Outdoor Living Space Trends for 2021

It is hard to believe it, but yes, the warmer weather is finally here to stay for a while in Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA. With the warmer weather, it opens up the opportunity to utilize your outdoor space more regularly. With Covid-19, people are spending more time at home, and this summer, more than ever, people are embracing their outdoors and making an outdoor living space that gives them another area of their home to enjoy. What are some of the outdoor living space trends for 2021?

Top Outdoor Living Space Trends for 2021

While things are slightly starting to get back to normal in 2021, it is expected that people will continue to embrace more of an “at home” lifestyle and work to improve and utilize their outdoor living space more than they have in the past. NKBA is a trade association that looks at living spaces, both outdoors and indoors, and tracks the trends. They are seeing a 65% increase in overall outdoor living space projects in 2021. What are the top outdoor living space trends?

Creating Additional Rooms:

Outdoor kitchens are still in high demand. Outdoor kitchens, not surprisingly, are the top outdoor living space project planned in 2021, with 76% of those surveyed, by NKBA, planning to add or improve their outdoor kitchen space.

Landscape design experts are also seeing a growing interest in expansive outdoor spaces that create multiple open-air “rooms,” each with different functionality. These outdoor living space trends include renovations like decks and outdoor living rooms.

Year-Round Gathering Place:

Having an additional year-round gathering space is a growing outdoor living space trend for 2021. The style of outdoor living spaces is moving away from rustic recreational and more towards décor that recreates the inviting feel of an indoor room.

Some of the most requested features for improved outdoor living spaces include: additional and comfortable seating, fireplaces and firepits and fire tables, entertainment spaces (TV mounts and game tables), and additional weather protection to allow for the space to be used longer throughout the year. 

Increased Privacy:

Privacy is an increasing outdoor living space trend for 2021. With Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA homeowners spending more time at home now than in the past, they are looking to create an extra level of privacy.

This trend is leading people to move away from front porch gathering spots and create their outdoor living space in a more sheltered area such as a side yard or in the back of the home. Covered patios are becoming trendier due to the extra layer of privacy they provide.

Connectivity:

With the increase of remote working and schooling, the ability to be online and to stay connected while using your outdoor living space is essential and a key outdoor living space trend in 2021.

High-tech outdoor Internet or WiFi systems are trending, as are necessities like USB ports and electrical outlets.

Embracing Pergolas:

Another outdoor living space trend for 2021 is homeowners embracing and adding pergolas to their space. Pergolas create the ultimate outdoor “wow” factor and help to set the stage for creative entertaining. Pergolas help to add shade to the outdoor living space and give the space a feeling of being one of its own.

A pergola is a relatively quick and affordable solution, and can often be built or installed rather fast. The perfect pergola can make even a small area seem spacious and inviting.

In Conclusion

In 2021, more homeowners are looking to expand their living space by adding additional outdoor living space. While we have reviewed some of the outdoor living space trends for 2021, who knows what the warmer months will bring us and what new trends may pop up.

At Litehouse Pools & Spas, we inspire to create an outdoor living space that is beautiful, inviting, and comfortable. Do you want a romantic hot spot or a friendly gathering place? We bring you the most creative designs. We are passionate about designs, quality, service, and proving the best value to our customers.

Contact us today to get started on or enhance your outdoor living space.