Backyards
Outdoor Living Trends Report Summer 2024
Allen + Roth Myrtle Grove FURNITURE, Rona
Backyards
Outdoor Living Trends Report Summer 2024
Hello, sunshine! Who’s ready to get outside?
Whether it’s inviting the whole gang over for a pool party, peacefully tending your heirloom tomatoes, or just catching some rays on the balcony, here are the trends that will refresh your outdoor living space this year.
Nature's Way
- There’s an increased interest in connecting with nature, even if only in small ways. Creating a sanctuary for relaxing with friends and family, where comfort and relaxation are the rule, is paramount.
- In fabrics, there’s a strong trend toward natural textures and fibres, matte finishes and artisanal touches, like handmade pottery. Õ Neutral, nature-inspired colours – including earth tones, sand, reddish brown, charcoal, terracotta and muted green – create a soothing back-to-nature mood in fabrics and accessories.
- There’s a new awareness of the importance of well-kept landscaping and attractive lighting to increase curb appeal, which gives a big return for a relatively small investment.
“Egg chairs are not going away any time soon! We continue to see Canadians reaching for the relaxing seat in their outdoor design choices.” – Amy Jodoin, Seasonal Merchandise Manager, Home Hardware Stores Limited
Bellamy round WICKER CHAIR, Walmart
Resort Town
- In suburban backyards, we want to emulate the amenities of a five-star resort, with multiple defined seating areas or “rooms,” spa and pampering amenities, and pool-house cabanas.
- In a smaller space, the backyard “resort” might take the form of potted palms, comfortable seating, summery printed pillows, beach umbrellas and other travel-inspired touches that remind us of favourite vacay spots.
- Even the tiniest space can be trans- formed into a stylish pied-à-terre, with the addition of a scaled-down bistro set, colourful planters and a patterned rug.A coastal look – with colour themes like blue and white, or ivory and teal, paired with sophisticated dark grey and black – is one way to turn a landlocked backyard into a seaside getaway. Slatted folding chairs, cushions with nautical-themed prints, and seaside accessories like shells or grasses help to set the mood.
“Not only does exterior decor provide an excellent way to relax and enjoy nature, but it expands your home’s usable area, creating a fashionable environment in which to entertain family and friends.” – Lydia Thammavong, Head Designer, Styles & Trends, Rona
Modern Life
Venice Collection FURNITURE, Talenti
- We’re savvier spenders than we were a few years ago; practical elements like outdoor lighting and furnishings are chosen with an eye for style, comfort and economy.
- Clean, modern lines and a minimalist palette work to create a calm, modern Zen-like oasis.
- New indoor/outdoor surfacing materials that flow from inside to out, and designing the garden in the style of the house, blurs the line between indoors and the garden.
Pablo Designs Bola TABLE LAMP, Simons, $675
Sustainable
Zenhit FURNITURE, Royal Botania
- Outdoor furniture made from materials like recycled aluminum and even recycled milk jugs, along with solar-powered lights, are simple, effective ways to go greener in the garden.
- We are more aware of our impact on the environment, and we want to create outdoor spaces that minimize and reduce our carbon footprint.
- Native plantings, pollinator gardens, xeriscaping and rain- water capture are all major trends in gardening that work with nature rather than against her.
- Vegetable gardens for adding healthy homegrown produce to our tables continues to be a huge trend, even for city slickers.
“As more homeowners recognize the positive impact of the great outdoors on their overall health, wellness and enjoyment, the value of outdoor living spaces will continue to rise.” – Leslie Adkins, VP of Marketing and ESG Development, Trex
Caya Verbena Pink Dining Armchair, Article, $239
Instyle SOLAR STAKE LIGHT, Home Hardware, $37
Destination Garden
Venice Collection FURNITURE, Talenti
- We see our outdoor spaces as personal retreats. Whether sleek and sophisticated, made for entertaining and relaxing, or quirky and fun, these are places to escape to without leaving home.
- Cottagecore is trending as a look (and vibe) that translates charmingly to a small garden. Crocheted cushions, Muskoka chairs, cottagey vintage pieces and mismatched tableware present a relaxed, romantic setting for an unpretentious retreat.
- Creating a room within an outdoor room is so popular right now. Consider turning a corner of the yard into a reading nook, yoga studio or meditation space by adding comfortable seating, a privacy screen or lattice, pillows, and some large-scale and lush flowering plants.
“People are seeking to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living with a harmonious and cohesive design that brings the beauty and nature of the outdoors inside, and the comfort of the indoors outside.” – Maria Garofalo, Senior Director, Seasonal, Outdoor Living, Stationery & Craft, Walmart
Bazik Natural Tones Throw, Rona, $30
Cielo fluted DINING TABLE, Somos
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