What factors influence residential paver trends?
It’s no secret the outdoor living industry as a whole has grown due to people wanting to spend time outside and entertain outdoors, as well.
Last year’s American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey shows 60 percent of residential architects see an uptick in requests for blended indoor-outdoor living.
“That’s created a trend toward bringing the inside out in terms of colors, shapes and patterns,” says Jessica Foster, Belgard brand manager for Oldcastle APG based in Atlanta. “It’s a similar look to what you’d find inside.”
Homeowners want hardscapes with a modern, urban feel, Foster says. That means they want clean, smooth textures and large format designs, and they’re eschewing the old world or cobblestone feel because they’re becoming savvier about design choices that may date their homes.
“When someone takes on a project, they know it needs to compliment their home and it need to be there for more than five years,” she says. “By sticking with cleaner and less ornate (styles), it’s a good foundational base that can transition with any furniture, rugs or décor.”
Foster shares four design trends to look for in hardscape products and what’s behind them.
Trend 1: Gray tones
“Where we used to have more reds, oranges and browns, we’re moving toward grays, greiges and charcoals,” Foster says. “Of course, you’re always going to have lighter grays around pools because of the heat, but cool, modern colors and neutrals inside the home are making their way outside.”
Trend 2: Plank-style pavers
“We’re seeing a lot of planks—that’s been a big focus in both architectural and residential,” she says, noting the classic, ubiquitous subway tile look is influencing exterior design. “These are driven by (a trend toward) big, clean lines and also wood plank options. We’re seeing these in grays, whites and blacks.”
Trend 3: Reclaimed wood look
“Reclaimed or distressed wood looks—we’re seeing those outside now,” Foster says. “Both those and the subway tile look are big.” This style of paver is offered in concrete and now porcelain—which she says is a good choice because it’s low maintenance and weather resistant.
Trend 4: Large format shapes, modular design
“Using squares or rectangles to create a modular formation is still very big, in comparison to a single unit being used in a running bond,” she says, noting planks are the exception here. Additionally, circles are out. “Again, things are going more toward the clean, streamlined look.”
Across the pond
European design trends also influence the hardscape industry, but it takes about three years before they make their way to the states, says Jessica Foster, Belgard brand manager for Oldcastle APG.
“With fashion it changes every year because it’s not as permanent or expensive to replace,” she says. “But with hardscapes, flooring and furniture, they take a little longer and you know they’re going to be around longer. Again, you don’t want to go exceptionally drastic and choose something that could date your home.”
Photos: Belgard
