Patio Trends for 2022 Season

America has rediscovered its decks and patios in recent years. Sure, they’re still a great spot to socialize over drinks and burgers, but we’ve learned they’re a whole lot more. A creatively used patio gives your home an extra room. It’s like adding on without the construction costs!

This emphasis on patios shows no signs of slowing. In 2022, we’ll continue to design patios, porches and decks that are a highly livable extension of our indoor spaces. Here are some trends to look for as this year’s patio season unfolds.

Durable Furnishings

As they spend more hours outdoors, people want the same style, durability and comfort that they find inside. Outdoor furniture requires sturdier materials that can stand up to the elements, yet there’s no need to sacrifice how good the pieces look, the comfort they offer even for hours of use, or how pleasant and easy the new outdoor furnishings are to use.

There are several choices for heavy-duty patio furniture frames. Stainless steel and aluminum resists corrosion and has a contemporary look that fits well in a modernistic patio design. When it comes to strength and durability, it’s hard to beat wrought iron. Much of it is scrolled for a classic look. Wrought aluminum is a variation on the wrought iron look. It’s lighter and has aluminum’s advantages in holding up to the outdoors with little maintenance. Cast aluminum is heavier than “regular” extruded aluminum and can be shaped into an impressive variety of both formal and playful designs.

The movement to durability extends to fabrics as well! Performance fabrics resist stains and fading, keeping colors strong and brilliant for many years of stylish usefulness. Most of the performance fabric in the outdoor industry rate 100% solution dyed acrylic the highest in durability, followed by outdoor polyesters and olefins at lower prices.

Sustainable Materials

Modern eco-friendly materials are not only beautiful in your back yard but also healthy for the greater outdoors. It wasn’t too long ago that recycled plastic furniture was a novelty, but now it’s all grown up! It’s used in everything from Adirondack chairs to tables to chaise lounges. Natural wood items are trending as well in side tables and accent pieces like planters and raised gardens. Of course, metals like aluminum and steel can be recycled as they have been for years.

2022’s Best Colors

Calmness and tranquility are the watchwords for this year’s color schemes. Nearly every paint manufacturer has put forward some shade of green as its color of the year. Light, minty and pastel greens are in the forefront. Relaxing blues and ever-friendly neutrals provide the complements.

Monochrome has been popping up, with several different tones of green or other color. This provides a great opportunity for perennials either as a patio border or in pots on a deck to add pops of accent color, making a monochromatic scheme even more enticing. You can accent the base colors in shades of gray, driftwood and earth tone finishes.

Some people are using two different theme colors to make one outdoor space feel like two separate rooms. It fits with the current trend of getting as much as you can from your patio or deck! Freshen an outdoor area with new outdoor wall art in framed formats or outdoor metal sculptures on the wall.

Multi-Purpose Outdoor Spaces

Today’s patios are more than warm-weather social spaces. They encourage us to bring our indoor activities outside! We’re also using lighting and heaters to start the season earlier and extend it further into the fall.

There’s no need to accept the temperature Mother Nature gives you; you can establish your own climate control! Fire pits have long been popular, but more people are discovering the advantages of gas-powered fire tables. They not only provide a little warmth but also form a natural social gathering place.

Also, standing or hanging patio heaters keep the party going when the chill threatens to encroach. If it’s warm out, wall fans (and ceiling fans in a covered patio) hold the comfort level where you want it.

Extending the Indoors

Why go inside to watch a game or a movie or to get some work done? Especially with a covered outdoor space, you needn’t retreat to the indoor rooms. Instead, bring the indoors outside!

Outdoor Living Rooms

It’s a trend that was bound to happen: folks are hanging big-screen TVs on outside walls and even setting up outdoor projectors. After all, many town parks offer starlit movie night. Why shouldn't you?

Provide a deep-seating outdoor sofa and some well-cushioned comfortable patio chairs. Enhance the ambiance with indoor-outdoor pillows and blankets. Have a few tables for popcorn and find a way to add a little decor. An indoor-outdoor rug can be the finishing touch.

Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Rooms

A traditional patio is an outdoor kitchen of sorts. After all, it usually has a grill or fire table and a place to sit and eat. But why stop there? Some people have added an outdoor bar, an outdoor refrigerator, a pizza oven and even a sink and dishwasher. You might have a variety of seating options such as a hightop table with barstools in addition to the more traditional dining table.

Outdoor Home Offices

Just because you’re working from home, that doesn’t mean you have to work in the home! It’s OK to sit in a patio chair with your laptop, but it’s even better to have a comfortable workspace all set up. You’ll need a table in front of you or at your side and an outdoor umbrella if your space has no roof. Add a few wireless speakers for music to work by. What a great background you’ll have for your next Zoom meeting!

Today’s patio or deck space can be anything you want it to be. With the right furniture and the right amenities, you may never want to go back inside!