6 Outdoor Living Trends for 2023

Over the last few years, homeowners have been spending more time at home and realizing they want better for their outdoor spaces. They want to feel like their backyard is as luxurious and exciting as the exotic places they’ve vacationed. And that is possible, even in Minnesota!

Stunning outdoor living spaces create a home away from home feeling when installed correctly by our pros at Outdoor Innovations. While swimming pools and outdoor patios may be the norm in outdoor living design, many more cool and unique features can elevate your style and provide endless entertainment!

Here are some top outdoor living trends to incorporate in your backyard.

1. Swim-Up Pool Bar

Maybe we’ve all been inspired by Wisconsin Dells, but a swim-up pool bar is all the rage right now when designing a custom in-ground pool.

Carefully built alongside your pool, a swim-up bar stocked with all your cocktail and mix drink favorites provides that high-end finish that luxury living is all about. After swimming or relaxing in a pool floater, just swim by the bar, pick up a drink, and keep on floating without even leaving your pool.

2. In-Ground Hot Tubs

When designing your pool area, don’t forget about the best way to unwind and let the world drift away: a hot tub!

Imagine sinking into a steamy hot tub after a dip in the pool and letting all your worries melt right off you. When creating your poolscape, take advantage of the process and incorporate a customized hot tub.

Keep it separate from your pool area, or design an attractive spillway that glides into your pool. Either way, you’ll be glad you added this trend to your backyard!

3. Natural Stone Pool Features

Natural stone is a super popular building and decorating feature right now, as it aligns with our desire to experience nature's beauty.

When designing your pool area, incorporate rock or stone features that create visual and architectural interest:

• Place large rocks or limestone in a circular pattern to create natural seating areas.
• Instead of clunky diving boards, use dive rocks as jump-off points around your pool.
• Elevate your outdoor space with gorgeous waterfall features or spillways cut through complementing stone structures.

4. Elegantly Shady Pergolas

Lots of outdoor equipment has provided shade in the past, from awnings to pop-up umbrellas, but what’s trending now are more permanent structures, especially pergolas.

Pergolas are glamorous structures that add height and visual appeal to your yard or outdoor living room, and they are an immediate way to feel transported to another place with their exotic design.

Leave the roof slats open for lots of filtered sunlight or drape them with light fabric for a more enclosed and intimate patio space dappled with soft shade.

5. Firepits & Outdoor Fireplaces

Nothing creates a more inviting atmosphere than a charming fire! From custom-made firepits and fire bowls where all your friends and family can circle around and share memories to extravagant stone fireplaces built into your outdoor living area, fire features are a must-have in your backyard!

These easy-to-add special elements not only enhance your outdoor living design but also extend your outdoor season by providing warmth and comfort in the cool beginning of Minnesota spring and the gradual shift into fall.

6. Full-Service Outdoor Kitchens

It’s not enough to just grill outdoors. The trend now is to cook, dine, and entertain in the comforts of your customized luxury outdoor kitchen!

With spacious designs for easy hosting, you can upgrade the space with standard kitchen appliances like stove tops, ovens, and even dishwashers. While you’ve got the brats on the grill, you can whip up the customary potato salad and sides without the messy transition in and out of the house!

Reimagine Your Backyard With Outdoor Innovations!

With more than 15 years enhancing Minnesota backyards, our expert team is ready to take on even your biggest renovation project! Our design and build team collaborates with you and develops a comprehensive plan matching your vision and transforming your entire outdoor space.

Call our office at 651-983-1976 or mmessage us online to discuss your ideas for an individualized backyard escape!