Lines blurring between indoor, outdoor living
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 14, 2001
WASHINGTON — People are spending more and more time outdoors, and the International Furnishings and Design Assn. believes that will be reflected in the further blurring of the boundary between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
IFDA has compiled a report titled "20/20: IFDA's Vision for the Future," based on a survey it conducted among its members last year. One of the themes to emerge from that report was the growing popularity of indoor/outdoor living.
Asked whether garden rooms are a possible addition to future homes, 49% responded that they would consider such an addition. Sixty-nine percent of survey participants said it is likely that homes in 2020 will have expanded living space outdoors.
"I think environments will blend into one big comfortable space. We will bring the outside in and the inside out," said Richard Hammar, director of product development for Ohio-based Hickley Lighting.
"Porches, sunrooms, patios — whatever incorporates the outdoors in" will be important, according to Mary Kinney, showroom manager for Minnesota's William Beeson. "Also, garages will be more organized and dual-function, in sync with gardening and hobbies."
One current trend that is expected to continue is the growth of outdoor entertaining, with 75% of survey respondents believing it is likely this will become more common.
"I believe people will continue to enjoy dining and entertaining 'al fresco,' although there certainly are some regional differences," said Tom Ward, former president of WestPoint Stevens. "I think people enjoy being outdoors, and they are making their outdoor environment an extension of their home."
"Kitchens are moving outdoors, particularly in the Southwest, but also in other parts of the country on a seasonal basis," said Raymond Chevallier, executive vice president of F. Schumacher & Co. "The number one and two hobbies in the U.S. are cooking and gardening, and this is having a direct impact on home design."
Other changes are expected to alter the way Americans approach their outdoor living spaces:
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91% believe that low-maintenance landscaping is likely or very likely to grow.
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69% see a movement toward more functional gardening.
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53% believe people will spend more time gardening, while 52% also believe there will be less space allotted to lawns and gardens as larger homes take up land.
"Smaller yards with more garden and less grass will be the trend," says Candace A. McNair, president of Bright Ideas Interior Design in Marietta, Ga. "People will want low maintenance."
Sloane Marshall, with the Phoenix branch of furniture retailer Robb & Stucky, said, "As the population grows, less personal space will be allotted, but what is allotted will be used and appreciated."
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IFDA Survey: Homes Getting Smaller, More eco-Savvy
Sep 16, 2011
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