Take It Outside

By
April 2023 View more

It’s all about comfort with these outdoor-living trends

An outdoor entertainment space at night
“People want less time spent maintaining things and more time for fun.” —Kyle Burkhart of Burkhart Outdoors

While the pandemic introduced new habits for many—working from home, ordering food in, and socializing in the fresh air—three years later, it’s clear that the latter is here to stay. “COVID kicked everything into high gear,” says Matt Haber, design director at Naperville’s Western DuPage Landscaping. “People realized the value of having these outdoor spaces and spending more time at home.”

The trend toward outdoor living continues strong this spring, boosted by the introduction of new products and materials designed specifically for temperature extremes, sunshine, and rain. Add to that a preference for low-maintenance everything: plants, furniture, and hardscapes. Many homeowners don’t want to spend precious free time staining, painting, sealing, or deadheading, says Kyle Burkhart, principal of Aurora-based Burkhart Outdoors. “People want less time spent maintaining things and more time for fun.”

Today’s outdoor living areas are often divided into spaces, much like a house: places for cooking and eating alfresco, hosting visitors, watching a movie, and getting some exercise. The addition of heaters, fire pits, pavilions, and screen rooms makes these activities accessible for much of the year.

Here are some of the top outdoor trends to watch this season:

Kitchens. Outdoor cabinetry from companies such as Challenger Designs (Burkhart’s go-to for outdoor kitchens) is made of a powder-coated aluminum that resists rust. Outdoor quartz countertops are durable like indoor versions but are made of a plant-based resin that can withstand extreme winter temperatures. Smokers and pizza ovens provide additional options for outdoor cooking.

Fire pits are a must-have for many homeowners creating a cozy outdoor space. While gas versions are the clear favorite because they are easy to use, new designs allow pits to be converted from gas to wood burning should preferences change.

Patios. Enthusiasm for natural materials, such as bluestone pavers, continues strong. Larger-scale pavers are popular, Haber says.

Entertainment. While some like to unplug from technology when they are outdoors, others relax by watching the game or a favorite movie. Outdoor TVs are less expensive than in past years, Burkhart says, and can be left in place throughout the winter.

Plants. Low-maintenance rules when it comes to gardens. Ornamental grasses, boxwoods, evergreens, and naturalistic beds of perennials are all good choices for homeowners who want to minimize time spent tending plants.

Lighting is often the last item on the list, but it’s not to be overlooked, Burkhart adds. Not only does outdoor lighting enhance security, but it can make sitting outdoors after the sun sets more appealing. It’s also useful in drawing attention to interesting trees and plants in a yard.

 

1. (Above) Landscaper Kyle Burkhart used a composite material called Zuri Premium Decking by Royal to create a privacy screen and decorative wall for an outdoor television at a Naperville home. In addition to watching sports or movies, Burkhart says his clients use their outdoor TVs to host karaoke parties or display photos.

 

Matt Haber, design director of Western DuPage Landscaping, used artificial turf to carve out an area for relaxing around the fire pit in another Naperville backyard. “Real grass wouldn’t work as well in a high-traffic area like this,” he says. A nearby pavilion, constructed by King’s Court Builders, houses a Ping-Pong table, dining area, and built-in grill. The saltwater pool is by Platinum Pools of Wheeling.

2. Matt Haber, design director of Western DuPage Landscaping, used artificial turf to carve out an area for relaxing around the fire pit in another Naperville backyard. “Real grass wouldn’t work as well in a high-traffic area like this,” he says. A nearby pavilion, constructed by King’s Court Builders, houses a Ping-Pong table, dining area, and built-in grill. The saltwater pool is by Platinum Pools of Wheeling.

 

Burkhart Outdoors constructed this massive, 1,800-square-foot limestone patio with multiple rooms on a sloping Naperville yard. A mix of open and covered spaces provide options for gathering outside in a variety of weather conditions.

