Outdoor Design Trends for 2023

It appears the warm weather is here to stay, which means we can finally dive into all the outdoor design dreams and ideas we have for 2023! There are few things quite as refreshing as cleaning up your yard and garden for spring and gathering all the new plants you want to add to your space. 

However, it can be daunting trying to get your outdoor space to look just how you imagined it. Not sure where to start with your exterior oasis this spring? Well, we’ve rounded up for you some of the top trends for outdoor design.

Enchanting Outdoor Spaces 

Think outdoor living spaces connected by winding pathways and surrounded by lush plants.

Pathways, whether stepping stones, brick or sidewalk, help connect different features of a yard that might otherwise appear separate. So, rather than having a pool area, an outdoor living space, and a dining area, the pathways help create a cohesive space that looks and feels like it belongs together.

Another great way to accomplish an enchanting space is with a pergola, trellis, gazebo or other outdoor structure and a vining plant. Adding greenery or a flowering plant that climbs upward, or trails downward depending on your structure, allows for hardscaping fixtures to blend in with their surroundings over time.

Furniture That Blends In

While many people are loving a maximalized look when it comes to the plants in their yard, they’re loving a more minimal and simplified look of the furniture and fixtures in their exterior design. A more organic and natural look is in, and that means simplified furniture with curves, cream or neutral-colored cushions, and wicker and wooden designs instead of cold metals. These softer, less conspicuous designs help to fully immerse homeowners – and their guests – in their outdoor sanctuaries.

Edible Landscapes

One of the perks of an edible landscape (besides all the fresh herbs and food at your fingertips) is that you can fit this in no matter how small or large your outdoor space is. Even a balcony can accommodate small pots of fresh herbs or a tomato plant. If you have more space, you can even start a full-blown vegetable and fruit garden.

If you don’t have the space for a garden or want to keep edibles separate from other landscaping, container gardening can be the perfect solution. This also helps keep produce from touching the ground and becoming more susceptible to rotting and being eaten by other pests. Some of our favorite container options are lemon, olive and fig trees. Not only do they produce delicious fruit, they also have beautiful leaves. Just remember that, here in Tennessee, some of those must be brought in for winter (or otherwise winterized)!

If you aren’t into fruit trees, strawberries and peppers are also great choices for edible landscaping. Our botanical design team specializes in container gardening design, and can help you create pieces that are beautiful and tasty – contact them here!

Another great bonus to using edibles in your landscape is the sense of accomplishment you get from knowing you cultivated and grew the very food you’re eating! Need more ideas for starting an edible landscape? Check out our blog post, include edibles in your landscape plans, for more recommendations! 

Making the Most of Your Space

In 2023, people are getting even more creative with how they utilize their yards. You might know this to be especially true if you live in an urban area, like our lovely metropolitan Nashville!

Making the most of outdoor spaces can include practical projects, like adding small sheds and greenhouses to backyards – check out one we utilized in a recent project. If you have the footprint for adding these structures, they can extend the time you can enjoy gardens and other green spaces, even when the temperatures cool down in late autumn. Plus, it keeps outdoor tools, pots, soils and other landscaping amenities out of your garage and in their own spot.

Lovers of the great outdoors are also eyeing smaller pools, perfect for floating, plunging and soaking! You might be thinking your yard is too small for a pool, but we at Gardens of Babylon beg to differ. Check out our recent post about three popular pools for small yards.

If you don’t have a yard or even a patio, there are still several ways to increase the appeal of your home’s exterior. We have plenty of recommendations on how to create an outdoor sanctuary, no matter how small your space is. 

Design trends are always changing. But with outdoor design trends there really aren’t any bad options. You can create a beautiful outdoor space with a little or a lot. If you haven’t started on your landscaping yet or just need some recommendations, be sure to come see us at the garden center, or schedule a consultation with one of our designers to help bring your vision to life!