Summer’s in full swing and that means it’s the best time for outdoor entertaining, pool parties, barbecues and alfresco dinners at home. Home owners are looking to make their outdoor patios and decks just as comfortable and functional as their indoor spaces by taking the “heart of the home” from in to out and incorporating modern designs and accents. Ready to get started on your updates? Here are the top trends for outdoor spaces this season.

Outdoor Kitchens

The kitchen is the focal point and heart to any home—a place to gather together. Contemporary, outdoor kitchens are becoming the star of the backyard. Lux materials such as granite for counter tops, stainless steel for cabinets and drawers are super durable and hold up beautifully in outdoor conditions. Think beyond the Weber Grill and incorporate refrigerators, wine coolers, sinks or a pizza oven. Add a comfortable, weather-proof table set and you’re set for entertaining family and friends.

Fire Pits

Extend the outdoor living season beyond summer and well into fall with a fire pit or fire place. When temps drop and nights get chilly, nothing brings everyone together and keeps them toasty like a warm glow. The modern gas designs make them easy to light and extinguish, and never make an ashy mess like burned wood. Explore a sleek, sophisticated design to complement your modern space.

Lighting

Now’s the time to expand your lighting solutions more than the typical tiki torches and tiresome Christmas lights. Outdoor lighting should be just as thought-through as your base materials and layout. Think interesting, functional and natural. New technology offers low-voltage systems, requiring little energy, but adds ambiance and mood to outdoor spaces.

Vertical Gardens

Living in an urban setting, but love the idea of a backyard garden? Not a problem. If you only have a deck or patio, with not a spec of green grass, it’s time to start thinking “up.” Contemporary, well-designed vertical gardens are the new trend in urban gardening. These walls and structures with blooming flowers, herbs and plants are becoming a part of the architecture and design of your outdoors spaces.

Natural Elements

Whether you have a scene of the Flat Irons in your backyard or a cement jungle view, incorporating natural elements into outdoor spaces isn’t only visually appealing, but can be help reduce your carbon foot print. Materials such as sandstone, quarry stone and Cor-Ten Steel have  great longevity and withstand the elements of the outdoors. Support your local quarries by using materials found right in your home state. The organic and pure look of these materials make beautiful accents to clean, modern designs as well.