2020 Trends for Outdoor Spaces

Staying in is the new going out, and outdoor design has never been better. This year’s trends push outdoor spaces to work harder to create the experiences you crave in a stylish, thoughtfully designed atmosphere.

Whether you have a tiny patio or an expansive garden, we’re sharing ways to create outdoor areas that will help you take full advantage of the warmer weather.

Outdoor living spaces used to only include a deck or a patio. It was a place to put your grill and maybe a few chairs, and that was about it. The exterior living areas of 2020 are a whole different thing! From high-end finishes to luxury outdoor kitchens, outdoor living spaces this year aim to be as comfortable, beautiful, polished, and functional as any square footage within the home.

Outdoor living in 2020 reflects the same expectations you have for your home’s interior. But until now, design details were mostly saved for inside. To bridge the divide between indoors and out, your backyard, porch, or patio should support everyday life, not just supplement it. So how can you bring the decor ideas you love outside?

Whether you are starting from scratch, or doing a refresh, careful planning is essential to great outdoor design. From the front porch to your backyard oasis and specialty gardens, ideas for inspiration abound. Remember, it’s important not to limit yourself to one particular style. Put your personal stamp on it. A combination of your very favorite styles and colors makes it your own and unique to your personal space.

Does the color blue ever go out of style? Well, at least not this year. Classic Blue is this year’s Pantone Color of the Year. This year’s outdoor fabrics are all about blue, ranging in shades from muted gray to classic navy. …And while Classic Blue is super trendy indoors, it doesn’t match up to what it can do for outdoor spaces. By its very nature the color evokes a sense of peacefulness and calmness. Whether you pair it with vibrant greens, wood, stone, or neutral grays you can’t go wrong. For some tried and true Classic Blue see ways to incorporate it into your outdoor spaces.

Growing crops like vegetables, fruits and herbs can be fun and rewarding, and a bountiful garden emphasizes the sustainable trend that is overtaking outdoor décor. You can start with small containers and plants like tomatoes and basil, but you shouldn’t be afraid to expand your garden if you enjoy the hobby. Transform every little space that isn’t being used on your back patio into a gardening opportunity. It won’t take up much space, but it makes a big difference. Case in point? These flower beds on the stair ledges.

Don’t leave the greenery on the ground! One of the hottest trends for 2020 is mounted planters, ivy walls and vertical gardens. Not only do these work well for small and large spaces, they bring a verdant, natural look to your space.

Vertical gardens can be both gorgeous and utilitarian, depending on your preference and what you choose to grow. For fresh herbs or vegetables at the ready, many people plant vertical urban gardens. If you’re more interested in the form rather than function, fragrant blooms, ivy or simple succulents will give you an enviable aesthetic for your outdoors—just be careful with different crawling vines and ivy since they can cause structural damage to walls and buildings.

Awesomely cute and relaxing, a bistro table with a set of chairs can squeeze into some of the smallest spaces. For a perfect garden escape tuck a table in the center of your favorite flower garden. Or, make it the focal point of your front porch. They come in vibrant colors, a variety of styles and designs, and materials for every taste.

Enjoy your outdoor dining space anytime with a cup of coffee, tea, or glass of wine. An outdoor dining set nestled in a garden or among some beautiful tall trees are trending too.

Don’t let the cool nighttime air drive you indoors. There is nothing more on trend these days than fire pits. Simple in design, these fire-bearing above ground fire pits definitely are standouts. They can be low-key and relaxed, or elegant and chic depending on what you pair them with. For the ultimate backyard hangout use a couple of comfy side chairs, an outdoor sofa, a natural wooden side table and a couple of outdoor ottomans.

Skargaarden Boo Fire basket was inspired by the brilliance and brevity of Swedish summers, Skargaarden produces furniture and accessories that help you make the most out of a moment. The Boo Fire Basket, designed by Martin Kallin, is a sculptural form produced with steel or black lacquered steel.

You can’t easily change the layout of your patio, but you can choose decor that adapts to your surroundings. Modular sectional sofas can be pulled apart and moved around to make your patio design work as your needs change, whether you are hosting a party of an intimate dinner for two.