional landscaping practices of lush lawns and endless flowerbeds have somewhat dissipated. “While people are doing more with their outdoor spaces, they are doing less with their lawns,” explains French. “Those glorious gardens of yesteryear have kind of gone away.”
As homeowners become more eco-conscious, the focus has shifted to sustainable landscaping practices opting for environmentally friendly materials, native plants, and water-efficient irrigation systems. Concerning sustainability and native plants, more Pittsburgh homeowners are focusing on plants that are indigenous to the region. The benefits of native plants include their adaptation to the local climate and the need for less maintenance than non-native varieties. Native plants also provide a habitat for local wildlife.
Gardening hasn’t completely disappeared – at least for those with a gardening hobby. “We still see gardening enthusiasts that want to have that manicured yard with big, lush flower borders and hedges,” says French. “We’re seeing fewer ponds with waterfalls, too. If someone wants a waterfall, they typically prefer something with a switch they can turn on and off so that they don’t have to deal with keeping algae out.”
One trend the Eisler Landscapes team has seen lately is that of the at-home putting green. “I’m assuming people prefer to practice in private rather than to mess up in front of their golf buddies,” laughs French. “But I really think it’s about the move toward simplification. People may have money, but they don’t have time. An at-home putting green is accessible, you can practice your swing while your kids play in the pool then enjoy time in your outdoor living space as a family.”
What You Need to Know About the Price and Process of Building Your Outdoor Living Haven
For those considering a comprehensive outdoor living project, there are some things to consider. “What we’re seeing now is people are bundling all of their outdoor living space needs into one project,” explains French. “These things are not inexpensive and often range from $30,000 to over a million depending on the expansiveness of the project and, of course, the homeowner’s budget.”
Time is also a factor to consider for homeowners embarking on a major outside design project. “A big outdoor project package can take three or four months to complete,” says French. “Most of the work needs to be done in the warmer months, so homeowners can expect to commit to losing the better part of their summer while the work is underway.” While far less intrusive than a kitchen or bathroom renovation, there is a degree of inconvenience.
Affordable Options for Outdoor Living Space Improvements
Bundling a comprehensive outdoor renovation project is understandably not feasible for every budget. For homeowners who prefer easing into the creation of an outdoor living space, there are several smaller affordable options to consider. These minor changes add value to the home and provide a few new amenities.
First on the list is the fire pit previously mentioned. Fire pits are an affordable backyard add-on that can significantly expand the way friends and family enjoy your yard. Whether you choose to build a custom in-ground fire pit or purchase a propane-style fire pit, the addition to your outdoor space adds an element of comfort – especially on a chilly evening.
The installation of outdoor lighting is another budget-friendly option for enhancement to your outdoors. The night illumination of your outdoor space increases security while adding a touch of ambiance after sunset.
Adding a stone pathway through your lawn or paving a stone entryway is another simple upgrade that adds significant curb appeal to your home while providing your family with an eye-catching welcome home.
Focusing on the trend of simplifying, when it comes to landscaping, some homeowners are keeping things simple by replacing grass with artificial turf. “A big trend we’re seeing with smaller properties is the homeowner taking the grass out altogether,” shares French. “Artificial turf is becoming popular, especially for dog owners with small yards.” Unlike natural grass, artificial turf does not require regular watering, mowing, trimming, or pesticide treatments. This means less hassle and expense for pet owners and a cleaner environment for pets. These synthetic lawns also help save homeowners money by decreasing the water bill and eliminating the need for lawn equipment.
The Landscaping Company’s Role in Creating Outdoor Living Space
Traditionally, landscapers were regarded as the professionals needed to maintain the beauty of gardens, parks, and private residential lawns. Today’s landscaping companies no longer focus exclusively on creating greenspaces. Services are comprehensive, including design and construction for an extensive list of tasks that support the current trends, especially when it comes to creating customized outdoor living spaces. Landscaping is still an important element in the design process for your outdoor space, but hardscaping takes your outdoor space to a new level.
Many of Pittsburgh’s landscape companies have highly skilled landscape architects and design teams that provide a customized approach to building your desired outdoor living space. Projects begin with a conversation to discuss your ideas and what goals you’d like to accomplish with your outdoor living area. The designer will ask you about the architectural details of your home, your lifestyle and entertainment preferences, how much maintenance you are willing to perform, and your budget. All of these factors are taken into consideration to create the design that works best for you.
- Utilizing a blend of landscaping and hardscaping, local landscape architects and design teams offer numerous services including the following:
- Custom water features
- Greenhouse design and construction
- Landscape lighting
- Ornamental plantings
- Outdoor bars and islands
- Outdoor entertainment systems
- Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
- Paver Patios and Walkways
- Play areas and equipment
- Seating walls
- Sport areas and courts
- Swimming pool deck installation
- Wooden structures such as arbors, covered patio roofs, gazebos and pergolas
Well-designed outdoor living installations not only increase the value of your home, they also provide an oasis for your family and friends. Perhaps that’s the reason so many Pittsburgh residents are embracing the benefits of outdoor living. NH