The outdoor trend for 2021 is to make your outdoor space as liveable as your indoor space. Imagine a seamless transition from your house to your backyard — a covered living room area that includes a fireplace, cozy sofas and chairs, a big-screen TV, tiles, rugs, and even an outdoor kitchen with full appliances, a dining area, and a bar. Think about that trip you took and stayed at a resort. Do you remember that resort feeling of lounging around outdoors while you sat on oversized chairs and enjoyed the warm weather sipping on your favorite cocktail? That’s what the 2021 vibes are for your backyard. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to help cozy up your outdoor space.

Dining area

One thing is for sure, you will see a lot more dining al fresco this summer than in previous years. Being stuck indoors throughout the pandemic has us looking for any reason to head outside. For the perfect outdoor dining experience, you will of course want a dining table that comes with an umbrella hole ring in the center, if your dining area isn’t covered. A beating sun isn’t the most enjoyable thing when eating so be sure to invest in a table that allows you to place an umbrella in the center for shade. If you can’t find a table you like with the center hole, you can also purchase an outdoor umbrella that you can place next to your table. As a rule of thumb, you want the umbrella to be five feet larger than the area you want to be covered.

Because you’ll be sitting for a while enjoying good eats and conversation, be sure that if your dining chairs aren’t the most comfortable (such as hardwood chairs) that you have some seat cushions. Whether you enjoy family-style dinners or buffet lunches at home, be sure to invest in some great quality serving dishes from Vivid Hue Home so that you and your guests can enjoy a great meal in style, or to complete a gorgeous table setting for a special occasion.

Lounge area

If you enjoy peace and quiet, find a small corner that you can turn into your favorite place to read, enjoy your favorite glass of wine, and just relax. For this, you’ll need comfortable seating whether it’s a small outdoor sofa and chairs, an outdoor coffee table and end table, and tons of greenery. Plants and flowers have a way of creating a serene scene so be sure to pick an area of your backyard where plants and flowers can grow. Add some accessories such as throw blankets, pillows, and some pillar candles. If you have more of a budget, you can create the perfect lounge space by consulting with a contractor to build something more luxurious that may include an outdoor fireplace that you can curl up next to during those summer nights.

Entertainment area

A lot more homeowners are consulting landscapers and contractors to build the perfect outdoor entertainment area. These types of areas include a TV hung on an exterior wall or in a casita type of structure. Ceiling fans, firepits, fireplaces, swim spas, and pergolas are all in high demand. Be careful when it comes to spending and building this type of outdoor space because it can get pricey and fast. Even though it does add value to your home, you don’t want to price yourself out of your neighborhood if selling your home is in the future. However, if this is your forever home, go crazy. Get all the works because it’s an investment for years to come for both you and your family. If you’d like to start slow, invest in a pergola, some comfy seating, and a fire pit where you can sit outside and enjoy the cool nights together while making s’mores.

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are definitely a thing in 2021. They can range from simple to extravagant— which even includes a pizza oven and more. Depending on your budget, you can find something affordable that includes the basics just enough for you to enjoy some outdoor cooking that’s more convenient than your grill. Things that add to cost are running water lines for a sink or electricity for power. Be sure to do your research, shop around, and meet with different contractors to get the best price. 

The best part about backyards is that they are basically a clean slate and you can create the outdoor experience that fits your lifestyle. If you love some DIY this is the perfect opportunity to put your creativity to work.