2013 Outdoor Living Trends

According to the 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects, outdoor living continues its rise in popularity for homeowners. The results also show demand for both sustainable and low-maintenance landscapes.

Landscape architects who specialize in residential design were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2013. Outdoor living spaces received a 94.5 percent rating as somewhat or very popular.

Outdoor Design Elements (Overall rating for 2013)
Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:
Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces) – 94.5%
Gardens/landscaped spaces – 94.4%
Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts) – 76.3%
Sustainable design practices – 74.8%
Vegetable/fruit gardens – 76.4%
Turf lawns – 52.2%

Outdoor Living Features (Overall rating for 2013)
Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:
Fire pits/fireplace – 97.0%
Grills – 96.3%
Seating/dining areas – 96.3%
Lighting – 95.1%
Installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, boulders) – 90.3%
Weatherized outdoor furniture – 82.3%
Counter space – 74.4%
Utility storage – 64.4%
Stereo systems – 58.5%
Outdoor heaters – 50.6%
Sinks – 49.1%
Refrigerators – 48.7%
Wireless/Internet connectivity – 47.8%
Televisions/projection screens – 45.2%
Showers/baths – 43.3%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 31.1%
Hammocks – 24.1%

www.asla.org/residentialinfo.