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10 Inspiring Landscaping and Outdoor Design Trends for 2022View 15 Photos

10 Inspiring Landscaping and Outdoor Design Trends for 2022

Looking for creative inspiration for your outdoor space? These are the hottest trends for 2022 according to the experts at Techo-Bloc, a leading manufacturer for landscaping products.
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Dwell’s list of landscaping trends is presented by Techo-Bloc, a design-driven paver and slab manufacturer that provides creative options for elevating one’s outdoor space.
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Outdoor spaces can be so much more than simple lawns. With the right creative vision, they can become dynamic extensions of the home, encompassing everything from open-air kitchens and cozy fire pits, to swimming pools, sustainable water features, and even al fresco cinemas. In fact, there’s so much choice that it can be difficult to know where to start.

To discover more about the trends that will define how our outdoor spaces look and function this year, we spoke with the hardscape design team at Techo-Bloc, a leader in creative pavers and slabs. "I was hungry for something different and the market was starved of choice," says founder Charles Ciccarello. "I became consumed with the idea of manufacturing a better paver; one with eye-catching colors and different shapes and sizes… pavers that broke the mold of the beloved brick."

In line with that mission to reinvent the outdoor living experience, here are some starting points to help elevate an ordinary garden into the outdoor space of your dreams.

Sustainable water features

Create a sustainable outdoor space by working with what you have. Instead of water-guzzling irrigation systems, make the most of rainy weather with a rainwater tank that can be used to fill sculptural fountains, ponds, and other water features as well as keep lawns and gardens hydrated. 

Create definition around water features with creative paving. This swirling, biophilic water feature is set in a garden paved with Techo-Bloc’s round Antika cobblestones in Shale Grey and edged in the more structured Villagio paver in Onyx Black. The lines of the black pavers help delineate a circular dining area, unobtrusively zoning the open space.

Create definition around water features with creative paving. This swirling, biophilic water feature is set in a garden paved with Techo-Bloc’s round Antika cobblestones in Shale Grey and edged in the more structured Villagio paver in Onyx Black. The lines of the black pavers help delineate a circular dining area, unobtrusively zoning the open space.

Green pavers

While rain offers an eco-friendly way to keep the garden green, too much can cause issues. Permeable pavers are a smart way to keep water, snow, and ice under control—and may be eligible for tax incentives in certain municipalities, making them a cost-effective solution. 

Give the traditional driveway a green makeover with Aquastorm, an anti-flooding permeable driveway paver with a strong linear identity. The eco-friendly hardscape paver was designed by Techo-Bloc to allow grass to grow between it, so you don’t have to choose between the beauty and functionality of concrete and the visual softness of grass.

Give the traditional driveway a green makeover with Aquastorm, an anti-flooding permeable driveway paver with a strong linear identity. The eco-friendly hardscape paver was designed by Techo-Bloc to allow grass to grow between it, so you don’t have to choose between the beauty and functionality of concrete and the visual softness of grass.

Native landscaping

Xeriscaping—designing the landscape to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation—looks to be one of the biggest sustainable trends of 2022. Opt for native plants that will create an impact without the need for watering. Ideal for arid climates, xeriscapes have the added bonus of needing minimal maintenance. 

Combine native plants with rockscapes to create gardens that don’t need excessive irrigation. Here, Techo-Bloc’s Industria 600 series slab in Greyed Nickel was imaginatively used to create contrast between the more organic stones and rocks, as well as functional walkways for seating and a fire pit.

Combine native plants with rockscapes to create gardens that don’t need excessive irrigation. Here, Techo-Bloc’s Industria 600 series slab in Greyed Nickel was imaginatively used to create contrast between the more organic stones and rocks, as well as functional walkways for seating and a fire pit.

Transformational spaces

The best backyards are designed to transition from day to night, essentially expanding your living area. This year, make plans for snack stations that double as evening cocktail bars or relaxed seating areas that transform into cozy fireside spots after the sun sets. Or, take family movie nights to the next level with a patio that converts from sun trap to outdoor cinema.

