When the pandemic restricted us from going outdoors, Americans are creative enough to bring the outdoor inside their house. Many homeowners suddenly embarked on a home improvement project, and revamping their outdoor space is one of the most popular renovations done during the past year.
In a 2021 Outdoor Living Report by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, at least 82% of American homeowners said they are now more interested in updating their outdoor living spaces than before the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Based on the data gathered from over 2,000 adult participants, the survey shows that the quarantine and lockdown restrictions converted their outdoor space into a living area with frequent traffic.
According to the principal of the Palm Beach-based landscape design firm Fernando Wong, outdoor spaces have now become more important to people since public places have not been accessible to people during the past months.
The survey also found some of the essential outdoor components that homeowners would like to have in their house. At least 53% of the respondents said that outdoor heating is very important, 69% said they would prefer to have an outdoor firepit, 42% cited the importance of having an outdoor bar, while 83% or a majority of the homeowners would simply love to have an outdoor seating where the family could lounge all day.
Below are some of the outdoor living trend to follow this 2021
Outdoor Kitchen
The said survey also shows that 65% of homeowners ages 35 to 44 agree that an outdoor kitchen is a must if they were to design an outdoor space.
"An outdoor kitchen is now very important, a good way to socialize and get together," Wong said.
Meanwhile, Florida-based architect, builder, and interior designer Phil Kean said the pandemic made outdoor kitchens a necessity at home, rather than just an added element that could be upgraded later on.
"In this new landscape, people are committing larger budgets for a comprehensive outdoor experience that caters to cooking, entertaining and everyday living," Kean explained.
A full outdoor kitchen could include anything that you have in an indoor kitchen, such as cabinetries, fridges, cooktops, weatherproof water lines, and even sophisticated lightings, which will be highlighted at night.
But when the budget and space would not allow a full outdoor kitchen, even a small grill with storage and shelving would be enough to make this outdoor dream come true.
Outdoor Gathering Area
Since large gatherings are discouraged, having your own outdoor gathering space enough for the whole family is also a growing trend. The most requested outdoor gathering feature include seating, fireplace, and firepit.
Outdoor Home Office
Since the pandemic forced most of us to work-from-home, many homeowners are also looking into working outdoors. Instead of creating a makeshift office in the bedroom, living room, or kitchen, homeowners build an outdoor home office or a work station with direct access to the yard or patio.
One key factor of wanting an outdoor workstation is the access to natural light, which has proven to boost one's mood and increase productivity.
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