| WASHINGTON -- While outdoor living continues to grow in popularity, expect fewer frills this year as homeowners get back to the basics in a cool economy, according to an American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) survey of residential landscape architects.
Overall, 94.4 percent of residential landscape architects rate outdoor living spaces like kitchens or entertaining space as somewhat or very popular for 2010. Among kitchen features, the most popular include the classic outdoor grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent). More elaborate kitchen elements like outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular.
Following a similar trend, the most popular outdoor entertainment features eschewed more expensive, elaborate items in favor of the essentials. For 2010, expect the continued interest in seating/dining areas (95.6 percent) using installed seating like benches and seatwalls (90.6 percent) or weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent), along with the ever-popular fire pit/fireplace (94 percent). Landscape architects anticipate less enthusiasm for items like stereo systems (57.2 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and TVs (35.5 percent).
"Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we've seen in past years," said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA.
Among landscape and garden features, 2010 will feature an increase of design elements that reduce time and money. Topping the list are low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent); drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent); native/adapted drought tolerant plants (85.2 percent); and less lawn (73.9 percent). Other popular features include fountains/water features (87.8 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).
Additional information on residential landscape architecture can be found at www.asla.org/residentialinfo
Outdoor Living Features (Percent rating somewhat or very popular for 2010)
Seating/dining areas 95.6%
Grills 94.4%
Fire pits/fireplace 94%
Lighting 93.4%
Installed seating (benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, boulders) 90.6%
Weatherized outdoor furniture 77.1%
Counter space 73.5%
Utility storage 66.7%
Stereo systems 57.2%
Refrigerators 52.8%
Sinks 50.0%
Wireless/Internet connectivity 44.1%
Outdoor heaters 43.8%
Showers/bathing 36.5%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) 36.5%
Televisions/projection screens 35.6%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces 5.6%
Outdoor Recreation Amenities
Decorative water elements such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers 86.8%
Spa (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor sauna) 79.1%
Swimming Pools 72.4%
Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.) 47.0%
Landscape/Garden Elements
Low maintenance landscapes 94.0%
Fountains/ornamental water features 87.8%
Native plants 83.9%
Food/Vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards etc.) 78.5%
Organic gardens 67.0%
Ponds/streams 61.9%
Rain gardens 60.4%
Xeriscape or dry gardens 58.1%
Sustainable Design Elements
Drip/water-efficient irrigation 85.2%
Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants 85.2%
Reduced lawn 73.9%
Permeable paving 72.5%
Recycled materials 68.0%
Rainwater/graywater harvesting 64.1%
Compost bins 55.0%
Solar-powered lights 49.4%
Geothermal-heated pools 28.2%
Structures
Arbors 87.2%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools 86.7%
Pergolas 83.4%
Decks 83.0%
Fencing (includes gates) 82.9%
Porches 76.4%
Steps 74.6%
Utility shed (tool shed, garden shed etc.) 64.8%
Gazebos 58.6%
Pavilions 58.0%
Art (sculpture etc.) 58.0%
Columns 43.7%
Awnings, including retractable 42.8%
ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars, accessible shelving etc.) 21.4%
About the Survey
The survey asked residential landscape architects about the estimated popularity of various design elements for 2010. The survey was fielded January 25 to February 12, with 182 responding.
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