Landscape Design
Trending Now: What We’re Seeing in the Popular New Patio Photos
‘Bring the indoors out’ is the new ‘bring the outdoors in’
“Bring the outdoors in” is a design cliche I try to avoid because it’s not just tired from overuse, it’s exhausted. But today’s most popular patio photos make me feel OK about flipping it. A quick glance through the photos trending on Houzz make it clear that whether it’s a fireplace from the family room, a sink from the kitchen, a rug from the living room or a TV from the den, people are bringing the indoors out. Here are seven features showing up in the most popular patio photos uploaded to Houzz from January to March of this year, as measured by the number of people who have saved them to their ideabooks.
2. Pergolas
Another architectural feature admired by Houzzers right now is a patio roof. There’s a fine line between a covered patio — where the roof extends out from the house — and a porch. For a quick and dirty definition, if rain gets through the roof and whatever is underfoot is laid directly atop gravel, sand or earth, I put it in the patio category, but there’s wiggle room there.
This open structure makes the stone patio feel more defined as an outdoor room. The glow from the lights hung overhead make it a wonderful place for an evening dinner.
Another architectural feature admired by Houzzers right now is a patio roof. There’s a fine line between a covered patio — where the roof extends out from the house — and a porch. For a quick and dirty definition, if rain gets through the roof and whatever is underfoot is laid directly atop gravel, sand or earth, I put it in the patio category, but there’s wiggle room there.
This open structure makes the stone patio feel more defined as an outdoor room. The glow from the lights hung overhead make it a wonderful place for an evening dinner.
3. Outdoor Kitchens
This home in Sonoma, California, is the epitome of outdoor living. The yard includes a lounge area, dining area, outdoor kitchen and bar, partially covered by a pair of overlapping modern pergolas. The structure of the pergolas is clean-lined and modern, but the fresh take on a thatched roof adds an organic texture overhead.
The outdoor kitchen trend popped up in the most popular porch trends as well, where I noted that people are getting serious about their grilling, and providing amenities such as sinks, counter space and cabinets is great for food prep and serving.
This home in Sonoma, California, is the epitome of outdoor living. The yard includes a lounge area, dining area, outdoor kitchen and bar, partially covered by a pair of overlapping modern pergolas. The structure of the pergolas is clean-lined and modern, but the fresh take on a thatched roof adds an organic texture overhead.
The outdoor kitchen trend popped up in the most popular porch trends as well, where I noted that people are getting serious about their grilling, and providing amenities such as sinks, counter space and cabinets is great for food prep and serving.
4. Fire Pits
This trend shows no signs of waning anytime soon. This one reminds me a bit of iconic landscape architect Jens Jensen’s signature and distinctly American “council rings.” These were intimate outdoor spaces with seating provided by a low circular wall, designed to encourage gathering and conversation.
This trend shows no signs of waning anytime soon. This one reminds me a bit of iconic landscape architect Jens Jensen’s signature and distinctly American “council rings.” These were intimate outdoor spaces with seating provided by a low circular wall, designed to encourage gathering and conversation.
This fire pit has a variety of seating options around it, including cushy armchairs, a love seat, a sofa and a pair of porch swings. The proximity to the house makes it an inviting spot for an after-dinner hang.
I find the varied architectural home styles on the most popular fire pit list so interesting. Whether Houzz users liked traditional, modern farmhouse, eclectic or contemporary style, the love of a fire pit united them.
6. Built-In Patio Furniture
While there’s never been such a variety of comfortable, durable and stylish outdoor furniture available as there is today, Houzzers also loved the intentional look of built-in patio furniture. Here, a poured concrete sofa wraps three corners to create an outdoor conversation pit, centered on a long trough-shaped fire pit. (Check out the clever way those wide sofa arms double as side tables.) It looks as though all of the elements have emerged from the concrete on the ground.
While there’s never been such a variety of comfortable, durable and stylish outdoor furniture available as there is today, Houzzers also loved the intentional look of built-in patio furniture. Here, a poured concrete sofa wraps three corners to create an outdoor conversation pit, centered on a long trough-shaped fire pit. (Check out the clever way those wide sofa arms double as side tables.) It looks as though all of the elements have emerged from the concrete on the ground.
It was too challenging to throw this photo under any one trend because it encompasses all the most popular patio trends — a shady area provided by a pergola, an outdoor kitchen with poured concrete countertops, a dining area and built-in seating around a fire pit.
7. Trendproof
While the previous patio had everything, this one does not have any of the aforementioned trends — good news for those of us with smaller patios.
Because while we’re dreaming of pools, mountain or ocean views, elaborate outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces and large pergolas, none of those is a requirement for creating an enchanting patio space. Lovely stone, evergreens, a few flowers and a table at which to gather for an alfresco meal are just fine, thank you very much, as proved by the popularity of this London patio photo.
While the previous patio had everything, this one does not have any of the aforementioned trends — good news for those of us with smaller patios.
Because while we’re dreaming of pools, mountain or ocean views, elaborate outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces and large pergolas, none of those is a requirement for creating an enchanting patio space. Lovely stone, evergreens, a few flowers and a table at which to gather for an alfresco meal are just fine, thank you very much, as proved by the popularity of this London patio photo.
Share: What are your favorite things about your patio? What’s on your patio wish list? Please share with us in the Comments.
Find guides to patio design in the Houzz articles archive
Other Resources on Houzz
See the latest patio photos
Find landscape design pros near you
Browse outdoor furniture in the Shop section
Find guides to patio design in the Houzz articles archive
Other Resources on Houzz
See the latest patio photos
Find landscape design pros near you
Browse outdoor furniture in the Shop section
Protected by the home on all four sides, this architectural feature can hardly be called a trend since it’s been around almost as long as mankind has been building houses. Fresh air, a view of the sky, natural light and privacy make courtyards enticing spots. And it’s easy to see what made this one a standout: that geometric rug and coordinating trellis, large lanterns, comfortable furniture and plenty of greenery.