In 2016, residential landscape trends move toward landscapes that are both beautiful and promote green living.
Over 800 landscape architects were asked by The American Society of Landscape Architects what they feel are the top trends in residential landscape design for 2016. 88% of those surveyed said that rainwater and greywater harvesting would top the list this year. In the 2015 study, it ranked 10th on the list. Second on the list are the use of native plants. At Chesterfield Valley Nursery we love nature’s natives. They are beautiful, environmentally smart, and hold up to the sometimes dramatic climate changes we see in St. Louis. On the list of outdoor design elements, fire pits and fireplaces topped the list for the second year in a row. As a focal point in any landscape, we share the love of these functional pieces that add warmth and grandeur.
Here is full list of the ASLA’s top design trends for residential landscape architecture in 2016:
Top project types:
- Rainwater/graywater 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%
Top 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%
Top Outdoor Recreation Amenities:
- Sports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) – 41%
- Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor saunas) – 40%
- Swimming pools – 36%
- Labyrinths – 11%
Top 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 pools, fountains, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) – 46%
- Ponds/streams – 29%
Top Outdoor Structures:
- Pergolas – 51%
- Decks – 47%
- Arbors – 44%
- Fencing – 44%
- Porches – 40%
- ADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 38%
- Pavilions – 33%
- Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 31%
- Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 28%
- Gazebos – 24%
Top Sustainable Elements
- Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 88%
- Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 85%
- Permeable paving – 77%
- Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 72%
- Reduced lawn area – 72%
- Recycled materials – 61%
- Solar-powered lights – 56%
- Compost bins – 45%
- Geothermal heated pools – 28%