Make the most of warm, summer nights with a glitzy patio that doubles as the stage for an outdoor cinema. Maximalism is a big trend in 2022—think graphic black and white patterns with bronze or gold highlights. The bold pattern on this patio has been crafted using Techo-Bloc’s Squadra paver in Shale Grey and Onyx Black. The small three-by-three square cobblestones have an aged finish and are ideal for creating mosaics at ground level.

Make the most of warm, summer nights with a glitzy patio that doubles as the stage for an outdoor cinema. Maximalism is a big trend in 2022—think graphic black and white patterns with bronze or gold highlights. The bold pattern on this patio has been crafted using Techo-Bloc’s Squadra paver in Shale Grey and Onyx Black. The small three-by-three square cobblestones have an aged finish and are ideal for creating mosaics at ground level.

During the day, this home takes poolside relaxation to the next level with sun loungers spread out across the patio, which is paved in a large Para slab in Greyed Nickel. The pool’s ornate edge pattern was created with the linear Westmount paver in Shale Grey and Onyx Black, and is finished with the brand’s elegant Raffinato wall cap and steps in Greyed Nickel.

During the day, this home takes poolside relaxation to the next level with sun loungers spread out across the patio, which is paved in a large Para slab in Greyed Nickel. The pool’s ornate edge pattern was created with the linear Westmount paver in Shale Grey and Onyx Black, and is finished with the brand’s elegant Raffinato wall cap and steps in Greyed Nickel.

At night, a sunken fire pit at one end of the pool—defined by Techo-Bloc Industria Triangle pavers in Greyed Nickel, Shale Grey, and Onyx Black—creates a relaxed gathering space. The dividing wall between the pool and fire pit has been cleverly designed to be used as a swim-up bar during the day, and a fireside bar at night. Strategically placed lighting around the pool area and the edges of the fire pit further bring the space to life at night, making it dance with light and fire.

At night, a sunken fire pit at one end of the pool—defined by Techo-Bloc Industria Triangle pavers in Greyed Nickel, Shale Grey, and Onyx Black—creates a relaxed gathering space. The dividing wall between the pool and fire pit has been cleverly designed to be used as a swim-up bar during the day, and a fireside bar at night. Strategically placed lighting around the pool area and the edges of the fire pit further bring the space to life at night, making it dance with light and fire.

Chef-grade outdoor kitchens

Bring the heart of the home outside with an outdoor kitchen beneath a covered patio that can cater to summer barbecues and cozy fireside feasts alike, or create an outdoor room that can host everything from cocktails to dinner parties. 

Techo-Bloc’s Blu Grande slab in Greyed Nickel creates a sophisticated backdrop for this epic outdoor kitchen and dining setting with a quartet of playful timber swings. Not only is it practical, but the large size of the pavers reduces the need for joints that can collect crumbs and create uneven surfaces for furniture. The covered kitchen and dining area is defined at the ground level with Borealis slab in Smoked Pine—an elegant wood imitation patio slab that retains the warmth of wood but features innovative Klean-Bloc technology that eliminates the need for maintenance.

Techo-Bloc’s Blu Grande slab in Greyed Nickel creates a sophisticated backdrop for this epic outdoor kitchen and dining setting with a quartet of playful timber swings. Not only is it practical, but the large size of the pavers reduces the need for joints that can collect crumbs and create uneven surfaces for furniture. The covered kitchen and dining area is defined at the ground level with Borealis slab in Smoked Pine—an elegant wood imitation patio slab that retains the warmth of wood but features innovative Klean-Bloc technology that eliminates the need for maintenance.

This kitchen garden cleverly uses Borealis wall in Hazelnut Brandy as a long-lasting, retaining wall for raised garden beds, bringing the cottage-garden charm of timber without the need to worry about maintenance or everyday wear-and-tear. The clearly zoned pathways between the beds allow room for a cafe table and chairs.

This kitchen garden cleverly uses Borealis wall in Hazelnut Brandy as a long-lasting, retaining wall for raised garden beds, bringing the cottage-garden charm of timber without the need to worry about maintenance or everyday wear-and-tear. The clearly zoned pathways between the beds allow room for a cafe table and chairs.

