Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2012

According to the 2012 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the popularity of outdoor living shows great growth potential. The survey asked residential landscape architecture professionals about the estimated popularity of various design elements for 2012. Sitting areas and outdoor fit pits rated 95.7 and 95.8 percent respectively in popularity.

According to ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, ''The economic recovery continues to struggle, but residential design has remained stronger than other categories throughout the recession.''

The Survey's Key Results

Outdoor Design Elements (Percent rating)

Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces) – 91.5
Gardens/landscaped spaces – 94.9

Outdoor Living Features (by percentage)

Grills – 97.4
Fire pits/fireplace – 95.8
Seating/dining areas – 95.7
Lighting – 93.1
Installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, boulders) – 86.9 Weatherized outdoor furniture – 81.2
Counter space – 76.0
Utility storage – 59.5
Stereo systems – 57.8
Refrigerators – 55.5
Sinks – 53.9
Televisions/projection screens – 48.7
Showers/baths – 45.2
Wireless/Internet connectivity – 42.7
Outdoor heaters – 39.9
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 33.1
Hammocks 27.4%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 9.5

www.asla.org/residentialinfo