Decorating & Design
The Most Wanted Outdoor Features For Spring 2022
The last two years have put a renewed focus on the garden for homeowners. A survey commissioned by President’s Choice found that 79 per cent of Canadians view their outdoor space as a welcome at-home getaway. Gardens provide contact with the natural environment and opportunities for physical exercise, especially for kids. Spending time in the great outdoors is positively associated with enhanced wellbeing and contact with nature may “buffer” the psychological and physiological impact of stressful life events. With warmer weather on the horizon, we couldn’t help but round up some of our favorite outdoor features.
So, what are homeowners hankering for in their green spaces this spring? Scroll down to find out!
Pergolas
Think of it as a frame that lets the sun shine in. A pergola is an easy way to add structure and highlight an area of the garden, making it feel like a distinct room. It’s also great for supporting climbing vines. See more gorgeous garden structures here.
Fire Features
Whether it’s a smoky firepit at the cottage or a sleek gas-powered fire table in the city, dancing flames always draw people together and are one of the most popular garden additions.
Swings
Help kids embrace the simple pleasures of childhood with an old-fashioned swing. Nothing says spring or summer like swaying underneath the tree with an ice cream cone in hand.
Garden Studios
It has many names: outdoor office, homework hut, she shed, man cave — but this feature has become even more covetable lately as a spot to escape to polish off some work, in peace (and nature).
Privacy Screens
Spending time outside should be relaxing, even in the big city. Turn your condo balcony into a more private escape with a trellis that allows light through so plants can thrive.
Gazebos
A pretty addition to a garden, gazebos provide sought-after shade and create a sense of intimacy and occasion. Visit a website of lean to canopy company to see options that provide shade to your outdoor space.
Plunge Pools
For those homeowners who aren’t quite ready to commit to a full-sized pool, a petite plunge pool (or swim spa) is the answer. In a small yard, it’s just the right size for a quick dunk and looks just as dreamy as their larger counterparts.
Hammocks
This has to be one of the most inexpensive garden upgrades around and delivers a real payback for anyone who loves to read, or cuddle up with their kids and sway the afternoon away.
Outdoor Kitchens
Whether equipped with pizza ovens, smokers, beer taps, fridges or ice makers, having the appliances outside means less running around. In this outdoor entertaining space, the kitchen comes complete with limestone countertops, a bar fridge and BBQ.
Beautiful Containers
Containers can convey huge impact, whether they are used to frame a front door or add a hit of leafiness to a condo balcony or patio. You don’t need to get stuck with standard offerings, so think outside the box and go beyond terracotta, like this sweetly old-fashioned architectural version.
Umbrellas
Let it rain! A generous umbrella takes the heat off and shields diners from showers. It also gives dining spaces some restaurant patio flair, which many may be sorely missing.
Built-in BBQs
Barbecues are a backyard staple, but consider a built-in version for an architectural look that’s seamless and handsome. Time to fire up the grill!
Garden Bars
Set up a party atmosphere and bring the bar outside. Searches for garden bars have sky rocketed by 122 per cent. Aside from offering cheaper gratis drinks, reservations are never required.
Tents
Turn a backyard into a special occasion with a hotel-style tent. It’s cooling by a pool but also serves as an intimate space to dine under at night.
Pools
Some installers are seeing a 200 per cent bump in pool sales since 2019, and it’s not hard to see why. Homeowners who saved money on travel are investing in staycations and upping their backyard game with a pool that entertains kids and keeps them active. See more of our favorite pools here.
Outdoor Living Rooms
Kit out your garden with the same care as your indoor spaces. Adding accents like a throw, large coffee table styled with bowls of fruit, vases and a stack of books will lure you outside and make it even more lovely to spend time al fresco.
Petite Ponds
A burbling water feature is often used by landscape artists to muffle the sounds of the city. Create a rejuvenating, calming focal point by adding aquatic plants like water hyacinths for an intriguing, zen-like addition.
Outdoor Rugs
Make an outdoor room feel more finished with a space-defining outdoor rug underfoot. Those who caught Oprah’s famous outdoor interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have noticed the beautiful sisal rug on the patio and want to follow suit.
Pretty Balconies
Condo dwellers are making the most of their balconies. In this West Coast home, the owner turned a boring corner on her 100-square-foot balcony into a chic banquette space with a sectional instead of a bistro set. Worldly touches lend a global feel right in her own backyard.
Woven Furniture
Whether it’s classic wicker or a boho avocado chair, woven furniture is practical and beautiful. It allows for air flow and lets rain water pass through, too — and we love the comfort and breezy look.