Bring The Indoors Outdoors

image © Trex

This summer, house designers, builders and remodelers have been hearing buzzwords like

“outdoor wellness” and “biophilic design.” These are essentially fancy terms to describe

the characteristics of a deck, porch or patio that integrates with the yard and outdoor

amenities. Organic design elements like natural lighting and greenery combined with outdoor hot tubs and backyard kitchens are blending together once-separate living spaces and presenting a new way for homeowners to invest in their property.

Seamless Segues from Inside Out  

Look for the lines between indoors and outside to continue blurring to the point of being virtually indistinguishable. Homeowners are increasingly seeking innovative ways to create seamless transitions that dissolve the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. Picture sleek glass doors gliding open to reveal a deck adorned with plush seating, cozy rugs and soft accent lighting—all the warmth of an indoor living room, brought outside. 

“When indoor and outdoor spaces flow effortlessly, a home feels more harmonious,” explains Adam Zambanini, COO of Trex Company. “It’s no coincidence that our latest decking offerings closely mimic the look and feel of indoor flooring. Featuring nature-inspired hues and subtle graining, these looks offer the visual continuity and elevated style that today’s homeowners are seeking.”  

Another way to extend indoor comfort outdoors is with the addition of a deck drainage system, such as RainEscape from Trex. Designed to divert rain and snow melt away from a deck, this system keeps the space beneath an elevated deck dry and usable. This allows for furnishings, lighting, appliances and electronics to be added to create a patio area with all the comfort and function of an interior room.  

Climate-friendly Features  

As climate resilience becomes a top priority, outdoor areas are being designed to withstand

every season and adapt to a wide range of con-ditions. Homeowners want solutions that offer a year-round balance of comfort, durability, ease and style to ensure these spaces remain practical and inviting.  

A recent development in the decking realm is the integration of heat-mitigating features into boards to keep the deck surface cooler than standard composite boards of a similar color. Innovations such as Trex’s SunComfortable technology are leading the way. Available in the brand’s Transcend Lineage and Enhance decking lines, these boards are designed to make lounging and entertaining more enjoyable.  

image © Trex

Trex composite decking is also ideal for use near water. From poolside decks to docks and marinas, its ultra-durable, weather-resistant surface can withstand decades of high tides, sand, cannonball splashes and sunscreen without losing its luster. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking like-new. 

“People want outdoor spaces that adapt effortlessly to their needs, no matter the climate, setting or season,” notes Zambanini. “Our Performance-Engineered products offer the ability to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style, whether you live along the salty coast, high up in snow-capped mountains or in the heat of the desert.”  

Cozy and Curated  

Homeowners are embracing the charm of smaller, purposefully designed outdoor spaces that cater to specific activities like dining, socializing or unwinding. Rather than vast,

open areas, they’re opting for well-defined zones that feel cozy and inviting. Level changes, pergolas and privacy screens are among the many ways builders are incorporating definition and architectural interest into outdoor spaces.

image © Trex

Deck railings also play a pivotal role. Beyond safety, railings are a crucial design element that provides the frame to a backyard masterpiece. Sleek black-on-black railings continue to be a favorite choice for their modern, minimalist aesthetic, while cable railing and glass panels are ideal for optimizing views.   

Merging Comfort with Convenience  

Technology is revolutionizing everything at home and the backyard is no exception. With smart features designed for both ease and entertainment, today’s outdoor retreats rival

the sophistication of any indoor living area. High-tech products like app-controlled

outdoor lighting, weatherproof audio and entertainment components, automated

irrigation and smart security systems enhance comfort, safety and peace of mind, while features like built-in USB ports, wireless charging stations and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots ensure your backyard stays connected, whether you’re streaming a movie or tackling a work deadline in the outdoor office. Once considered indulgences, these additions are now more accessible than ever, making them essential elements for any backyard.  

image © Trex

Harmonizing Sustainability and Serenity   

In an increasingly fast-paced world, decks and patios are becoming personal sanctuaries that promote wellness and foster a connection to the natural world. From lush gardens to yoga platforms and tranquil water features, these serene retreats provide the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.  

