Top Exterior Design Trends for 2016

Spring is on the horizon, and as the temperatures rise it’s a good time to start tending to your garden and outdoor spaces. Done right, exterior design can transform even the smallest of spaces, and add real value to commercial or domestic property.

Boost the kerb appeal of your property and create an inviting outdoor space, by tuning in to some of the key exterior design trends for 2016. Whether you’re renovating a rented property or giving your own garden a revamp, we’ve picked out a few of the top trends for the year ahead.

Stylish outdoor living 

The Great British weather may be a little unpredictable, but when the sun shines you don’t want to miss a moment. So bring the inside out with all-weather furniture that would look just as good in the living room as the garden. With a little help from a landscape gardener, you can create a space for outdoor living that catches the morning sun or late afternoon rays, and fill it with furniture where you can entertain and relax.

Sizzling fire pits

As the sun sets, there’s something quite tribal about gathering around a fire. Fire pits are a growing trend in 2016, and an impressive focal point for any outdoor space. Whether you’re designing your garden or creating a communal area for your apartments, fire pits are available in many different varieties, from integrated designs to heaters that double up as barbeques. 

Sustainable materials

Sustainability is a hot topic that doesn’t seem to be cooling off anytime soon. To make your property more eco-friendly, use sustainable products for drainage, guttering and furniture that will add value to your exterior. If you really want to prioritise your carbon emissions, consider using your roof space for solar panels, or installing a biomass boiler in a tucked away portion of the garden, to generate free electricity for your property.

Lighting with ambience

Outdoor lighting has come a long way from blinding outdoor lights and automatic security lights. Nowadays, lighting is just as important for exterior design as it is for internal décor.

The sophistication of LED lighting has opened up a wealth of possibilities for garden design, from twinkling fairy lights to dimmer switches and solar lights. With the help of a qualified electrician, it’s easy to create an ambience in your outdoor living spaces, and balance practical needs with aesthetic design.

From simple changes to major renovation work, there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space this Spring. With careful design and regular maintenance, it’s easy to create and manage a garden that you, your customers or tenants will love. Need a little help from an experienced team of gardeners and landscapers? Brighter Facility Management can help. Give us a call on 0113 243 1077, or email info@brighterfm.co.uk to arrange a site visit.