Crescent Communities, a builder in Charlotte, has released their list of the hottest home-building trends after researching their most-requested items from buyers in their luxury communities.

Outdoor Living

This is a trend that continues to gain popularity. Especially in some areas of the country, where outdoor living can be accomplished for three seasons. (In our area, as you know, weather can be unpredictable, but we can enjoy a ton of outdoor time.)

More homeowners are requesting screened-in porches as well, so they can extend the feeling of outdoor living even more. In some homes, buyers are even requesting outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens.

I found some more info at The Money Pit Radio Show’s website. They listed some tips from Tom Kraeutler, Home Improvement Editor for AOL. Here are his top elements to outdoor living: http://www.moneypit.com/repair-improve/outdoor-living-trends.html

• Bringing the indoors outdoors: Consumers look for all-weather furniture, decorative accessories and the like, to make their outdoor spaces feel like another room in the house
• Colorful container gardening: Once used just to save space, these small gardens have become major art in backyards.
• Front-yard landscaping: When the backyard is small, homeowners have moved decor to the front, with courtyards, water features and fencing.
• New-and-improved decks and patios: Weatherproof and wood alternatives are now available for decks, or some opt for natural products like stone and brick pavers.
• Exterior lightscapes: Hard-wired lighting is becoming more popular, which illuminates the area for night-time activity, and also increases the home’s security.
• Water features: Homeowners are adding fountains or ponds for peaceful ambiance.
• Outdoor fireplaces: Fireplaces and fire pits are becoming the centerpiece of the backyard, and they can also warm the area in cool weather.
• Garden pavilions and gazebos: These create a destination within a yard, and add to a garden feel.
• Truly green accessories: Shrubs, trees and flowers are used as decorative accents.
• Smart irrigation systems: High tech systems are now available for install, which can sense soil dryness and turn on when needed.

Basically, there are a lot of little things (or big things!) you can do to your house to make the outdoor living as enjoyable as the indoor living.

Related...

• December 29, 2008 -- Top Nine Trends for 09: Room to Store
• September 25, 2009 -- Homearama: Winners Announced!
• September 20, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #5: Maison de la Grace by High Pointe/Summit Custom Homes
• September 18, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #4: Winchester by John Henry Homes