CALL OF NATURE
Seven outdoor living trends shaping the future of luxury design
The desire to spend time in the outdoors has been part of the human spirit since the beginning of time . Nature not only has the power to make us feel better emotionally , but it also contributes to our physical well-being . But what if we could spend more time outside , living with all the same comforts that we enjoy inside ? It ’ s the dream of many luxury homeowners today .
The backyard — long an afterthought in architectural design — is basking in the spotlight . According to a national survey of more than 500 residential-architecture fi rms in the fi rst quarter of 2016 , the American Institute of Architects found that 69 % of fi rms saw increased demand for outdoor living space — the second-highest response since the question was fi rst asked in 2005 . Industry analysts even predicted that the market would top $ 5.7 billion in 2016 . Decks and patios are getting bigger . Pools with waterfalls and air-conditioned cabanas rival those found at fi ve-star resorts . Outdoor kitchens are hot . Homeowners are adding not one , but two outdoor rooms — one covered and one uncovered . All across Florida , high-end homeowners are incorporating elements like motorized screens and fl at-screen TVs — previously relegated to the indoors — to maximize enjoyment of their outdoor spaces today . No doubt , builders , architects and outdoor living designers are leading the charge across the Sunshine State , where demand for posh outdoor playgrounds has increased tenfold .
“ There was a time when Realtors ® couldn ’ t sell a fl oor plan without a master tub — it was considered a must-have in a home ,” remembers Tony Weremeichik , principal of Orlando-based architectural design studio Canin Associates . “ Homeowners are sold that dream , whatever it is , and then they are willing to pay the price for that dream . It ’ s the same with outdoor spaces today . Homeowners are saying , ‘ My dream is to entertain outdoors .’ And so now , we are seeing this proliferation of outdoor living rooms and kitchens — sometimes over the top . The outdoor living space has become the modern-day master tub .” the enhanced backyard will usually have the edge , says Weremeichik . This is especially true in Florida , according to Kevin Keene , president of Boca Raton-based Outdoor Living : “ People want to take advantage of the very reason why they ’ re living in Florida — otherwise , they would live in Michigan .”
As a result , outdoor design in Florida has become much more sophisticated and customized , requiring thoughtful planning from experienced design professionals . Notes Weremeichik : “ You ’ ll see a lot of architects and designers focusing on the interior fl oor plan but who do not give the outdoor spaces much thought , if at all . It ’ s a lost opportunity . You really need to design an outdoor living space as bonus square footage and an extension of the house .”
In terms of resale value , there is an upside to having a professionally designed outdoor space . When comparing two homes with similar features — view , square footage and bed / bath count — the house with
With that in mind , we asked Keene and Weremeichik to help us identify the most exciting trends making a splash in the outdoor living world this year .
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