Written by: Sandy Barth – Outdoor Room Marketing Consultant

It’s no secret we enjoy one of the nicest climates in the country. That’s why many Atlanta residents are beginning to think of the outdoors as an extension of their home’s interior living space – and rightly so!

Industry experts agree that outdoor living is a growing trend. Experts believe that a defined outdoor living space can represent up to 30 percent of a home’s value. Outdoor areas add more room to your home for entertaining family and friends, offer a safe and comfortable play zone for the kids and better yet, can add a much needed personal retreat that feels like you’re on vacation—without even packing a suitcase.

So we did a little digging and uncovered a few outdoor room trends that could inspire your next project:

Backyard Room Trends

1. Outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with indoors. Looking to add a deck outside but want to ensure continuity with your interior design? If your flooring is wood or laminate inside, choose a deck material and stain that matches – and make sure the boards all run in the same direction. Paint garden furniture or use matching fabrics to reflect the same color scheme as the room nearest your garden to link the 2 spaces visually.

2. Fences Go Long. A trend that has long been popular on the west coast is now huge in Atlanta! Horizontal board fences create a unique, modern design sensibility. Beyond giving your property a desirable, contemporary look – they also expand the appearance of your yard.

3. Privacy. There are many options that will give you privacy in your backyard. A dense hedge or privacy fence might be the most obvious, but you might also consider a privacy screen, beautiful pergola or a wall fountain that will help mask noise. You could also tuck a small deck next to your garage or home since screening just one or 2 sides may be all that’s required.

Curb Appeal Trends

1. Polished Image. One of the great ways to make a statement (and that’s cost-effective) is with new polished house numbers. Contrasty numbers (dark against light house, for example) work well, too. Do you have an old, solid front door that is really showing it’s age? It might be time to repaint, restain or replace it with a new door that lets in light and is more energy efficient. It’s a great place to make a statement. And if you choose to repaint, it only takes a quart to make a big difference.

2. Outdoor Seating. Designer extraordinaire Vern Yip says you don’t need to be matchy-matchy with furniture. As long as you select pieces with the same material (eg: teak or wicker) or fabric (one color), mix and match pieces can provide a more sophisticated look to front porch seating.

3. Potted Plants and Color. Container pots come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures and are a fabulous way to add pops of color to your front entry. Continue the color explosion by adding window boxes along the front of your house for added interest and a happy, welcoming vibe.

4. Front Porches, or, What’s Old is New Again. Amy Hughes, feature editor of This Old House magazine says “People are going back to the front of the house” and restoring or adding front porches. A majority of homeowners prefer a front porch for threshold protection, shade (especially in Hotlanta) and relaxation (think relaxing rockers and breezy front porch swings). Our sister division, Georgia Front Porch, has seen a large uptick in business over the last 7 years. If you’d like to see how front porches and porticos dramatically transform residences in north metro Atlanta, just click here.