Warm summer weather invites everyone to step outside and create lasting memories. Whether you love hosting big family cookouts or enjoying drinks on the patio with friends, your outdoor spaces should support your lifestyle. If your outdoor living areas need a seasonal refresh, look no further than these modern design trends for summer 2024 for inspiration.

Based on recent findings, here are the top outdoor seating trends for summer 2024

Natural materials

Furniture crafted from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and rattan is becoming increasingly popular, overshadowing plastic and metal options. These natural materials not only create a warm, welcoming atmosphere but also resonate with eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Add an Abundance of Plants to Your Outdoor Space

Plants are a must-have trend for outdoor design, regardless of your aesthetic preferences. They instantly make any outdoor living space more inviting. Small pots serve as charming alternatives to floral centrepieces on outdoor tables, while trees and large floor planters provide shade, coolness, and privacy. Opt for climate-resistant plants that can thrive during hot California summers. Additionally, planting herbs, vegetables, and fruits can elevate your outdoor dinner parties. Even in a small city space, you can join the trend with urban gardens on balconies and terraces, which are especially popular this season.

Beach Resort Vibes

Why wait for a vacation to relax at a resort when you can enjoy the same laid-back vibes at home? Recreating a resort feel allows you to tap into that vacation mindset anytime. Add cabana chairs with throw pillows, a colourful umbrella for shade, and tropical plants to achieve this look. Choose decorative accents with monochromatic colours, nautical stripes, or foliage prints to evoke the feeling of being in Palm Springs or Cancun.

If you have an extra budget, consider adding bird baths or small portable fountains. The sound of water will enhance the zen effect, making your outdoor space even more serene.

Layers of Lighting

Using lights on different levels is a trending approach that adds depth and interest to outdoor designs. Accent lighting plays with various intensities, such as floodlights and spotlights, creating a layered effect that draws a viewer’s attention through the home’s windows and across the yard at night. This method includes using downlights, uplights, overhead string lights, and pathway lights.

The lighting industry has expanded significantly, and homeowners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces have added lighting to their backyards and gardens, effectively extending the living area of their homes.

Nurturing and Natural

Designers are noticing that more people are seeking natural, nurturing landscapes, such as garden designs featuring healthy edibles, herbs, and plants with healing properties. This trend aligns with a more conscious use of water to benefit the planet. Traditional lawns are becoming less popular, especially in South California, due to drought.

Low-water landscapes are becoming increasingly popular in regions with limited rainfall. Consequently, many designers are incorporating drought-tolerant plants into their designs to adapt to these conditions, and adding water elements to bring in the tropical effect.

Encouraging Outdoor Time for Kids

With substantial scientific evidence showing the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors, parents are increasingly motivated to get their children outside. Consequently, outdoor spaces are being expanded to offer more activities. Yards are becoming more kid-centric, with designs focused on providing children with diverse play areas beyond the traditional lawn. This includes creating pathways for running, adding climbing ropes, and designing dry river beds with river rocks for exploration.

Pet-Friendly Yards

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began working remotely. As a result, designers are now creating dedicated spaces for clients to spend more time at home with their pets. These include “dog runs,” which are fenced areas for dogs to play, and small sections of artificial turf or gravel for dogs to relieve themselves, both of which are easy to maintain. This approach helps keep lawns healthy and safe for children to play. In the example shown, the owners installed a fence with closely spaced pickets to prevent their escape-prone pup from wandering.

Indoor Outdoor Living

Currently, there’s a trend toward collaborating with builders and architects to develop interior floor plans that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding outdoor spaces. This “blurring the lines” involves connecting dining rooms, kitchens, or other indoor spaces with exterior patios, terraces, and gardens. Furnishings play a crucial role, often requiring collaboration with interior decorators and designers to understand how clients plan to use the outdoor space. The scale of the outdoor area can significantly influence the size and selection of patio furniture.