Outdoor Living Trends 

Having fun outdoors has become a top priority for homeowners in recent years, and more than ever, people are feathering their nests with a variety of luxury additions and personalized creature comforts. Taking as much care with the outdoor style as the interior design of a home is a growing trend. Equally important, the functionality of the space reflects families’ entertainment styles, hobbies, and eco-friendly lifestyles. 

Celebrating 30 years in business, Andy Nelson, owner of Nelson Landscaping in Edmond, designs and creates stunning outdoor havens throughout the metro. “Post-Covid, people are spending more and more time in their backyards, making memories that will last forever,” Nelson says. 

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Whether it’s conserving water, creating a low-maintenance landscape, using environmentally friendly grilling practices, or selecting sustainable materials, homeowners are embracing many energy-efficient and eco-friendly trends in their fresh air spaces. Craig Yarnell, who has been the manager at Hahn Appliance Warehouse in Edmond for 15 years, has seen a rise in outdoor cooking overall in recent years. “Outdoor griddles and pellet grilling seem to be gaining momentum,” he says. “I don’t see many people charcoaling like they used to. Natural gas is a cleaner option and probably has the least maintenance of the different grill types.” 

Another energy-conscious trend is sprinkler systems that waste less water and are more efficient. Nelson says, “You get a return on your investment over time with water cost savings, and you’re helping the environment.” 

Take it Easy 

While homeowners want beautiful landscapes, many also insist that they be low-maintenance. “It’s the number one thing we are asked for,” Nelson recounts. “Using ground cover like crushed granite and decorative rocks instead of mulch is a good option because mulch has to be replenished every year.” The use of boulders is popular too. “They can’t die, and they’ll look good in the landscape for the next hundred years,” Nelson laughs. Low-maintenance plants that need little trimming are also key to a manageable yard. “Some popular options are Nellie Stevens Hollies, Crape Myrtles, Taylor Junipers, and Yucca,” Nelson comments. Minimal watering is another low-maintenance must for many. Nelson suggests Yucca and sage. He says, “They’re great because there are many varieties of each, they require minimal, if any, watering, and they are sustainable in Oklahoma’s harsh climate. With a pallet of around 100 different plants we like to use, we can make a pretty bullet-proof landscape despite our harsh, cold winters and brutally hot summers.” 

Indoors Out 

Outdoor kitchens continue to proliferate and more people are grilling year-round. Yarnell says that choosing the right type of grill is the first thing to consider. “Gas and pellet are the two best-sellers,” he says. “Next, heating times and how many people you intend to cook for will help determine the best grill size. What food you like to cook comes into play too. If you like to experiment with various flavors, pellets are ideal because you can change pellets and really get a different flavor.”

Bringing the same level of interior style to outdoor spaces is more prevalent than ever, even in hardscaping. “Lueder stone patios and walkways are the most high-end looking,” Nelson says, “followed by custom stamped concrete and pavers. You can build a pretty cost-effective walkway using a gold flake or gray decomposed granite. Custom stone edging is another natural element that when put together on a professional level can have a stunning finished look.”

Outdoors In

Incorporating a sunroom into outdoor living is a dominant trend this year, allowing homeowners to connect with nature and enjoy natural sunlight, fresh air, and scenic views while being shielded from the elements. Matt Durrett, Division Manager of Sunrooms & More in Edmond, says, “The most popular sunroom in Edmond is the studio style with quad doors.” It consists of a single-sloped roof and typically complements the architectural features of a home. “Black framing is also a big trend,” he adds, “and motorized screens and motorized pergolas are huge hits right now too.”

Sunrooms have become more versatile today, not only offering a tranquil spot to relax but also providing extra space for work, entertainment, or hobbies. Durrett says they have done some unique sunrooms over the 36 years, and adds, “We always love doing rooms for peoples’ fur babies!”