3. Burkhart Outdoors constructed this massive, 1,800-square-foot limestone patio with multiple rooms on a sloping Naperville yard. A mix of open and covered spaces provide options for gathering outside in a variety of weather conditions.

 

This natural limestone patio in Naperville includes spaces for cooking, eating, and relaxing—mirroring many of the room functions found inside the home. Outdoor cabinetry by Challenger Designs holds cooking tools and serving items for outdoor dinners and parties. And a gas fire pit and outdoor heaters keep the space toasty well into the fall.

4. This natural limestone patio in Naperville includes spaces for cooking, eating, and relaxing—mirroring many of the room functions found inside the home. Outdoor cabinetry by Challenger Designs holds cooking tools and serving items for outdoor dinners and parties. And a gas fire pit and outdoor heaters keep the space toasty well into the fall.

 

Outdoor structures such as this pavilion constructed by Western DuPage Landscaping provide fresh-air gathering spots with protection from sun and rain. The homeowners chose a variety of natural materials to complete the structure, including stone pavers, a fireplace hearth and mantle of Thermal Blue Select bluestone, and a Valders Stone fireplace surround.

5. Outdoor structures such as this pavilion constructed by Western DuPage Landscaping provide fresh-air gathering spots with protection from sun and rain. The homeowners chose a variety of natural materials to complete the structure, including stone pavers, a fireplace hearth and mantle of Thermal Blue Select bluestone, and a Valders Stone fireplace surround.

 

Western DuPage Landscaping used granite boulders and lava rock to create this wood-burning campfire area at a Naperville home. A gravel base and subsurface materials encourage water to drain quickly so the fire pit can be used even shortly after a rain.

6. Western DuPage Landscaping used granite boulders and lava rock to create this wood-burning campfire area at a Naperville home. A gravel base and subsurface materials encourage water to drain quickly so the fire pit can be used even shortly after a rain.

 

Gatherings moved outside during the pandemic, sparking many homeowners in the western suburbs to invest in outdoor spaces. This pergola and fireplace area was a collaboration between Ray Whalen Builders, architect Dan Marshall, and Western DuPage Landscaping. The open-air structure connects the indoors to outdoors, with natural stone pavers, an outdoor fireplace, and low-maintenance plantings.

7. Gatherings moved outside during the pandemic, sparking many homeowners in the western suburbs to invest in outdoor spaces. This pergola and fireplace area was a collaboration between Ray Whalen Builders, architect Dan Marshall, and Western DuPage Landscaping. The open-air structure connects the indoors to outdoors, with natural stone pavers, an outdoor fireplace, and low-maintenance plantings.

 

