Although these products and ideas aren't new, their usefulness in turning occasionally-used outdoor spaces into everyday living areas makes them especially popular for 2021. Here are some ways to fast-track your backyard for summer vibes and serious relaxation.

Outdoor living areas for year round use

Products that extend the outdoor living season are going to be on everyone's list! Amenities like fire pits, fire places, drop down screens, heat lamps, misting systems, retractable shade fixtures and fans are key products for extending the outdoor living season. In addition, outdoor rugs, throw blankets, and lighting can help provide added comfort into the night or in cooler temperatures. 

Composting and self-sustaining gardens 

It is a "superfood" for your garden, self-sustains your plants and reduces landfill waste. Plus, it's free! You could also set up a drip irrigation system and collect rainwater to save water.

Outdoor lighting

Whether it's hurricane lanterns that border your pool, uplighting that spotlights your favorite blooms at night, or a statement fixture, upgrading your outdoor lighting will open new doors for living and entertaining.Consider paper lanterns for large, colorful accents or string lights for a more festive look. If you’re looking to illuminate walkways or footpaths, let rope lights guide the way. 

More edible variety

Plant beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, and other hardy veggies as soon as the soil is workable. Once you're sure the last frost is over, your options widen, with lettuce, radishes, carrots, and spring beans. By May, it's time to turn over those veggie boxes with our favorites: melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash for some of the best outdoor suppers you've ever made.

Privacy and Protection

As outdoor activity increases, so does the need for privacy, shade, and shelter from the elements. Whether it's a secluded space to practice yoga without distraction or a place to use your laptop without harsh glare, a mix of landscaping and hardscaping, and even furniture, can provide protection. And there are abundant ways to add privacy to outdoor spaces. You can potentially add outdoor drapery panels to any overhead structure. If not, you can use an outdoor screen. If there's a border that lends itself to planting, you can create a plant wall. Even an umbrella that tilts can give you some privacy.

Outdoor Tech

Activities like streaming movies and working from home have many people adding boosters to amplify Wi-Fi signals outdoors. Since most technology can be seamlessly integrated into outdoor living spaces, it's not dramatically changing the look or layout of outdoor living—unless you're one of the growing number of people creating entirely new spaces, like outdoor theaters. Incorporating music and televisions remain some of the top outdoor tech requests. And there are aesthetic updates, too. LED color-changing technology is a fun way to change the mood of the space.