Shifts in the business of outdoor living, including the latest design trends and consumer preferences, continue to evolve and find balance in a post-pandemic landscape. Deckorators®, a leading provider of outdoor living solutions, explores this and other emerging ideas in the summer edition of its Outdoor Living Report, curated in collaboration with insights from leading deck, dock, and interior design professionals.
The report, which leverages insights from leading outdoor living influencers, explores trends in homeowner engagement, the rise of health and wellness features, decking innovation including retractable decks, and increasing interest in front porch design that prioritizes comfort and sociability in addition to curb appeal.
“As the outdoor living industry adjusts to a new normal, we’re finding that homeowners have taken a more active role in contractor selection as well as their participation in the creative process to build outdoor living spaces that are extensions of the interior of their home and reflect their personal design aesthetic,” says Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators® Category Marketing Manager.
“The homeowner mindset has shifted,” says Hendricks. “A new emphasis is being put on finding the right products through carefully considered research. This includes more intentional design solutions and more in-depth dialogue about how outdoor accessories function and work with a family’s lifestyle.”
Trend highlights from the Summer Edition of the Outdoor Living Report include:
1. The Homeowner’s Mindset: Homeowners are engaging in much more product and builder research, carefully contemplating their decisions and being far more intentional about their design ideas and inspiration.
2. The Business of Outdoors: Homeowners are taking the time to do more of their own product research, seeking out multiple builder quotes and focusing on getting things done right the first time.
3. Outdoor Wellness: Homeowners have demonstrated a growing interest in activating health and wellness in the outdoor living space, incorporating features like hot tubs, saunas, and plunge pools.
4. Architectural Features: Composite decking can be transformed into design elements that offer an ideal way to integrate lighting, greenery, and decor.
5. Color Blocking with Decking: Color blocking with unique color combinations creates a stark contrast that can add depth, definition, and a touch of personality to the deck space.
6. Retractable Decks: Homeowners can add an entirely new outdoor living zone with furniture, decor, and more—all integrated with an in-ground pool.
7. Front Porch Design: In today’s digital world, the opportunity to create a sense of community and connection in-person is priceless. Front porches are becoming social hubs again—and people are looking to create comfortable, inviting spaces that encourage neighbors to socialize.
Download the full Deckorators® 2024 Outdoor Living Report.
