Our world has changed dramatically, and the way we view and use our homes has been deeply impacted. As we continue to spend more time at home, outdoor spaces are suddenly high on people's lists of improvements. Many people want to redesign their gardens, care for their plants, and create their own lush retreat. Here are some of the landscaping trends our real estate agents expect to become even more popular in 2021.
- Vegetable Gardens
Veggie, herb, and fruit gardens will continue to be in high demand in 2021. Staying cooped up at home and going out can add to stress, so there has been a renewed interest in food gardening. Watching your plants grow and getting bountiful results can be incredibly satisfying. The trend is expected to continue with thought-out gardens, potted herbs, and raised beds.
- Outdoors as an Extension of the Indoors
If there's one thing that 2020 instilled in many of us is the urge to spend more time outdoors. As we've adapted to socially distancing, outdoor areas have been turned into dining rooms, living rooms, and play areas. We're seeing many people transform underutilized lawns into relaxation areas and using large sliding doors to let the outside in. Consider adding a gazebo, pergola, weather-proof outdoor furniture, outdoor fireplace, and drop-down screens on the porch to turn this trend into your reality.
- Backyards Becoming Playgrounds
Gone are the days of having simple playground structures in the backyard. This year, there's likely to be an increase in homemade climbing walls, zip lines, fancy monkey bars, and ninja warrior courses. Many people are also going the DIY route with rope swings, inflatable pools, and other inexpensive improvements. Parents will continue to incorporate more play elements into the yard to keep children busy and active.
- Eclectic Designs
Outdoor spaces in 2021 may not be impeccable. Homeowners will aim to make them beautiful without focusing on perfectly planned spaces. Many people are looking for natural, low-maintenance designs that are not too perfect, too finished, or too clipped.
- Framed Seasonal Views
Homeowners have become more concerned about the views from the interior. Many are maximizing the planting scheme to create "framed" landscaping that looks good from certain windows. Because we're spending more time at home, having a beautiful focal point and a mix of shrubs, grasses, flowers, and other vegetation will provide something your eyes can rest on and enjoy.
- Naturally Native
Not every plant in your yard is going to be a winner. As such, there's going to be a concentration on choosing native plants, which are proven to thrive in their environment, have adapted to stresses from pests or disease, and tend to tolerate extreme weather events. On that front, pollinator-friendly flowers will also remain popular this year.
- Growing Up With Vertical Gardens
Vertical outdoor gardening is a great trend for individuals with small spaces. Like a piece of art or a statement wall, vertical gardens can add visual interest and a lasting impact. This can be pre-bought, but if you want a more adventurous approach, you can go the DIY route. To get started, choose a wall, build a frame, and use plastic sheeting on the back to protect the wall from water damage. Next comes an irrigation system and the plants.
- Privacy
Recently, there has been an increased interest in having a private, secluded area in the backyard. This will continue to be important in 2021 as we're home more. You can achieve this by incorporating seating, a row of evergreens, or a trellis wall with hanging vines as a privacy screen. Add a water feature and beautiful outdoor lighting, and you have your own secluded slice of heaven.
If you're planning to sell your home this year, keep in mind buyers are looking for better-designed outdoor spaces. Our team at Cressy & Everett Real Estate can help you harness the power of landscaping and set your home apart from other South Bend homes for sale. To get started, contact us today.