Trends to Expand Your Outdoor Living Space

Our lawns are an extension of the interior of our home, but they often feel so disconnected from the rooms we use every day. If you're eager to get more use out of your lawn, you're not alone! More people want to get outside. It's just important to stop and build a space for yourself to do that!

These are the top trends that will expand your outdoor living space and why they matter!

1. Create a Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a key to creating one of the best outdoor entertainment spaces possible. Although you can always cook for yourself out there and make anything from ramen to a four-course meal, it's even better for entertaining!

An outdoor kitchen is the perfect opportunity to wow guests and be part of a party or event while also preparing some of the best food they'll ever try! You can serve drinks, fry food, or make a unique concoction of your own invention, all while getting fresh air and enjoying the outdoors.

2. Walkways That Can Handle Anything

Your walkway should be able to take anything that's thrown at them. Without a good walkway sealer, you'll deal with cracks and holes that will get larger and more troublesome over time. Not only will this make you pay to replace or repair them, but it can be dangerous for people who walk on these paths or use your walkways. Because of this it is good to know how to fill cracks in concrete.

Don't be afraid to add different paths if you need them! It's better to add a path directly to your mailbox than deal with grass getting worn down from being walked over.

3. Keep Allergens at an All Time Low

One of the biggest pushes for stopping outdoor allergens while also making your lawn look fantastic year-round and reducing the amount of work you have you do in your yard is adding artificial turf! This awesome material passes for real grass but won't wither from droughts or die in the cold.

The best part is this keeps weed and grass allergies at an all-time low, protecting you from having to stress about sneezing and coughing every time you go outside.

4. Consider A Retractable Awning

Awnings are awesome tools that give you a chance to protect yourself from the sun and heat so you can really enjoy the outdoors. Retractable awnings let you have all of that while folding back when you need it to, so you don't have to deal with it as a permanent fixture. 

These go in and out of style, but right now, they're one of the top things homeowners are going for in 2023.

5. A Comfortable Large Deck

A large deck is a great asset for any home! Not only will this add instant entertainment space to grill and have fun, but it also ensures you have an outdoor area you can walk out onto and enjoy fresh air in. 

Your deck should be sealed from any water or moisture, safe with a hog fence deck railing, and attractive with a stain that you like. Natural wood colors have been more popular in recent years, but pick something that speaks to you.

6. Adding An Awesome Pizza Oven

There's nothing better than a great pizza oven! A Gozney pizza oven is one of the most popular recent models and gives you a chance to watch your guests eye you with shock and excitement as you make their pizza hot, fresh, and delicious. This is the purchase of a lifetime and worth having in any backyard.

7. Add a Cozy Fire Pit to Gather Around

A fire pit is one of the best ways to add a gorgeous touch to any property and create an instant place to entertain and show guests the time of their lives. You can make this out of brick, stone, or metal and can even include seating around it to make it cozier. 

Make sure it's not under any trees and is far enough from your property line that you can ensure your neighbors' property isn't at risk if they forget to rake their leaves. 

8. Create a Space With Curb Appeal

Curb appeal matters! Although many don't get that, adding a path made of beautiful manufactured stone panels or creating a luscious flowerbed that wraps around your home can wow a lot of people. 

This also increases your home's value and can make buyers more eager to snatch up your property if they like it. Remember to add size and shape variance to the plants you pick so you can let people's eyes glide slowly over your home and admire it!

Don’t Fear Changing it Up!

Changing things and building a bigger outdoor space for yourself is a great idea! Not only does this make your home feel more welcoming to yourself and others, it ensures you'll get more fresh air and sunlight.

Richard Callahan is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on home improvement projects and construction. He lives in Tampa, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Richard’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource.