A Guide To The Best Outdoor Design Trends Of 2020

As we transition into summer amidst a pandemic, spending time outdoors becomes more important. Although stay at home orders have been lifted in many states, there are still restrictions in some locations. Plenty of people remain cautious and are still practicing social distancing to various degrees.  

After a grueling winter and spring, people are looking forward to being outside this summer. So there’s more pressure than ever to create a resort-like space in our own backyards. Whether you have several acres and a pool, or just a city balcony, here are the most popular outdoor design trends for 2020. 

Glass Pool Fencing

Pool fencing and aesthetically pleasing rarely belong in the same sentence, but Aquaview pool fences are different. Founded by friends and entrepreneurs Jordan Goodman and Kelly Maynard, the brand was even featured on TLC’s Make This Place Your Home.

Aquaview fences are made from stainless steel and half-inch thick tempered safety glass. This has many advantages over traditional pool fencing. Unlike other materials, glass provides an unobstructed view and won’t detract from landscaping or other architectural features. This can even increase property value, making it a smart investment. 

Glass is also a better choice for safety than standard pool fencing. It’s far easier for homeowners to keep an eye on children and pets through glass. It also discourages intruders and animals from getting into the pool area because glass cannot be climbed.

Every Aquaview fence is custom made for the property and is surprisingly low maintenance. Just wash it with soap and water every few weeks.

Some of Aquaview’s largest projects include residential properties such as the homes of Sam Nazarian (CEO of SBE Entertainment Group

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), Dave Grutman (CEO of MMG Hospitality Group in Miami), and in DJ Khaled’s Miami residence.  

Outdoor Bars

At the end of April, Wayfair Professional released a report sharing data and search trends which revealed what their customers were looking to buy for the upcoming season. One of the most notable findings was that searches for outdoor bars increased by 155 percent. It’s easy to understand why. Much like a fun pool float, just the sight of an outdoor bar can put someone in a more festive mood.

The report also stated that searches for outdoor kitchens and dining areas increased by 130 percent. Building an outdoor kitchen is a major undertaking that’s simply not an option for everyone. So, an outdoor bar, such as the Greyleigh Hallsville 3 Piece Bar Set  provides an easier and far less expensive alternative.  

Made of dark brown rattan, this set has a bar and two matching stools. It’s stylish and fun. The back of the bar features shelves for storing bottles, glasses, and all the accouterments.

If a property doesn’t have enough space for a bar, an outdoor bar cart such as the Beachcrest Home Petherton Bar Serving Cart is the perfect alternative.

This serving cart has a coastal-inspired contemporary look that’s very much on-trend right now. With two levels and large handles, it’s easy to move around and store everything needed for cocktails right on the cart. 

It can also be used in conjunction with an outdoor bar or kitchen depending on the layout of the backyard. Overall, bar carts are a longstanding trend that won’t fall out of fashion any time soon, indoors or outdoors.

Rope Furniture

One of the biggest trends in outdoor furnishings for 2020 year is rope. “It originally started as more of a coastal decor look but it’s now used in so many different ways that it can fit in almost style,” says Chelsea Marks, co-founder of Paynes Gray. 

One example of this is Loom Outdoor Dining Chair Set of 2 from Paynes Gray. With solid teak legs, an aluminum frame, and olefin upholstery in a Smoke Gray color, these chic chairs complement many styles of larger outdoor dining tables or can be used with a bistro set on a smaller patio.

Traditional Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are an easy way to elevate a dining area. As design trends overall lean more towards contemporary and transitional looks, it’s easy to understand why traditional rugs are trending this season. “You used to be able to spot an outdoor rug because they were usually bold and graphic looking, lots of stripes. We’re seeing more traditional looking rugs made for the outdoor setting. So, you don’t have to have a bold trellis pattern or bright blue stripe outdoor rug anymore. You can style your outdoor areas in a more updated traditional look with more ornate patterns,” says Marks.

One example of this is the Jaipur Indie Farra Indoor/Outdoor Rug. Available in four colors, the vintage-inspired design is versatile and can complement a variety of materials from teak wood to wicker and aluminum. 

Prints

While many are hesitant to decorate with prints indoors, but it’s far easier to take liberty with this trend outside. For example, while Beverly Hills Hotel inspired palm leaf prints have been big for years now— it is a bit daunting for some to commit to a boldly printed sofa or chair in a living room.

Founded by designer, author, and entrepreneur Christiane Lemieux, The Inside offers throw pillows, cabana chairs, and stools in more than 96 fabric choices including botanical, floral, and animal prints as well as stripes. All of their products are handmade to order in North America. Even just a few throw pillows or an area with brightly printed cabana chairs and stools can instantly update an outdoor space.  

Lighting

Having sufficient outdoor lighting is essential to getting the most out of your backyard. One of the best ways to install lighting outdoors, according to John Barnes, who is a design expert with Lamps Plus, is using a DIY Landscape Lighting Kit. “Easy to install plug-in kits come complete with everything you need: LED lights, plug-in transformer, and wire. Simply position the lights where you want in your yard, make the simple connections, and plug into an outdoor wall outlet. The transformers have built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors, so the lights will automatically come on at night and go off at sunrise.”

He recommends using these kits to highlight trees or garden details as well as brighten walkways for safety. There are so many different options for this type of lighting in a range of aesthetics and budgets.