Sustainability is at the forefront of this transformation, as more and more homeowners seek to create spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are to the soul. Elements like eco-friendly decking made from recycled and reclaimed materials, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting systems and the use of native plants not only reduce environmental impact but cultivate spaces that feel in harmony with nature.  

image © Trex

Outdoor spaces will continue to transform and evolve, inspiring connection, relaxation

and creativity. Whether a sprawling multi-level deck where every corner offers a new experience, a tranquil retreat by the water or a secluded garden sanctuary alive with greenery, the possibilities are limitless.

SIDE NOTE 1

Lawn Rehabilitation After Summer

Summertime barbecues, yard games, and holiday celebrations can take a toll on your lawn with all the extra foot traffic. A little extra TLC can keep your grass greener longer.

After the festivities, restore a healthy, vibrant lawn by first clearing away any leftover decorations, trash, food scraps or debris that can smother grass and hinder growth. Next, apply a recovery fertilizer rich in essential micronutrients like iron, manganese and sulfur.

“All purpose” fertilizers such as Pennington Ironite All-Purpose Lawn Fertilizer or Safer Brand Lawn Restore All-Purpose Lawn Fertilizer help strengthen grass and support healthy growth, especially during the high-stress heat of summer.

Another option is to repair damaged lawns with new grass seed. Ryegrass, both annual and perennial, can be a good option for lawns, but its suitability depends on the desired

lawn characteristics and the local climate. In very hot and dry conditions, it may struggle to survive. Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that's known for quick germination

and establishment, making it suitable for overseeding lawns or establishing new ones. Annual ryegrass is a short-lived option, often used for temporary ground cover or to add

winter color to dormant warm-season lawns. 

A newer alternative is to incorporate grass seeds like Scotts EZ Grass Spot Repair Mix

to repair damaged or thinning spots by encouraging new growth. This product is

a combination of high-performance grass seed, premium continuous-release lawn

food, and a super-absorbent growing material, which makes it possible for grass

to grow anywhere, guaranteed (subject to proper care.)

For areas suffering from compacted soil due to heavy foot traffic, consider aerating to improve airflow and nutrient absorption. You can usually find lawn aerators available at equipment rental outlets, since aeration is an occasional task for lawn maintenance rather than a regular chore.

Complete the rehabilitation of your lawn by making sure it is adequately rehydrated. Water deeply in the early morning to help roots recover and thrive in the summer heat.

SIDE NOTE 2

Clay Pavers in Outdoor Designs

Available in a range of styles and natural earth tones, clay pavers are a popular build-ing material for today’s outdoor spaces. Beyond aesthetic appeal, clay pavers are highly durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining their vibrancy for decades, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Whether arranged in a traditional running bond layout or an intricate basketweave, clay pavers create an inviting path that seamlessly ties the exterior of the home together. Clay pavers bring a sense of charm to driveways and walkways with rich hues, timeless character and flexible design possibilities.

Clay pavers are also a standout choice for patios and porches, seamlessly blending with various architectural styles and landscapes through their natural beauty, enduring strength and textured finish.

When used as pool decks, clay pavers’ naturally textured surfaces offer slip resistance, making them a safe option for wet areas, while their superior permeability promotes efficient drainage, reducing the risk of standing water, erosion and waterlogging.

To create a truly immersive outdoor living experience, consider incorporating clay pavers into accent features like fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, built-in grills or even a pizza oven. These luxurious additions transform the backyard into a multifunctional haven complete with a blend of interior and exterior elements. The natural tones and organic textures of brick are perfect for these integrated areas, creating seamless design cohesion between indoors and out.

— Denise Smith, senior marketing manager at Glen-Gery.

SIDE NOTE 3

New Outdoor Design Tool

The new Outdoor Design Tool for Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds is an interactive visualizer that helps users imagine, design and plan custom outdoor living spaces with ease. Whether building new or enhancing an existing area, the tool provides an intuitive, hands-on experience to explore products, experiment with layouts and make confident design decisions.

The new Outdoor Design Tool is an immersive platform that allows homeowners, contractors and landscape architects to create detailed outdoor designs, starting with a layout and then customizing with Kindred’s easy-to-install solutions. Users can incorporate a wide range of products, including Signature Kitchens, outdoor cabinets, fire bowls, fireplaces and fire pits, available in multiple finishes and colors. Designs can be further customized with a curated selection of architectural stone veneer, cooking appliances like grills and ovens, as well as lighting, flooring, furniture, plants and more to create a realistic and fully imagined space. 

Explore the Kindred Outdoor Design Tool at mykindredliving.steps3d.net.