New Year is often quoted as a time for new beginnings. Whether we make resolutions to be better people, take time out of our busy schedules to indulge a new hobby, or pledge to donate more to those in need – taking the plunge into a new year is commonly associated with a personal refresh.
But, when a new year begins, we often forget about our living spaces, and how these also deserve a freshen up. Home is truly where the heart is, and in 2023, we should be taking the time to make meaningful changes to the places where we spend most of our time – especially the time we spend with nature, in our outdoor spaces.
So, all signs point to improving our alfresco spaces – but how exactly do we achieve this? Well, Harbour Lifestyle, the luxury living brand, reveals the top three garden furniture items set to be in demand in outdoor living spaces in 2023 – based on national demand.
Indoor/outdoor living - The pergola
By far Harbour Lifestyle’s most popular item of 2022, the pergola, has turned out to be a dark horse in garden design up and down the nation. Rising a whopping 400% in Google searches in the past month – the nation is clearly obsessed with these stylish yet functional piece of furniture.
The humble pergola is, simply put, a rectangular outdoor structure that provides shelter and shade. Usually consisting of four posts and a roof, and occasionally removable walls, these structures can be either free standing, or attached to your home.
Despite their sophisticated appearance, there is another factor that makes a pergola the hottest ‘must-have’ garden item of 2023. Pergolas are multi-functional, and can actually act as an extension of your interior living space. If you’ve always wanted to expand your home, a pergola may be the solution you are looking for.
Return of the Rattan – The dining set
We all know the common New Year’s resolution of eating better. But, what if we told you that you don’t have to consume solely vegetables to eat healthy? According to research, dining outdoors has multiple health benefits– ranging from reducing your chance of illness, to improving your mood. So, unsurprisingly, it is no wonder that Google has seen a recent 550% rise in demand for ‘outdoor kitchens’ in the past 30 days alone.
To spruce up your alfresco dinner party, why not combine your rattan dining set with a firepit? Firepits have proven their popularity in 2022, with some households using them as design features alone in their alfresco set-ups. With Google searches for ‘firepit’ still rising 110% in the past 30 days, Harbour Lifestyle predicts they will continue to gain even more popularity as we move in to 2023.
Social Soirees – The sofa set
Households across the nation have changed their opinion on outdoor socialising following the pandemic’s lockdowns in 2020.
When spending more time outdoors, you want to ensure you have a cosy, comfortable space to relax in. Large sofa sets, including modular sets that can be moved around to suit your social situation, are set to be huge in 2023 in households. These sets are large enough to comfortably accommodate bigger groups, yet still remain stylish when not in use. Creating an outdoor living room, complete with side tables, weather resistant throw pillows, and a classy outdoor rug is a great way to increase time outdoors.
So, with the top three garden furniture trends of 2023 revealed, which ones will you be investing in for the best possible start to 2023? Overall, spending time outdoors is great for the mind, body, and soul – so creating a space where you can socialise, dine, exercise, and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.