Over the past several years, our backyards have become much more than spaces for weekend barbecues. They’re sanctuaries where we go to decompress from our increasingly hectic lives and gather safely with family and friends to celebrate life’s special moments. As we head in to summer entertaining season, the allure of the great outdoors continues to captivate homeowners inspiring many to reimagine their own outdoor spaces with a focus on connecting the restorative benefits of nature with cutting-edge innovation and sustainability.
“Countless studies have shown that exposure to nature can decrease stress, anxiety and fatigue, increase length of sleep, and improve mood,” says Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing and ESG development for Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of composite decking and railing and a leading brand of high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products.
“As more homeowners recognise the positive impact of the great outdoors on their overall health, wellness and enjoyment, the value of outdoor living spaces will continue to rise.”
With self-care an increasing priority, it’s no surprise that creating a sense of sanctuary tops the list of trends expected to influence exterior design in 2024. According to experts at Trex, here are five trends set to shape how we live, relax, and entertain in outdoor spaces in the year ahead.
Restorative Retreats
Connecting with nature is critical for humans to maintain optimal health and a backyard area can play a major role in promoting both mental and physical wellbeing. Creating a restorative backyard retreat can be as simple as turning a cosy corner into a reading nook by adding plush cushions and pillows. Or, with a little more budget, you can transform your deck into a tranquil space for yoga or meditation outfitted with comfortable seating, string lights, speakers for playing soothing sounds, and lots of lush plants and greenery. Additions like fencing, privacy screens and lattice can also enhance a sense of sanctuary.
And don’t forget the space beneath the deck, especially if it’s elevated. With the addition of an under-deck drainage system to keep the area below the deck dry, this can be the perfect place for a spa, sauna or outdoor entertaining area. Trex® RainEscape® uniquely installs above the joists of a deck’s foundation, allowing for the addition of electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans and lighting, as well as outdoor kitchen and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to create outdoor spaces with the function and finished look of an interior room.
Natural and Neutral
From Benjamin Moore® to Valspar®, colour experts revealed their 2024 predictions earlier this year, with nature-inspired hues continuing to dominate home décor, both inside and out, as we head into summer. Demand for light, neutral decking has surged, evident in the popularity of the recently introduced Trex Transcend® Lineage
and Trex Signature® lines. With shades like Biscayne, Carmel, Rainier, and Whidbey, these options offer a natural timber look that complements a wide range of outdoor aesthetics. Made from high-performance, low-maintenance composite materials, they create the perfect foundation for stylish and versatile outdoor spaces.
“Homeowners are embracing the elegance of a more minimalist palette, opting for cleaner lines and materials that create a harmonious and modern outdoor ambience,” explains Adkins. “Using complementary flooring materials from indoors to outside creates a sense of seamless continuity. For homes with premium hardwood floors inside, composite decking in light natural tones, such as those in our Signature and Lineage lines, offer perfect pairings for achieving this unified look.”
A shift from high contrast to homeowners using cohesive colours on exterior accents like cladding, trim and windows is also anticipated. This approach creates a timeless foundation that affords homeowners the freedom and flexibility to customise and personalise the look of their outdoor spaces from season to season or year to year with fresh furnishings and accessories.
Sustainable Selections
As sustainability remains a major focus, expect to see further expansion of environmentally friendly backyard projects like native planting, pollinator gardens, stormwater captures and zero-scaping, along with more eco-friendly design choices. From surfaces to furnishings and décor, outdoor design for 2024 is all about leaving a lighter environmental footprint.
Demand for eco-friendly materials will continue to rise. Made from up to 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed industrial timber scrap, Trex composite decking leads the category in sustainability. Trex also offers composite deck railings along with sleek, stylish aluminium railings made with 40% recycled material.
The brand also recently introduced a line of solar-powered railing post caps that harness the energy of the sun to deliver as much as 19 hours of illumination without any electricity or wiring.
“People are more conscious than ever of their environmental impact and are looking to create outdoor spaces that last without leaving a lasting impact on the environment,” notes Adkins.
Destination Spaces
We all want to live like we’re holidaying at a five-star resort, even if our backyard is the size of a postage stamp. Inspired by their own travels as well as the luxurious lifestyles featured on TV and in magazines, today’s homeowners have become increasingly fluent in creating destination-style outdoor spaces that are calibrated and customised to their own homes, budgets and lifestyles.
A great place to start is with a foundation that looks luxurious while also being durable and easy to maintain. Composite decking delivers on all counts, with warranties lasting up to 50 years. Unlike traditional timber, composite deck boards won’t fade, stain, warp, or crack and never need to be sanded, stained, or refinished. This makes composite decking an ideal choice for homeowners who want the rich look of timber without the time consuming and labour intensive upkeep.
With the base of your outdoor space ready, it’s time to deck it out with a laid-back, resort vibe. Add coastal striped lounge chairs, a roomy daybed perfect for afternoon naps, and a hanging egg chair for a bit of character. Finish the look with plenty of plants to bring that holiday at home feel to life.
DIY: Design It Yourself
Having been raised on home makeover TV shows and inspirational social channels like Pinterest and Instagram, today’s newest homeowners are entering the process with more knowledge and design savvy than any previous generation. They also have access to a virtually endless array of digital tools and information, making it easier than ever to bring their deck visions to life.
“DIY doesn’t mean doing it alone,” Adkins adds. “From TV and social media to online videos and websites, there are countless resources available to help guide you successfully through the process of designing and building an outdoor space. Our Trex Academy site, for instance, offers a comprehensive library of step-by-step how-to guides and videos for navigating a DIY deck build. We also offer a robust mix of tools, including a decking colour selector, and a materials cost calculator that make designing a deck easy and fun. And, if you don’t want to go it alone, just click on our handy “Find an installer” search platform to locate professional contractors in your area.”
No matter your experience level or where you are in the process, there are tools, products, guides and support available to turn your outdoor vision into a view. For more inspiration, ideas and information, visit Trex.com.
*DISCLAIMER: Although Trex Transcend Lineage is designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar colour, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. On hot days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.
Sources
Benjamin Moore®: Colour Trends & Colour of the Year 2024
Valspar®: 2024 Colour of the Year
ABOUT TREX
If you’re in the market for a premium deck to breathe new life into your outdoor area, then look no further than Trex Company. For more than 30 years, Trex has invented, reinvented and defined the composite decking category. Today, the company is the world’s #1 brand of sustainably made, timber-alternative decking and deck railing and a leader in high performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products.
With the importance of time spent outdoors top of mind, it makes sense to opt for a composite deck that not only looks great, but is also sustainable. Further, on the heels of the successful launch of Trex Transcend® Lineage in Australia, the composite decking leader has since added two new, on-trend colours to the luxury line, which you can check out here.
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