Consumers prefer sustainable—yet tech-friendly—design elements for their outdoor living spaces, according to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). For the first time, wireless/internet connectivity entered the top ten project types, suggesting that people want a backyard that allows them to enjoy both nature and connectivity.
Landscape architects were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2017. The survey was fielded February 2 through February 16, 2017, with 817 responding.
Here are the top ten project types with the expected highest consumer demand:
- Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 82.31%
- Native plants – 81.60%
- Low-maintenance landscapes – 79.25%
- Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 76.52%
- Permeable paving – 76.31%
- Reduced lawn area – 72.66%
- Fire pits/fireplaces – 71.51%
- Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 71.05%
- Wireless/internet connectivity – 70.77%
- Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 70.32%
“The fact that more consumers want outdoor wireless access shows that they want expanded options for remaining connected to their devices,” said Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA.
“Well-designed residential landscapes provide social interaction, enjoyment of nature, and physical activity, while also reducing water use and stormwater runoff,” said Somerville. “Landscape architects are pros at creating sustainable outdoor spaces that reflect their clients’ dreams for relaxation and meaningful activity.”
The top three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (71.51 percent), wireless/internet connectivity (70.77 percent) and lighting (67.83 percent).
The top landscape and garden elements include native plants (81.60 percent), low-maintenance landscapes (79.25 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) (76.52 percent). Pergolas (50.33 percent), decks (41.35 percent), fencing (39.82 percent) and arbors (38.74 percent) are expected to be the most popular outdoor structures.
The hottest sustainable design elements include native/adapted drought tolerant plants (82.31 percent), permeable paving (76.31 percent) and reduced lawn area (72.66 percent).
The most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2017 will include sports courts (42.38 percent), spa features (39.68 percent) and swimming pools (39.23 percent).
Outdoor Design Elements
Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2017
Fire pits/fireplaces – 71.51%
Wireless/internet connectivity – 70.77%
Lighting – 67.83%
Outdoor furniture – 62.69%
Seating/dining areas – 62.14%
Grills – 55.51%
Planters, sculptures, garden accessories – 52.95%
Counter space – 51.28%
Outdoor heaters – 46.69%
Stereo systems – 45.59%
Movie/TV/video theaters – 43.75%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 36.77%
Utility storage – 36.03%
Refrigerators – 34.19%
Sinks – 32.90%
Showers/baths – 29.78%
Hammocks – 27.94%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 11.21%
Outdoor Recreation Amenities
Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2017
Sports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) – 42.38%
Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor saunas) – 39.68%
Swimming pools – 39.23%
Labyrinths – 10.99%
Landscape/Garden Elements
Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2017
Native plants – 81.60%
Low-maintenance landscapes – 79.25%
Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 76.52%
Rain gardens – 69.08%
Organic gardens – 66.93%
Water-saving xeriscape or dry gardens – 66.34%
Plant walls/vertical gardens – 56.36%
Rooftop gardens – 52.25%
Decorative water elements (ornamental pools, fountains, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) – 43.05%
Ponds/streams – 26.81%
Outdoor Structures
Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2017
Pergolas – 50.33%
Decks – 41.35%
Fencing – 39.82%
Arbors – 38.74%
ADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 35.88%
Pavilions – 35.45%
Porches – 32.38%
Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 31.72%
Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 27.36%
Gazebos – 22.31%
Sustainable Elements
Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2017
Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 82.31%
Permeable paving – 76.31%
Reduced lawn area – 72.66%
Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 71.05%
Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 70.32%
Recycled materials – 64.91%
Solar-powered lights – 57.16%
Compost bins – 46.35%
Geothermal heated pools – 28.36%