Trex shares outdoor living forecast
Wood-alternative decking and railing giant Trex Company gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile its annual list of top trends that will dominate the outdoor living landscape in 2015.
Included in the list of trends are the following highlights:
• Designing outside the box: Gone are the days of simple squared-off decks and basic slab patios. Regardless of the size of the yard – or budget – homeowners no longer feel confined to a basic square space. Remodelers and architects report increased interest from customers in decks with multiple levels, curves, cantilevers, pergolas and even walls to create three-dimensional interest and define different functional areas.
“Today’s homeowners are coming into the deck planning and building process more informed than ever before,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “Inspired by neighbors, home improvement shows and social media channels like Pinterest and Houzz, they have very specific ideas of the design features they want and are interested in custom options that will allow them to truly personalize their projects.”
• Bringing the indoors out: The lines between indoors and outdoors will continue to blur as homeowners look to extend the style, comfort and function of their interior spaces to their outdoor living areas. More and more, homeowners are taking indoor activities outside with the integration of features such as outdoor kitchens, dining nooks and fireplaces. Similarly, demand is up for features like integrated benches with cushions and accent pillows, storage components and lighting, along with accessories such as ornamental post caps and railing with decorative balusters similar to those found inside the home.
“Homeowners today view a deck as an extension of their indoor living space, so they’re more willing to invest in high-quality decking and accessories,” notes Andrew York, a TrexPro® with ProDeck Construction in San Diego. “There’s a big push right now toward creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. For example, we’ve seen increased demand for large folding doors, which allow for a dramatic but continuous transition from the inside to the outside of the home.”
• Tropical Staycation: From New England to Southern California, the look of the tropics is cited as a top outdoor design trend among industry experts, contractors and homeowners alike. Materials that evoke an exotic island getaway are all the rage from tiki torches, cabanas and waterfalls to deck boards featuring warm colors and variegated streaking inspired by tropical hardwoods.
“For our new South Carolina vacation home, we wanted everything to blend in with the natural elements of the ocean-side surroundings,” said Lydia Mondavi of the Mondavi wine family and co-founder of the Mondavi Home Collection. “Trex Transcend® decking in Island Mist was perfect because it looks just like driftwood – the color blends into the environment and is very natural looking. It delivers a rich, exotic aesthetic without the maintenance or environmental impact of using a true tropical hardwood.”