The results are in. What do homeowners want in 2014? A great outdoor living space for entertaining. Like many Tulsa homeowners, people across the nation still want “attractively designed”outdoor environments to create more space for relaxation and entertaining.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently released its 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey, which reports on the latest consumer demands for landscape design. In rating the expected popularity of various outdoor design elements, residential landscape architects from across the country ranked the category of “gardens and landscaped spaces” as most popular with a 94.2 percent rating, followed closely by “outdoor living spaces” like kitchens and entertainment spaces with a 92 percent rating.

“Homeowners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values,” Nancy Somerville, ASLA executive vice president and CEO, said. “They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth-friendly.”

According to the ASLA, having a landscape architect professionally design your landscaping and outdoor elements is one the best investments for your home and can add as much as 15 percent to its value over comparable homes. And, the ASLA noted, the value literally grows over time while you enjoy your outdoor living space.

What is in popular demand among outdoor living features? Outdoor lighting was rated first by 98.3 percent of respondents, followed by seating and dining areas with 97.7 percent, fire pits and fireplaces with 95.4 percent, grills with 94.3 percent and installed seating with 89.6 percent.

What do these results tell us about Tulsa outdoor environment trends for 2014? Outdoor living spaces that are perfect for entertaining are in high demand. Many homeowners would like to spend even more time relaxing or entertaining in their outdoor environment in Tulsa, and they can with the right landscape lighting design.

Sustainability and low maintenance landscapes were again also in high demand as popular landscape and garden elements for 2014. Native plants were high on the list of eco-friendly design elements along with fountains and ornamental water features as popular landscaping and garden elements. Many are also favoring food and vegetable gardens including orchards and vineyards.

“Decorative water elements – including waterfalls, ornamental pools, and splash pools – were predicted to be in demand for home landscapes (86.1 percent). Spas (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (73.8 percent) are also expected to be popular,” ASLA reported.

Terraces, patios, and decks are high on the list for outdoor structures as are fencing and pergolas. These additions can really become an extension of your home and living space. More and more functionality and customization are being added to these outdoor environments in Tulsa.

Elegant and practical outdoor living spaces will continue to be popular home additions. For more landscape design and outdoor living space ideas, contact the Tulsa landscape architects at Oklahoma Landscape.