Looking to update your yard? Here are the trends to watch...
FROM firepits to outdoor kitchens and succulents... these are some of the backyard trends to look out for in 2018.
FORGET cookie-cutter homes and minimalisic backyards. If you’re thinking about selling in 2018, adding texture to your design will help keep you on trend with market demand.
According to Matt Leacy, founder and creative director of Landart Landscapes, 2018 will see a much bolder approach to outdoor living with texture, firepits, outdoor rooms and strip lighting the new must haves.
“Texture in flooring is definitely coming back into vogue — and I see this becoming more popular in 2018,” Mr Leacy says.
“For a while now, we’ve been in a bit of a minimalist period. And while I think that many consumers will continue to choose minimalist flooring, plenty of others will head to the other end of the spectrum and go very textural.
“We expect to see different stones being used for flagging and cobbles to break up large areas.
“We’ll also see consumers continue to shift away from large format clean line finishes towards textured smaller tiles.”
Mr Leacy said timber would also be popular in 2018 and remain a turn-to.
“It can fit into any design aesthetic and can be left to weather and silver or kept vibrant and fresh depending on taste and available time for maintenance,” he said.
“We’ll also start to see more raw and finished concrete being used both in and out of the pool, on seating, barbecues and general flooring.”
FLAMING APPROACH TO OUTDOOR LIVING
Besides a shift in flooring trends, Mr Leacy said firepits would become the norm in most Aussie backyards.
“Over the past year, we’ve really seen consumer demand for firepits reach an all-time high,” he said.
“I think 2018 will see firepits reach their peak popularity as more and more people recognise them as the norm and also realise the range on the market at different price points.
“You’ve got built-in firepits which can also function as coffee-tables or you’ve got more basic iron and steel bowls.”
“I also think firepits will be a trend that sticks around; they can be super stylish and multifunctional — and they’re a great way to generate outdoor heat, light and ambience, while saving on electricity. They basically keep you out in the garden chatting with friends and family instead of retreating indoors.”
BRINGING INDOOR COMFORTS OUTDOORS
Another trend to watch out for is the continued rise of outdoor rooms.
“The whole idea of creating outdoor rooms that mirror the functionality of traditional indoor spaces will continue to pick up steam in 2018,” Mr leacy said..
“Outdoor kitchens, daybeds, outdoor showers, sunken lounges, comfy outdoor furniture — they’ve all become an expectation rather than a luxury in many of the markets we’re working in.
“As more and more consumers see outdoor rooms on the market, they will likely become the perceived norm and the real estate market will have to respond to meet buyer demand.
“We’ll likely see more vendors installing outdoor room elements pre-sale to maximise sale price and also property developers installing them at the build stage.”
PRETTY IN GREENERY
Interesting succulents and cactus plants will continue to be popular both indoors and outdoors,” according to Mr Leacy.
“The architectural structure they can provide to any garden is impressive,” he said.
“Some of the larger varieties like Agave Americana and blue cactus are becoming really difficult to find in nurseries, so getting the signature piece for the garden can be a challenge.
“As such, if you’re planning to renovate or sell in 2018, it will be smart to plan the garden really early on so that you can grow or take the time to find what you need.”
Mr Leacy predicted some old `classics’ would make a comeback this year.
“Cloud and sphere pruned plants are a favourite of mine. They have been around for centuries, and we have been using them for many years and can see them growing in popularity. They go well in most styles of gardens we do,” he said.
SAY GOODBYE TO...
To make room for the new, homeowners first need to get rid of the old.
“What we should say goodbye to in 2018 is metal imitating timber,” Mr Leacy said.
“The main offenders are front boundary fences where metal slats or pickets are used.
“Metal is metal and timber is timber; it never works when you try to pass one off as the other.”
Originally published as Looking to update your yard? Here are the trends to watch...