It’s all about comfort with these outdoor-living trends “People want less time spent maintaining things and more time for fun.” —Kyle Burkhart of Burkhart Outdoors While the pandemic introduced new habits for many—working from home, ordering food in, and socializing in the fresh air—three years later, it’s clear that the latter is here to stay. “COVID kicked everything into high gear,” says Matt Haber, design director at Naperville’s Western DuPage Landscaping. “People realized the value of having these outdoor spaces and spending more time at home.” The trend toward outdoor living continues strong this spring, boosted by the introduction of new products and materials designed specifically for temperature extremes, sunshine, and rain. Add to that a preference for low-maintenance everything: plants, furniture, and hardscapes. Many homeowners don’t want to spend precious free time staining, painting, sealing, or deadheading, says Kyle Burkhart, principal of Aurora-based Burkhart Outdoors. “People want less time spent maintaining things and more time for fun.” Today’s outdoor living areas are often divided into spaces, much like a house: places for cooking and eating alfresco, hosting visitors, watching a movie, and getting some exercise. The addition of heaters, fire pits, pavilions, and screen rooms makes these activities accessible for much of the year. Here are some of the top outdoor trends to watch this season: Kitchens. Outdoor cabinetry from companies such as Challenger Designs (Burkhart’s go-to for outdoor kitchens) is made of a powder-coated aluminum that resists rust. Outdoor quartz countertops are durable like indoor versions but are made of a plant-based resin that can withstand extreme winter temperatures. Smokers and pizza ovens provide additional options for outdoor cooking. Fire pits are a must-have for many homeowners creating a cozy outdoor space. While gas versions are the clear favorite because they are easy to use, new designs allow pits to be converted from gas to wood burning should preferences change. Patios. Enthusiasm for natural materials, such as bluestone pavers, continues strong. Larger-scale pavers are popular, Haber says. Entertainment. While some like to unplug from technology when they are outdoors, others relax by watching the game or a favorite movie. Outdoor TVs are less expensive than in past years, Burkhart says, and can be left in place throughout the winter. Plants. Low-maintenance rules when it comes to gardens. Ornamental grasses, boxwoods, evergreens, and naturalistic beds of perennials are all good choices for homeowners who want to minimize time spent tending plants. Lighting is often the last item on the list, but it’s not to be overlooked, Burkhart adds. Not only does outdoor lighting enhance security, but it can make sitting outdoors after the sun sets more appealing. It’s also useful in drawing attention to interesting trees and plants in a yard.   1. (Above) Landscaper Kyle Burkhart used a composite material called Zuri Premium Decking by Royal to create a privacy screen and decorative wall for an outdoor television at a Naperville home. In addition to watching sports or movies, Burkhart says his clients use their outdoor TVs to host karaoke parties or display photos.   2. Matt Haber, design director of Western DuPage Landscaping, used artificial turf to carve out an area for relaxing around the fire pit in another Naperville backyard. “Real grass wouldn’t work as well in a high-traffic area like this,” he says. A nearby pavilion, constructed by King’s Court Builders, houses a Ping-Pong table, dining area, and built-in grill. The saltwater pool is by Platinum Pools of Wheeling.   3. Burkhart Outdoors constructed this massive, 1,800-square-foot limestone patio with multiple rooms on a sloping Naperville yard. A mix of open and covered spaces provide options for gathering outside in a variety of weather conditions.   4. This natural limestone patio in Naperville includes spaces for cooking, eating, and relaxing—mirroring many of the room functions found inside the home. Outdoor cabinetry by Challenger Designs holds cooking tools and serving items for outdoor dinners and parties. And a gas fire pit and outdoor heaters keep the space toasty well into the fall.   5. Outdoor structures such as this pavilion constructed by Western DuPage Landscaping provide fresh-air gathering spots with protection from sun and rain. The homeowners chose a variety of natural materials to complete the structure, including stone pavers, a fireplace hearth and mantle of Thermal Blue Select bluestone, and a Valders Stone fireplace surround.   6. Western DuPage Landscaping used granite boulders and lava rock to create this wood-burning campfire area at a Naperville home. A gravel base and subsurface materials encourage water to drain quickly so the fire pit can be used even shortly after a rain.   7. Gatherings moved outside during the pandemic, sparking many homeowners in the western suburbs to invest in outdoor spaces. This pergola and fireplace area was a collaboration between Ray Whalen Builders, architect Dan Marshall, and Western DuPage Landscaping. The open-air structure connects the indoors to outdoors, with natural stone pavers, an outdoor fireplace, and low-maintenance plantings.   [.jpg] 8. The plantings that greet visitors to this home are massed together with little to no open space, much like a natural landscape would grow. The team at Western DuPage Landscaping worked to create a “spontaneous garden,” which is lower maintenance but does require seasonal tending.

8. The plantings that greet visitors to this home are massed together with little to no open space, much like a natural landscape would grow. The team at Western DuPage Landscaping worked to create a “spontaneous garden,” which is lower maintenance but does require seasonal tending.

 

Photos courtesy of Kyle Burkhart/Burkhart Outdoors (1, 3, and 4), Matt Ewert/Western DuPage Landscaping (2, 6, and 8), Miguel Ramirez/Next Door Photos (5), Anne Cooper (7)