Everyone likes a little luxury, but in a recovering economy the focus falls on practicality. This year’s trends for outdoor living are a fusion of those two desires – focusing on bringing the indoors out, creating a purposeful and comfortable environment.

Kitchens

Entertaining is a huge part of using your backyard, that only gets easier when there’s no reason to go inside. An outdoor kitchen complete with a fridge, stovetop, sink and a huge BBQ make this possible.

Technology

Weatherproof TV’s and wireless sound systems are perfect for enlivening the outdoors. Heated concrete is also becoming popular, especially in snowy Park City by completely eliminating the need to shovel when you head out to your hot tub after a day on the slopes.

Landscape

No longer is it in vogue to fight the natural landscape. Native plants are a must, as is water-efficient irrigation systems. In Utah this means drought resistant plants, perennials and evergreens. Kick it up a notch by incorporating yard art.

Gardens

Edible plants are a key part of a utilitarian backyard. Making it convenient means gardening on a small scale via planter boxes, large pots or working it into your other landscaping. For example, plant lettuce next to sage to keep the bugs away.

Hot tubs

An expertly planned hot tub can create a year-round oasis. What’s better than watching the snowfall from your streaming tub? In ground hot tubs, located close to the backdoor are especially popular where snow and ice is an issue.

Fireplaces and fire pits

Fire effortlessly creates a gathering place in the summer, and makes your backyard livable until late fall by keeping you warm – making them a trend everywhere, but a must-have for any Utah backyard.

Roof top add-ons, gazebos, and pergolas

For Utahns, the overhead cover trend is good news, making outdoor spaces usable at last during the hot summers and snowy winters. Gazebos and vine covered pergolas can provide cover for your fire pit, seating area or hot tub, and are a great option for those who don’t want to build a rooftop add-on.

Lighting

As homeowners work to bring the indoor ambiance outside, lighting should follow suit. Outdoor lights create ambiance long after the sun has set and become especially useful in the fall as the days become shorter.

Durability

In a recovering economy, the focus always falls on things that last, making durability a top priority for 2014. Homeowners are choosing furniture built into the infrastructure of the backyard, or made out of heavy-duty metals or wood; with cushions made with materials that can entertain and stand the test of time.

Temperature control

Making the outdoors as comfortable as your living room is made less challenging by investing in overhead fans for those hot, breezeless days and radiant heaters for colder summer or fall nights.