2016 Top Ten Design Trends for Residential Landscape
ASLA conducted the 2016 survey for the Top Ten Design Trends for Residential Landscape fielding from February 4 through February 18, 2016 with 803 participants.
ASLA, (American Society of Landscape Architects) is a nationwide professional association representing landscape architects with more the 15,000 member in 49 professional chapters and 72 student chapters. Founded in 1899, ASLA’s mission is to advance landscape architects through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship.
The top trend to date is rainwater/gray water harvesting displaying our need to conserve water and a growing consumer demands commitment to landscapes.
Ranked in Order of Popularity for 2016
Sustainable Elements
- Rainwater/gray water harvesting – 88%
- Native plants – 86%
- Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 85%
- Low-maintenance landscapes – 85%
- Permeable paving – 77%
- Fire pits/fireplaces – 75%
- Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 75%
- Rain gardens – 73%
- Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 72%
- Reduced lawn area – 72%
Outdoor Design Elements
- Fire pits/fireplaces – 75%
- Lighting – 67%
- Wireless/internet connectivity – 66%
- Seating/dining areas – 64%
- Outdoor furniture – 63%
- Planters, sculptures, garden accessories – 56%
- Grills – 54%
- Counter space – 50%
- Outdoor heaters – 47%
- Stereo systems – 40%
- Movie/TV/video theaters – 38%
- Utility storage – 35%
- Sinks – 33%
- Refrigerators – 31%
- Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 29%
- Showers/baths – 29%
- Hammocks – 21%
- Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 11%
Outdoor Recreation Amenities
- Sports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) – 41%
- Spa (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, outdoor saunas) – 40%
- Swimming pools – 36%
- Labyrinths – 11%
Landscape/Garden Elements
- Native plants – 86%
- Low-maintenance landscapes – 85%
- Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 75%
- Rain gardens – 73%
- Water-saving xeriscape or dry gardens – 68%
- Organic gardens – 64%
- Plant walls/vertical gardens – 61%
- Rooftop gardens – 55%
- Decorative water elements (ornamental & splash pools, fountains, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels) – 46%
- Ponds/streams – 29%
- Pergolas – 51%
- Decks – 47%
- Arbors – 44%
- Fencing – 44%
- Porches – 40%
- ADA Accessible (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 38%
- Pavilions – 33%
- Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 31%
- Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 28%
- Gazebos – 24%
Water focused design elements topped the list this year reflected the consumers desire to conserve water while still acquiring to maintain a luxurious landscape.
Whether it is Sustainable Elements, Outdoor Design Elements, Outdoor Recreation Amenities, Landscape/Garden Elements or Outdoor Structures find out what works for you.
Contact our Designscapes Colorado Team to get started.