Call it an unintended consequence, but the COVID-19 global pandemic helped to create one of the biggest home improvement categories ever – backyard living space.

An article in Forbes Magazine “Outdoor Living Space: 2021 Trends” revealed that in 2021 American homeowners wanted to make the most of every inch of their yards. A report from Fixr.com showed that 85% of home industry experts agreed that homeowners were more willing to invest in outdoor living spaces than before the pandemic. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/reginacole/2021/05/27/outdoor-living-space-2021-trends/)

Top Two Most Popular Outdoor Living Trends

#1. Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Space: One of the biggest trends that continues to gain interest among homeowners is an outdoor kitchen and dining area. These spaces can be easily customized and made to look like they belong indoors — that is, until you look closer and realize that everything is designed to stand up to the elements. Some outdoor living spaces feature long, full tables similar to what you would see in a dining room, others make use of bar areas, and still others resemble kitchen islands. Many realtors say an outdoor kitchen can significantly raise the value of your home as well as help sell your home faster.

#2. Fire Pits, Fireplaces and Seating Areas: COVID-19 brought about the term “social distancing.” To adhere to social distancing mandates and still maintain physical contact with family and friends came the trend of backyard/patio seating areas complemented by fireplaces and fire pits. This outdoor improvement is a great focal point throughout the whole year.

RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer says a popular trend she’s seeing these days is a seamless flow from indoor to outdoors spaces.

How do you get it this effect? Estelia recommends selecting the right flooring or decking material. By using the same tile in your living room and outdoor patio area, you are essentially creating an outdoor living room. Sliding glass doors make it easy to divide the rooms without disrupting the design.

Advantages to enhancing your outdoor space

• More opportunities for relaxation and exercise. Pastimes such as gardening, walking and enjoying nature have gained an increased value for many during a time when sporting events, community fairs and other large gatherings have been reduced, postponed or cancelled.
• Improving wellness, reducing stress and improving mood. Outdoor living improves the good feeling people get when they are connected to nature.
• Resale value for home owners. Investing in outdoor amenities not only adds to personal enjoyment, but are desirable features that often increase home value, too.
• Attracting and retaining renters. Ample outdoor space is likely to be a key attraction for multifamily properties, possibly even more so than using the space to build larger units.

Bottom Line: Now is a good time to take your backyard to the next level. Although outdoor home improvement trends can cost time and money, there are many easy ways to design your personal outdoor space to increase your health, happiness, relaxation and recreation.

Related Articles:
44 Great Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Top 60 Best Cool Backyard Ideas – Outdoor Retreat Designs

St. Petersburg Communities

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one of them and are thinking of selling, call Estelia today!

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla Del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle