You never know what the future can bring, but that doesn’t mean that you have to venture forward completely oblivious. Trends change, that’s for sure, and it’s virtually impossible to predict what will be popular the following season, but there are some general guidelines we can follow which will help us stay on track. From statement plants to fairy lights, we give you a brief list of the hottest outdoor design trends for 2022.

Focus on porches

For years now, the focus has been on your backyard where you grew your plants, let your children play, and installed decks. For those who like changes, 2022 brings exciting new trends: it looks like front yards are getting decked out as well. You will be free to give your front porch more love by adding composite decking. If you include half a dozen of beautifully decorated flower pots and a small bistro set, you will be able to create a comfortable addition to your home, which will be visible to anyone passing by.  

Comfortable seating

While indoor seating areas seem to be getting more elegant and luxurious by the season, with outdoor seating, the focus has always been more on functionality than on design. Well, in 2022, we will see some changes for the better, as outdoor seating becomes more modern and stylish without losing any of its functionality or comfort. The pieces should still be portable and multifunctional as you will have to move them around much more than you do the indoor furniture. For those who don’t have enough space, the best solution is to pick folding chairs and tables which can be set up and moved easily when needed.

Statement plants

People love planting and watching the plants grow with their help, but having a garden full of small plants means that you will have to spend a lot of time outside, plucking, weeding, composting and making sure your plants are healthy. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands for gardening, you will love the new trend: statement plants. Sundance (Mexican orange blossom) and ornamental onions will look striking and wonderful in your garden, and you can remove any plants you don’t like or want anymore. If you have old trees which give you headaches and backaches every fall, call professional tree removal services and get a ‘blank slate’ you can decorate any way you like.

Adopted indoor trends

These past several seasons, interior design has been focused on bringing together trends which no one thought about combining: rustic with modern, luxurious with industrial, vintage and contemporary… Next year, this trend will leave our homes and spread to our gardens too and you will find yourself balancing the old and the new. Don’t wave off your distressed flooring just yet – add sleek metallic hardware instead or even granite countertops and you will transform your outdated yard into a modern one with ease.

Soft lights

Spending time sitting in the pitch dark outside might not seem like a good idea, but if you add some soft lights, you will set the mood and create a wonderful space you will enjoy. You can make it simple and install several solar post caps to your deck, but solar lights aren’t the only available option. If you don’t want to replace the lights every now and then, you can always pick rechargeable lights which will allow you to save a bit of money, but if you want to create a fairy tale-ish environment, feel free to choose fairy lights. If you’re looking to set the mood for a romantic night, you can always light several candles in mason jars (just make sure you put them out before you go to sleep).

Outdoor spaces are becoming more similar to indoor ones with each new season. Homeowners and designers have seen the potential these spaces have to offer and people are focusing on creating comfortable, interesting, and stylish spaces which serve as an extension of their homes. Modern ideas and new trends bring innovations which allow you to add a more personal touch to your outdoor area, and you will be able to create a space which will make you both happy and proud.

 Guest Contributor: Diana Smith