5 New Outdoor Design Trends to Try in 2023

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Space in the New Year

Looking to spice up your backyard? The new year gives you a chance to revitalize the outdoor elements of your home. The art of exterior design continues to evolve as new trends take the industry by storm. It’s the perfect time to start planning the perfect outdoor space. The weather will only get better from here, and you’re bound to spend more time outdoors in the months ahead.

So, what are designers recommending for the new year? Use these 2023 design tips to make sure your home is ready for the first day of spring.

Natural Materials

Spending time outside is about getting closer to nature, so choose materials that will transport you to your own private oasis. Wood, cork, limestone, and precious stones are all in style this year as more people move away from metal and plastic finishes. Build a stunning stone fireplace, oven, or outdoor kitchen as the centerpiece for the space. Decorate the area with potted plants, wood accents, and naturalistic lighting to complete the experience.

Recycled Sustainability

Cultivating items found naturally in the earth will help you set the scene for your guests, but you don’t have to buy everything brand new. Consider whether the items were sustainably sourced and look for vintage or used pieces of furniture to reduce your impact on the environment. It’s not just about saving the planet. Reclaimed wood, stone, and brick have a worn-down look that will add to the appeal of the space. Natural materials can easily be recycled once they have served their purpose. These structures are also made to last a lifetime, so you don’t have to keep replacing these items.

Safety and Accessibility

Everyone should be able to enjoy your space, so do your best to make it as welcoming and inviting as possible. Watch out for problem areas that could injure your guest, including loose stones, uneven surfaces, and exposed sharp edges. Add guard rails, spotlights, and traction padding to reduce the risk of slips and falls, especially if people may be drinking. Install a ramp to make the space wheelchair accessible if there are guests with mobility issues.

Comfort When Working from Home

We tend to associate outdoor spaces with hard, cold surfaces, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Prioritize comfort in your yard by adding plush cushions and ergonomically correct furniture to make the space more inhabitable. Add the proper lighting for when it gets dark and a fireplace to provide heat when the temperature drops. If you plan on working from home, set up a desk space that will make you want to work outside when the weather is nice.

Combining Outdoor/Indoor Spaces

The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is getting blurry. Many homeowners are starting to merge the two to create hybrid living spaces that provide access to the outdoors without exposing them to the elements. Awnings, pergolas, vestibules are becoming more popular as people look for more ways to spend time outside. A roof will provide protection from the rain and snow. Consider adding a transparent curtain to lock in the warmth of your fireplace. Glass dividers will also help appreciate nature even when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Use the design trends to make the most of your outdoor space this year. Complete the design with a stunning stone fireplace for BT Architectural Stone.

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Tips for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Fireplace

Choose the Right Materials and Setting for Your Outdoor Living Space

Nothing completes the exterior of your home like a soothing outdoor fireplace. You can turn a portion of your backyard into a comfortable living area that stays the perfect temperature year-round. Curl up with your loved ones or a glass of wine as you enjoy the sounds of the outdoors paired with the crackling of an authentic fireplace. Use these tips to make the most of your outdoor living space.

Choose a Setting

You will need to house your fireplace in a permanent outdoor structure to protect the flames from the wind. Consider building the fireplace in a stone wall or insert a fire pit in a stone entryway. The walls of the fireplace should insulate the flame from the elements to keep the fire lit. The pit should also have a three-foot surround to reduce the risk of flying sparks and smoke inhalation.

You can pair your fireplace with an outdoor kitchen, grill, or seating area. Add cover, such as pergola or awning, to shelter your living space from the rain and wind. Leave space for outdoor furniture and give yourself enough space to entertain guests. You may need to set up a barrier or adjust the position of the flame to keep it away from children and animals.

Depending on how you plan on using the space, you may want to add lighting to help your guests see in the dark, as the fireplace may not provide enough visibility. Install overhead lights to make the space more inhabitable for your guests. Create a lighted trail from your home to the fireplace if it is a short walk away to reduce the chances of someone tripping on your property.

Choose Your Materials

Outdoor fireplaces are often made with brick, natural stone, and concrete. The materials you choose will have a dramatic effect on the overall look and feel of the space. Consider matching your materials to those used in your home to make the outdoor area feel like a natural extension of the property. If your home is made with brick or concrete, a brick or concrete fireplace will blend right in.

But the most elegant outdoor fireplaces are made with rich natural stone, including limestone and marble. These materials come with organic tones and patterns that add luxury to any outdoor space. They are coated in a protective polish to preserve the stone’s natural qualities. If your home is a cut above the rest with limestone features and marble floors, bring the same aesthetic to the outdoors.

Regardless of what materials you use, they must be flame resistant especially when using a wood-burning fireplace. Use natural stone to create a fireplace limestone surround or marble surround. They are flame resistant and the patterns of the stone help reflect the light of the flames, creating a soothing experience for you and your guests.

What Type of Fireplace

Some homeowners love the smell and crackle of a natural wood burning fireplace, but you will need a steady supply of wood if you choose this option. Consider storing spare logs next to or near your outdoor stone fireplace to keep it within reach. Shelter the wood from the rain and separate the unused logs from the open flame to avoid starting a fire.

Gas fireplaces are much easier to operate and maintain. They come with fewer safety hazards and do not require wood. You simply press a button to turn the fire on or off, but gas-burning fireplaces lack some of the charm and nostalgia of wood-burning fireplaces.

Creating an outdoor stone fireplace is like adding another room to your home. You can relax under the stars as you spend time with the people you love. Use these tips to create a stunning addition to your home that will last the test of time.

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