Trends in design and building tend to stay a lot longer than current fashion trends, but there are always new, popular ways emerging to ensure you get the most out of the space you have. We recently came across an article from our friends over at Houzz (check it out here) and were inspired to share some of our thoughts and favorites from our Spring and Summer patio and deck projects.

While the projects featured on Houzz are stunning, the price points of the projects are far higher than our typical job cost and customer budget. We want to show you some more affordable ways to achieve some of the same concepts. As always, please reach out through our website forms, Facebook, or by calling us if you have any questions or want to talk with someone about a project of your own!

Comfort and Multiple Spaces

While Houzz's article mentions Goldilocks's "too hot, too cold" dilemma, the first thing that comes to my mind is "April 25th because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket". Whichever one resonates with you should still leave you thinking about the one person who is always bundled up and the other that feels like they're in the middle of a heat wave.

The article suggests a pergola for optional shade during the afternoon, which we have to agree is a fantastic option. Covering half your deck or patio with a cover or pergola leaves the options for those who want some sun to warm up in it and those who prefer to stay cool in the shade to relax under cover.

This design is one of my absolute personal favorites. The pergola offers a great shaded option, and the lower deck with built in seating (which they also mentioned in their article) is so functional, plus the undercover from the upper deck functions like a patio cover. Finally the second story deck not only provides an additional living space, but it also is a perfect place for getting a little sun. You really do get the best of three great outdoor space options with this one!

Connect the Indoors and Outdoors

These two projects were completed very recently, and the way they've been incorporated into the rest of the home's style is just seamless. (Check out the rugs in both like Houzz's article also suggested.) Both are screen enclosures of upper level decks which provide the ability to have outdoor dining and gathering spaces that are protected from weather damage and any of nature's creatures making them their own. Having large windows or glass doors opening up to outdoor spaces like this can make them even more connected to indoor living spaces.

Sunrooms, Three-Season, and Four Season rooms are another fantastic way to connect the indoors and outdoors. With windows, transparent vinyl walls, interchangeable screens, and many other options depending on which type of room is chosen, there are ways to incorporate the chosen space year round.

Color

Trends toward color have always come and gone, but we certainly think these bold choices will be here to stay. A bold splash of color in the midst of the whites, tans, grays, and browns we see so much of is always a fun and refreshing change.

Let us know what you think about these trends! Are there are you've seen that we didn't feature here? We want to hear from you!