Everyone wants the backyard lounge,” McAleer declares. This is definitely a trend Larkin is seeing among his high-end Southern California clientele too. Cabanas, roof terraces, yards, balconies, etc. are all getting their own mini bars, increasing the number of outdoor appliances per property.
Kessler agrees: “Bar seating is a common request, a reflection of a continued increase in outdoor entertaining, I think.” She’s also had more clients interested in creating unique outdoor play areas for their kids. “These go beyond the standard swing set and include everything from stylish modern playhouses to ‘nature play areas’ that feature sand pits and logs.”
“Lately, we have seen a request for additional covered or semi-covered areas, especially around the pool (think cabanas) as people are looking to get out of the sun more and more,” Larkin notes. His Baja shelves (those wide shallow areas at one end of a pool for cooling foot-wet seating) are getting umbrellas for shade as well.
McAleer has also seen a doubling of covered spaces to include almost all of his projects. “Much of this growth has been driven by the popularity of the Equinox louvered roof, which offers the best of both worlds: cover when you need it and open when you want the sun. Additionally, the incorporation of infrared heaters extends the usability of these spaces to about 10 months a year, minimizing rain days and maximizing investment in the backyard.” (In Klein’s Miami market, misters and high-performance fans make summers more comfortable outdoors, extending their usability across seasons.)
“Up until recently, outdoor living spaces were becoming more elaborate, centering around outdoor kitchens and ever-larger fire features or fireplaces,” shares Larkin. “Due to the trauma of the recent fires, more clients are requesting no active visible fire elements in their home.” This means his firm’s outdoor living areas are getting ceramic and electric heaters for warmth on chilly Southern California nights.
Taylor Morrison’s Crowder observes a style integration with indoor design: “We are seeing more traditional, metal patio furniture going away as people embrace furniture that feels like it’s for another room in your home.” She also notes the popularity of customizable outdoor lighting – “that you can make a certain color for holidays or to match your favorite team’s colors when they play” – and outdoor heaters that don’t require professional installation. “I think the real key is making outdoor living just as comfortable as indoor living, and now you can do that,” she comments. “You can enjoy the elements of your yard while sitting on a beautiful piece of upholstery and being comfortable.”