The 2016 Houzz Landscaping & Garden Trends Study is out and it bodes well for pool and spa professionals and other backyard living specialists.
The study surveyed 958 registered U.S. Houzz users in February 2016. The vast majority — nearly nine out of 10 respondents — reported that they had recently performed “substantial or complete” yard renovations.
Houzz cited the top four reasons for upgrades: The outdoor space needed repairs; the homeowners had wanted to do it and finally gained the means; they’d wanted to do it and finally have the time; or they want to customize a recently bought home.
What sort of outdoor projects were undertaken? Patio or terrace upgrades top the list, followed by gazebos and pergolas; then decks, sheds/workshops, hot tubs, swimming pools, and greenhouses.
When asked what kinds of changes were planned, much attention was lavished on flower beds and lawns. However, 51 percent expected to perform pathway updates; 23 percent said waterfeatures; and 18 percent wanted to upgrade fire features. Outdoor lighting updates were must-haves, too, with illuminated pathways dominating (60 percent), followed by decks/patios (57 percent). Additionally, 24 percent of homeowners wanted to light up waterfeatures, while 10 percent said pools.
“Comfort-enhancing outdoor products,” as the survey called them, were popular as well, including outdoor furniture (52 percent), fire pits (36 percent), grills (24 percent), patio heaters (12 percent). Also mentioned were various outdoor kitchen upgrades, such as pizza ovens, wine coolers, new sinks and fridges
