While we may be less than fond of sweltering summer days, frigid winters and occasional tornadoes, here in the Midwest, we really do benefit in a lot of ways from having four distinct seasons. One of the biggest perks of living here is that we can take advantage of outdoor living trends all year long! Here’s a closer look at some of the big outdoor living trends for 2022—maybe one of these projects would be just right for your space.
Hardscape patios and walkways
The Midwest offers a wide range of landscape possibilities, and in 2022, we’ll be seeing more and more homeowners opting for hardscape patios in place of grass. There are a number of benefits to a hardscape patio, including increased safety in the winter when there’s no need to walk on wet, muddy grass. Another benefit is that hardscape patios are very low maintenance—especially when you consider the amount of time and money homeowners spend on upkeep throughout the year. Hardscape patios can be built with concrete, bricks, flagstones and natural stone, allowing homeowners to choose a unique look that suits their home and lifestyle.
Outdoor kitchens
Another popular outdoor living trend that’s popping up all over Kansas City is the addition of an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens offer a great place for homeowners to cook on a grill, prepare food and entertain guests. Outdoor kitchens are typically equipped with custom countertops, refrigerators and appliances that homeowners can use year-round. If you’re building an outdoor kitchen on a new property, the space needs to be built to meet certain zoning requirements before construction begins, so be sure you work with your contractor to ensure your outdoor kitchen will comply.
Outdoor fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces are a great way to create a warm and inviting space for friends and family to gather together. They come in many different styles, including metal fire pits with custom flame effects. Outdoor fireplaces are available in a wide range of prices—if you’re looking to save a few bucks, metal fire pits can be used without the custom flame effect for a more affordable option.
Outdoor pizza ovens
Interested in combining the kitchen and fireplace concepts? Outdoor pizza ovens are an increasingly popular outdoor living trend! They’re typically custom-built based on the pizza oven design you choose, but there are also kits available for homeowners who think they’d like to tackle this as a DIY project. Outdoor pizza ovens are typically made of brick or stone, with either gas or wood-fired oven inserts.
Pool decks and patios
For families who love spending time outdoors in the summer, an outdoor pool is definitely an option worth considering. When building a pool on your property, a pool deck or patio is definitely a must, and homeowners can choose from a wide range of patterns, textures and styles to fit their needs.
Outdoor living spaces are becoming more popular every year, with homeowners looking for new ways to entertain guests and create an inviting exterior space. For homeowners hoping to hop on any of these outdoor living trends in 2022, be sure you work with the experienced team at MSE Hardscape Design and Installation to ensure your outdoor living space is safe and secure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.