The Top 8 Trends in Outdoor Living to Follow.

"Staying in is the new going out." Can I just say that truer words have never been spoken? These days there's not much you can do indoors that you can't do outdoors. Over the last 12 years we've been operating we've seen more and more persons treating their outdoor space as an extension of the indoors. They're spending more time in their outdoor spaces relaxing, entertaining and even exercising!

Over the years we have noticed a growing interest in specific areas in the outdoor market in Jamaica some of which overlaps with movements in the North American landscape. If you want to create an outdoor space that is as stylish and comfortable (if not even more) than your indoor space, then these trends are a good place to start for some inspiration! After this reading this post, check out our blog on how to create the perfect outdoor space.

Here are our top 8 outdoor living trends to follow:

• Swapping Wood for These Alternatives Wood looks amazing- no doubt about it. But, as we said in our deck maintenance blog, inevitably over time, wood fades from sun exposure, rots, warps and splinters. Because of these issues, wood requires regular sanding, restaining and other forms of maintenance. And this maintenance cost adds up! How can you avoid all this, but still get the iconic wood look? Use composite or plastic lumbers! They can be used in the same way that you use wood: for your deck, pergola, and even cladding. With these, you can build it and forget it! We carry two brands of substitutes: Trex and Bedford Technologies. Both come with warranties over 20 years and come in a range of colours to mimic stained wood.

• Outdoor Kitchen

As far back as 2014, there has been a steady rise in the request for outdoor kitchens. What has changed is what these actually look like. This is no longer a stand-alone grill with a sink to wash up but fully appointed spaces with speciality appliances. These outdoor kitchens bring entertaining to another level because they eliminate the need to travel back and forth between the house and your backyard, there's less crowding and they let you show off your cooking skills! When making your outdoor kitchen, you should consider using weatherproof cabinetry like NatureKast. They come in a variety of styles, they're easy to clean and will last much longer than ordinary cabinets.

• Water features The sound of water in the backyard is most compelling as a necessity for the feeling of calm and the feeling of entering into a retreat. Water features are often the focal point that brings the backyard together, This feature is going nowhere as more homeowners place it among the top 5 features in their outdoor space. Whether a small fountain in a corner or a large dominant feature with huge boulders clients continue to make this feature a must-have.

• Mixed Materials Using more than one type of material in your outdoor space is a simple way to make it more appealing. The most common combination we see these days is of wood and metal in fencing, gates and outdoor furniture. There are other appealing combinations that are gaining popularity like stone and wood, cable and wood in railings, and bamboo with metal and wood.

• Swing Beds Now, this is just one of our favourite trends! While the hammock is here to stay nothing looks and feels better on a front porch or in the backyard like a swing bed. The swinging bed is the perfect combination of comfort, function and style. You can easily relax on your own or with friends in them. The swing bed is becoming a family favourite among those who own them and is slowly making its way into the outdoor dining area at restaurants.

• Industrial Look The sleek industrial look is taking its place in both commercial and residential outdoor spaces with its trademark muted tones and extensive use of metal. One of the ways we see people incorporating the industrial look is through their railings. More and more we see aluminium railings being used as they're durable, low maintenance and wear well. The Trex Signature railing epitomizes the industrial look and comes in a variety of styles. Another way to get the industrial look is by using standing seam roofing on your outdoor structures like gazebos.

• Vertical Gardens Vertical gardens or living walls are getting the attention of many. A living wall makes extra space available for the planting and display of some of your best ferns and bromeliads. Not only are they an easy way to add character to a plain outdoor space, but they help to clean the air and are also a good way to maximise space if you have a smaller outdoor area like an apartment balcony.

• Rooftop Garden Rooms

This trend is seen developing in both commercial and residential outdoor spaces. While offices are seeking a relaxed alternative space to engage both staff and clients alike, the unused space on the roof is now being considered for green space and to host office functions. Apartment dwellers with roof access are also making good use of these spaces. It is always a delight to see a pergola covered with a blooming trailing plant on the roof of an apartment building!