CV HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE Summer 2022
After two years of pandemic life, Americans are taking inspiration from outdoor living. The International Casual Furnishing Association shows that 71 percent of Americans are spending more time and creating more meaning and purpose in the backyard.
The new report reveals that 89% of Americans have an outdoor living space, whether it’s a porch, patio, deck, garden, balcony, or a shared public space. Improvements people have made over the past year include planting new gardens and trees, purchasing patio furniture, and adding fire pits, seating, and fencing. Planned purchases include outdoor lighting, lounge chairs, fire pits, dining tables/chairs, umbrella, sofa, bar, and cushions and rugs.
“Consumers who have been thinking about upgrading their outdoor space are now doing so to enjoy their extended time at home with more style and comfort,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and general manager of its outdoor division, The International Casual furnishing association.
“The pandemic hasn’t stopped manufacturers from creating new styles and designs, and retailers are working hard to ensure consumers have access to what makes them happy.”
Top outdoor design trends
where there is smoke Americans’ wish lists are fueling the fire of the outdoor dining trend. Interest in outdoor dining sets (43%) increased by 15 points compared to last year (28%).
Mixology under the stars. Americans see their outdoor areas as a place to play another round. Last year only 14% had outdoor bars on their wish list – but this year more than 1 in 5 (22%) would like an outdoor hangout, an 8 point jump.
Wide open spaces. More than 7 in 10 of those with an outdoor space (71%) agree they spend a lot more time there than they did a year ago – including 79% of parents. It’s a trend that will continue to grow: More than 9 in 10 Americans with outdoor space (91%) plan to use it even more this year than last year, including virtually all parents (96%).
Next generation naturalist. Americans are spending more time outdoors, and younger Americans lead the charge. Nearly 4 in 5 Americans under 40 (78%) are spending more time outdoors compared to a year ago, compared to 66% of Americans 40 and older.
moments that count. Outdoors have become a pastime for Americans. On average, Americans spend 7 hours a week in their outdoor living space, with nearly half (47%) spending 10 hours or more.
outdoor oasis. Americans plan to spend more time with BBQs (55%) and friends and family (45%), but most of all they want to turn outdoor spaces into havens of tranquillity. More than 3 in 5 (61%) plan to use their outdoor living space more for relaxation this year.
Living room, minus the room. Almost all (92%) Americans have outdoor furniture and/or accessories on their wish list to buy in the future – even 76% of those who don’t have an outdoor space still have something on their wish list. Wish lists for outdoor living spaces include outdoor lighting (51% vs. 34% in 2021), lounge chairs or chaise lounges (47% vs. 34% in 2021), and fire pits (45% vs. 35% in 2021). .
upgrades Nearly 2 in 3 (63% vs. 58% in 2021 and 56% in 2019) plan to purchase more furniture and/or accessories for their outdoor living space sometime this year, especially those under 40 (77% vs 55% of their older peers). In fact, in the past year alone, nearly 4 in 5 (78%) of those who have an outdoor living space have made improvements to it.
turn green Americans’ top upgrades for their outdoor space suggest a love of the outdoors. Improvements include planting new trees or plants (39%) and adding a garden area (30%). Others bought new patio furniture (28%) or added a fire pit (24%).
power user. Some have updated their outdoor space even more extensively. An impressive 22% added a seating area or updated it with a patio, patio or porch, while 18% installed a new fence or other partition.
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