Trends in Commercial Outdoor Living 

In March of 2023, we looked at three popular trends in indoor and outdoor spaces. A year ago, transitional spaces and intentional design of outdoor spaces were growing in popularity in the wake of the pandemic. Over a year later, we began to wonder: is outdoor living still popular in commercial spaces? The short answer is yes. Outdoor spaces started to rise in popularity before the pandemic and have continued to do so rapidly. With this rise, we’re seeing a few trends emerge in commercial outdoor living environments.

Commercial Outdoor Living Trends

Outdoor Workspaces 

Outdoor workspaces continue to be popular with businesses as a way to boost employee productivity and wellness. Access to nature through outdoor workspaces, transitional spaces, or bringing the outside indoors by incorporating natural materials is seen as a way to attract and retain employees. Many companies also consider how their outdoor workspaces can be used across the seasons and during different weather. This includes incorporating roof structures or pergolas to block the effects of nature or adding sliding walls to move the space indoors on harsher weather days. Many hotels or other hospitality spaces think about outdoor workspaces and how they can best cater to their bleisure travel guests who may combine work and travel. 

Designing with Nature 

Biophilic design is a trend that is clearly here to stay. In outdoor spaces, designing with nature can take many forms including landscape design in the traditional sense but also how it connects to the indoor environment. Parklets are a creative example of this concept. They allow businesses to expand their footprint while providing guests with an opportunity to engage with nature. Another example is choosing more natural materials or even bringing the outside indoors with living walls, plants, or materials with floral motifs. 

Function and Fashion 

Designers and business owners are looking for pieces that are both functional and fashionable when it comes to designing for the outdoors. Fortunately, there are various options available that serve both needs. Businesses don’t need to compromise the look and feel of a space for the sake of durability. Many options in the market are on trend and built to last.

Maximizing Space

For many commercial spaces, outdoor space helps maximize what’s already available to a business. For restaurants, this was essential during the pandemic, as being indoors was not an option and has had a lasting impact. Restaurants continue to maximize their square footage by using foldable walls, outdoor furniture, outdoor coverings, and more. However, it’s important to define space intentionally as you expand it. Many designers will create intentional places by grouping furniture together, playing with lighting, or using rugs to create clear zones for guests to engage within.

A Space for Connection 

Outdoor spaces present an excellent opportunity to foster human connection. Post-pandemic, this concept has become increasingly important across all industries. In the hospitality industry, designers are thinking about ways to center “spontaneous interactions” between consumers. This may look like designing outdoor spaces that offer areas for rest or recreation, or incorporating nature walkways or activity paths. No matter what the industry, it’s clear that outdoor living encourages a sense of community.