Top Residential Landscape Design Trends in 2015

ASLA survey shows that sustainable, low-maintenance designs rated most desirable; hottest outdoor living elements are fire pits and fireplaces.

2014 ASLA Honor Award - Residential Design Category - Hill Country Prospect - Studio Outside Landscape Architects - Photo Credit Arlen Kennedy Photography and Robert Reck Photography.
2014 ASLA Honor Award - Residential Design Category - Hill Country Prospect - Studio Outside Landscape Architects - Photo Credit Arlen Kennedy Photography and Robert Reck Photography.

Sustainable and low-maintenance design are the top trends for residential landscape projects, according to the 2015 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Additionally, fire pits/fireplaces and landscape lighting are the most popular landscape design elements.

The landscape architects who responded to the survey point to the following as the 10 most demanded residential landscape projects and/or elements.

  1. Native plants (85%)
  2. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (83%)
  3. Food/vegetable gardens (79%)
  4. Fire pits/fireplaces (78%)
  5. Low-maintenance landscapes (78%)
  6. Permeable paving (77%)
  7. Drip/water-efficient irrigation (74%)
  8. Rain gardens (74%)
  9. Lighting (72%)
  10. Rainwater/graywater harvesting (71%)

“Consumers care about designed landscapes that are attractive, easy to take care of and eco-friendly,” says Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “The survey shows that homeowners increasingly see opportunities to improve the environment right in their own backyard.”

Outdoor Design Elements

  1. Fire pits/fireplaces – 78.0%
  2. Lighting – 72.0%
  3. Grills – 63.0%
  4. Outdoor furniture – 63.0%
  5. Seating/dining areas – 63.0%
  6. Wireless/internet connectivity – 60.0%
  7. Planters, sculptures, garden accessories – 55.0%
  8. Counter space – 53.0%
  9. Outdoor heaters – 46.0%
  10. Stereo systems – 45.0%
  11. Movie/TV/video theaters – 38.0%
  12. Utility storage – 38.0%
  13. Sinks – 37.0%
  14. Refrigerators – 35.0%
  15. Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 29.0%
  16. Showers/baths – 27.0%
  17. Hammocks – 20.0%
  18. Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 9.0%

Outdoor Recreation Amenities

  1. Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor saunas) – 40.0%
  2. Swimming pools – 40.0%
  3. Sports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) – 36.0%

Landscape/Garden Elements

  1. Native plants – 85.0%
  2. Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 79.0%
  3. Low-maintenance landscapes – 78.0%
  4. Rain gardens – 74.0%
  5. Water-saving xeriscape or dry gardens – 71.0%
  6. Organic gardens – 68.0%
  7. Plant walls/vertical gardens – 61.0%
  8. Decorative water elements (ornamental pools, fountains, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) – 57.0%
  9. Rooftop gardens – 56.0%
  10. Ponds/streams – 33.0%

Outdoor Structures

  1. Pergolas – 51.0%
  2. Decks – 45.0%
  3. Fencing – 42.0%
  4. Arbors – 41.0%
  5. Porches – 38.0%
  6. ADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 31.0%
  7. Pavilions – 31.0%
  8. Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 29.0%
  9. Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 25.0%
  10. Gazebos – 19.0%

Sustainable Elements

  1. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants – 83.0%
  2. Permeable paving – 77.0%
  3. Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 74.0%
  4. Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 71.0%
  5. Reduced lawn area – 69.0%
  6. Recycled materials – 65.0%
  7. Solar-powered lights – 55.0%
  8. Compost bins – 51.0%
  9. Geothermal heated pools – 21.0%

ABOUT ASLA: Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 72 student chapters. Members of the Society use "ASLA" after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning, and design of our built and natural environments; the Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.

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