In the past, an outdoor living space was merely a nice thing to have, but attitudes are changing.
The latest Outdoor Living Report, issued by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, shows that those areas have become even more important to homeowners since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The 2021 Outdoor Living Report includes data from more than 2,000 adults who participated in The Harris Poll. It indicated that more than 80% of homeowners in the United States are looking to update their outdoor living space so they can spend more time in that location, which is an increase in the number of homeowners who were interested in such renovations before the COVID-19 crisis.
Homeowners are looking for different features in their outdoor spaces. For example, 65% of respondents between 35 and 44 said they would include a full outdoor kitchen, 42% said an outdoor bar is a feature to include and 66% of homeowners want a fire pit for their outdoor space. Not only that, over half (53%) want outdoor heating in their outdoor spaces.
From these numbers, it's easy to see that homeowners are looking for comfort when they spend time in their outdoor living spaces, just like they are when they're furnishing the inside of their homes. But perspectives may be changing, both in the public and in the design world.
"The mantra for so long has been 'bring the indoors out,'" said Fernando Wong, founder of Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design. "As outdoor products' design now rivals what's created for interiors, more clients ask to bring outdoor products in — because they know they'll withstand the wear and tear from children and pets."
An outdoor kitchen is an investment that helps homeowners stay outside a bit more when they're enjoying the good weather and relaxing. Why go inside when you can grab a drink or grill dinner in your comfortable outdoor space?
When it comes to the outdoor kitchen, durability is key. Sixty-six percent of homeowners say they want resistance to the wear and tear of everyday life when they're looking to purchase items for an outdoor kitchen. Not only that, 65% say they want their purchases to withstand the elements, and many are willing to pay a higher price tag if they can have all of those things in their outdoor kitchen.
The beauty of an outdoor living space is that a homeowner can customize it to suit their desires and meet their needs. What was once a spot for chairs and a swing is now a space that people think about and plan out much like they would their indoor furnishings, and that means they could be likely to use it more often.
