These Are the 5 Outdoor Trends to Skip in 2023, According to Designers
I love a gooddesign trend, but it’s easy to get caught up in endlessly chasing fads, only to feel pressure to completely redo your space every few years and replace items that no longer seem “in style.” That even goes fordecorating outdoor spaces, too, which may only get used for a few months out of the year anyway, depending on your climate. There are only so many times you can redesign your patio setup before your bank account (and creativity) can’t take it anymore.
That said, if you don’t have the budget to re-invest in new outdoor furniture or want to create a stylish, timeless space, I spoke with designers on the five 2023 outdoor trends they say it’s OK to skip. Of course, if you already own or love any of these styles, I encourage you to decorate your backyard or balcony however you want. Below, though, experts weigh in on some of the more impractical, expensive, or high-maintenance outdoor furniture and decor pieces that are popular right now.
Egg Chairs
Perhaps one of the most pervasive outdoor furniture trends of the past few years? The egg chair. Anyone who’s looked into purchasing this seating style knows that they aren’t exactly cheap, but that hasn’t stopped this trend from taking off. From bohemian-inspired hideaways to modern patios, the egg chair has seemingly popped up everywhere. However, designers agree this trend is likely set to be short-lived, and ultimately worth skipping. Not only is the price enough to give anyone pause, but they also aren’t overly practical, says Cameron Johnson, CEO and founder of furniture rental company and interior design firmNickson Living. “The egg chair is great in concept, but, while having someone cocooned away from the action makes a lot of sense for spas and hotel pool decks, it is not necessary to fully activate a backyard for functionality and ‘wow,’” he says.
Faux Plants
Faux plants definitely have a place inside the home, but when it comes to your outdoor living space, it’s best to opt for live plants, says Monica Rivas of Las Vegas-based interior design studioEnliven Interiors. Not only can faux plants make an outdoor space feel inauthentic and overly staged, but they may actually also pose a safety risk in extreme climates. Rivas notes that she’s had clients in desert environments experience theirs catching on fire when left out in full sun. Instead, choose a couple of live plants to add a pop of greenery to your space. Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t sweat it! Outdoor planters are significantly easier to care for than indoor plants. Just remember to water them during periods of drought.
Outdoor Rugs
This one may surprise you, but experts agreed that outdoor rugs feel overly trendy and impractical. “It’s just one more thing that has to be maintained, cleaned, vacuumed, swept, and shook out,” says Molly McGinness of Massachusetts-based interior design firmMolly McGinness Interior Design. Enjoy the outdoors and embrace your deck, patio, hardscaping, and lawns without covering them with a poly-fiber carpet that’s likely destined to be trashed by the elements, adds McGinness.
Mix-and-Match Vintage Patio Decor
告别的花园满是随机的odds and ends — the days of mix-and-match vintage patio decor taking over your social media feeds are coming to an end, according to experts. “Rustic barn doors used as coffee tables, vintage windows used as decor, or old boots with potted plants are all trends that are fading,” says Lindsey Jamison, partner and lead designer of Colorado-based interior design firmRumor Designs. While these types of decor are typically used to create a whimsical and eccentric outdoor space, they can also create a sense of clutter and overwhelm. Instead, expect to see homeowners moving towards more simplistic outdoor decor options.
DIY Pallet Furniture
Listen, I love a good DIY project as much as the next budget-conscious millennial, but outdoor furniture arguably isn’t the best time or place for them, says Zach Dannett, co-founder ofTumble, an online home furnishing shop. While pallet furniture is touted as being eco-conscious and super affordable, it’s not designed to be long-lasting and weather-resistant. Ultimately, it usually ends up being thrown out after a couple of years. Plus, “with so many pallet furniture creations flooding the market, the uniqueness and charm that originally drew people to this trend have diminished,” says Dannett.