Top 6 Trends for Inside/Outside Living at its Best
I just finished reading an article in Realty Times about the top outdoor trends this summer and thought the info was perfect for those of us lucky enough to live the Santa Barbara lifestyle. Here are the ones I found especially pertinent to the sunshine state:
- Outdoor kitchens
Look beyond the “typical” outdoor kitchen by adding something new this year. “Wood-fired or hearth-baked pizzas are no longer just a restaurant order,” says Turf Magazine. “Homeowners who want this unique, artisan flavor on their pizzas are purchasing stand-alone outdoor pizza ovens, as well as portable units that utilize grills for their heat source, which means they also make nice tailgating accessories.” - Smart tech
Integrating your outdoor living area with smart tech can make your life easier. “Your smart phone has the capability to manage many pieces of your daily routine and outdoor living is no exception. Great technology doesn’t have to stop at the door,” says Masterplan Landscape Design. “Integrating Wi-Fi controls to your outdoor audio-video packages lets you enjoy your party without having to leave to control the volume or channel! There are also specific outdoor lighting systems, fire features, irrigation and water features that can be controlled by a smart phone with the opening of an app. While most needs can be taken care of with timers, you can go one step farther and have the controls at your fingertips from anywhere in the world.” - Water features
Water features are still considered a top trend for outdoors. That means it’s time to add a fountain, which not only looks great but also adds a peaceful element to your outdoor space that can help lower stress. - Patio covers
Even here in sunny Santa Barbara a patio cover will add an extension of the house. These spaces allow you to incorporate similar architectural details to what you already have on your home and add features like heating and fans or misters. With the indoor-outdoor trend showing no signs of slowing, having a covered area for lounging or dining can be a valuable addition to your home. But if you can’t afford the many thousands of dollars for this item, you can get a similar feeling with a pergola or gazebo. - Lighting
“According to a report from the National Hardware Show, lighting is becoming an important feature of outdoor spaces,” says Enlightenment Magazine. “Whether it’s illuminating key architectural or landscaping accents, adding a level of security or safety, or providing ambience for entertaining areas, outdoor lighting is now high on the list for many consumers.” - Edible gardens
A super-hot trend in today’s gardens: farm-to-table. “Edible gardens may have been overlooked and forgotten over the past couple of years, but they are making a comeback to the landscaping scene,” according to Evergreen Gene’s. “Use this trend to help your healthy eating resolution for the new year if you have one. Fresh fruit and vegetable gardens are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they provide healthy food options that you and your family can enjoy. An edible garden will also help maintain or jumpstart a vegetarian diet.”
If you’re ready to embrace the Santa Barbara lifestyle with a new home in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please check out my comprehensive website. I will happily arrange a time for you to tour any of my listings in person. Please call me at [ai_phone href=”1.805.886.9378″]1.805.886.9378[/ai_phone], or email [mail_to email=”Cristal@Montecito- Estate.com”]Cristal@Montecito- Estate.com[/mail_to] and let me find you your dream home.