People spent a lot of time at home in 2020. That gave them plenty of time to realize that they could make better use of their outdoor space. Now it’s 2021, and they’re doing something about it. More than ever, homeowners are looking to utilize their outdoor space as an extension of their homes. Outside isn’t just for playing on the lawn or popping out to grill some burgers; it’s a place to relax and enjoy life.
With that in mind, certain trends in how people choose to redefine their outdoor spaces are starting to pop up. Here are five trends we’ve noticed for 2021 in Minnesota outdoor living.
Indoor/Outdoor Living Spaces
Just as open floor plans changed the feel of home interiors a few decades ago, creating that same sort of continuous feeling between your interior and your outside living space is a popular trend right now. Blending your outdoor décor with your indoor décor and creating a continuous indoor-outdoor living space not only makes your home feel larger and more open, but also adds functional square footage.
Large doors that can be left open create a natural transition from inside to out. Matching some of your interior and exterior décors, like adding tropical plants both inside and out, can also boost the effect.
Multi-Level Decks
Homeowners are also starting to get creative with their decks. Multi-level decks come with several perks. Besides looking great, multi-level decks add to your deck square footage and allow you to access it from more than one level of your home. You can even create specialized spaces for grilling or cooking, dining, relaxing, and games. So why settle for an ordinary deck when you can create an outdoor space with room for all of your favorite things?
Sunrooms
Another great way to expand your living space is with a sunroom or four season room. You can use that added space for anything from dining to an extra living room or reading nook. An abundance of natural light and an outdoor view makes it a great place to relax. Because it is enclosed, you can use it year-round and enjoy the feel of the outdoors even when the weather isn’t ideal. Sunrooms also add much-needed space for larger gatherings and add to the value of your home.
Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking outside has a lot of benefits. First, you won’t heat up the house by using the oven. You’ll get added space. And, you can cook and entertain outside without having to go in and out of your home. The new trend in outdoor kitchens goes way beyond just having a nice grill. These kitchens can be as fully functional as you want. Some homeowners include things like a refrigerator, a sink, a stove and oven, or even a special pizza oven. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard living space can take your entertaining to a whole new level.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Who doesn’t love sitting out by a fire underneath the stars on a nice cool night? Instead of small, portable fire pits, more and more homeowners opt to create a dedicated area for relaxing by the fire. These vary from permanent fire pits to fireplaces that can mimic the look and feel of an interior living room. Add some comfortable furniture and you have a unique outdoor space that’s perfect for lounging long into the night.
Love the Outdoors Again
You don’t have to take off for a mountain hike or buy a boat to spend quality time outdoors. Optimizing your backyard space to fit your hobbies and lifestyle is a great way to make spending time outside easy and enjoyable. The newest trends are blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces to effectively boost the area in your home you actually want to use regularly. From fireplaces to outdoor kitchens and sunrooms, taking your indoor enjoyment outside is what’s hot in 2021.
If you’re looking for ideas on how you can revitalize your outdoor living space, contact MN Contractor Pros for a free consultation. We’d be happy to help you turn your backyard into your favorite part of your home.