Fall Trends We’re Loving of Outdoor Living in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg, PA
It’s clear that the lockdowns of 2020 caused a big shift in how people enjoy their backyards, and the trends that have evolved from this are still going strong. If you’re considering a patio upgrade for next season, now’s the perfect time to get started implementing some or all of these outdoor living trends we’re loving this fall in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, & Mechanicsburg, PA.
Related: Add Charm to Your Outdoor Living With a Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA
More Natural Surroundings, For Added Serenity
The world is stressful enough and backyard refuges are becoming more important. In the past, this meant a patio surrounded by a sea of lawn, with perimeter plantings in the distance. Now, things are changing - and not just because of the desire for a sanctuary, but because of a greater desire for eco-conscious landscapes. Lawns take a lot of water, and often a lot of chemicals to stay healthy. They also take a lot of maintenance.
Many homeowners are replacing parts of their lawns with patios that extend out into more natural surroundings: for example, a patio that consists of several “rooms” that each extend out into the landscape, so that each “room” is surrounded by shrubs, trees, and flowers. These smaller mini-patios can be physically connected, or they may be separate but connected with walkways.
Multi-Level Patios
Adding visual interest to a backyard space makes outdoor living more dynamic. Just like we have different levels in the home, the same approach can give various outdoor “rooms” their own character. For example, an outdoor kitchen could be on the main patio level: from the kitchen, you could step up to a pergola-covered dining space; or, you could step down to a cozy outdoor living room with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. This approach works on both sloped and flat backyards and the effect is made even more dramatic by mixing paving materials (so that each “room” has its own feel, and with the right choice of plantings that surround and even separate these spaces.
A Custom Outdoor Kitchen
It’s important to have an outdoor kitchen that suits your entertaining style, whether it’s a simple grill station with bar seating or a gourmet kitchen with a variety of appliances. Many homeowners are adding wood-fired pizza ovens to their outdoor kitchens - a sure hit with everyone!
Sheltered Spaces
A permanent shelter structure will make your patio more comfortable in any season. Choose from a pergola (an open-sided structure with roof slats that block out the sun but let air circulate) or a pavilion (an open-sided structure with a solid roof that will shelter you from inclement weather). Both are elegant and timeless, and they can be small enough to shelter a small seating area, or large enough to cover most of your patio. The ultimate solution to multi-season outdoor living is a pavilion with a fireplace along one side, and a gas-fueled fire table instead of a traditional dining table. It’s chic, cozy, and incredibly appealing no matter what the weather is.
A Cozy Fire Area
A fire feature is an absolute must, whether you’re installing a shelter structure or not. You don’t even have to limit yourself to just one. An outdoor fireplace gives your patio a living room feel. A fire pit allows everyone to gather around and share in the warmth. And who can resist the allure of a fire table that uses fire as a stunning centerpiece?