Get creative with how you use materials in outdoor spaces. Techo-Bloc’s Graphix wall block is typically used for decorative garden walls, but here it’s been applied in monochrome Greyed Nickel and Onyx Black to the base of this table, which can serve as a dining table, kitchen island, or casual bar setting. With the simple addition of a net, it could even be turned into a ping-pong table transforming the area into a fun family play zone.

Get creative with how you use materials in outdoor spaces. Techo-Bloc’s Graphix wall block is typically used for decorative garden walls, but here it’s been applied in monochrome Greyed Nickel and Onyx Black to the base of this table, which can serve as a dining table, kitchen island, or casual bar setting. With the simple addition of a net, it could even be turned into a ping-pong table transforming the area into a fun family play zone.

Organic forms

One of the hottest outdoor trends for 2022 is organic shapes that take cues from interior design and echo the natural flow of the surrounding landscape. Pair rounded forms and pretty plants with more structured elements, such as paving, to create a pleasing juxtaposition. 

Create sinuous garden walls or curved poolsides with Techo-Bloc’s Bullnose Grande cap—used in Greyed Nickel here to craft a perfectly circular pool. The collection features a tapered shape for clean curves, and the rounded edge has a smooth texture that makes it ideal for poolsides and seat walls. The perfect form of the pool is complemented by the more linear Blu Grande slab, which paves the rest of the area.

Create sinuous garden walls or curved poolsides with Techo-Bloc’s Bullnose Grande cap—used in Greyed Nickel here to craft a perfectly circular pool. The collection features a tapered shape for clean curves, and the rounded edge has a smooth texture that makes it ideal for poolsides and seat walls. The perfect form of the pool is complemented by the more linear Blu Grande slab, which paves the rest of the area.

Let there be light

If you want to make a creative statement with a sense of purpose, play with strategically placed lighting arrangements. Not only will you be able to illuminate the outdoor space, but you can create an artful element of surprise and transform the atmosphere once the sun goes down.

The illuminated diamond pattern (created by double-ended wall lights) is mirrored with alternating Techo-Bloc Industria Triangle pavers in Smooth and Granitex finishes. The resulting walkway—which is also illuminated with minimalist garden lights at its edge—is not only visually stunning, but also highly slip-resistant thanks to the granular texture of the Granitex pavers.

The illuminated diamond pattern (created by double-ended wall lights) is mirrored with alternating Techo-Bloc Industria Triangle pavers in Smooth and Granitex finishes. The resulting walkway—which is also illuminated with minimalist garden lights at its edge—is not only visually stunning, but also highly slip-resistant thanks to the granular texture of the Granitex pavers.

The garden as a canvas

But, why settle for only artful lighting? With a little creative flair, the entire outdoor space can become a masterpiece. Work from the ground up, using slabs and pavers to create graphic patterns and mosaics; then dress the walls with complementary artworks. 

Treat walls and the ground as a canvas. This graphic abstract was created with Techo-Bloc’s Travertina Raw slab in Ivory and Rock Garden Brown. The earthy tones complement the texture of the slab, which echoes that of natural travertine with the stain-resistant attributes of Techo-Bloc’s Klean-Bloc factory-sealed technology.

Treat walls and the ground as a canvas. This graphic abstract was created with Techo-Bloc’s Travertina Raw slab in Ivory and Rock Garden Brown. The earthy tones complement the texture of the slab, which echoes that of natural travertine with the stain-resistant attributes of Techo-Bloc’s Klean-Bloc factory-sealed technology.

Cottage comforts

The past few years have seen a stylish revitalization of cottages and country homes as remote working and staycations attract city dwellers to the countryside. Craft an inviting, high-end outdoor space that takes advantage of a rural setting with creature comforts such as fire pits with built-in seating, outdoor dining areas, and clever lighting solutions. These outdoor upgrades won’t just enhance your experience of the great outdoors, but are an easy way to add value to a property, whether it’s for work, play, or investment.

A perfectly manicured lawn is made even more alluring with the addition of a strikingly linear pathway that combines Techo-Bloc’s Blu Grande slab in Greyed Nickel with small pebbles. A paved fire pit area introduces an additional functionality to the pathway and creates an impressive spot to stop and admire the view. Discreet lighting makes sure the space can be appreciated at night as well as during the day.

A perfectly manicured lawn is made even more alluring with the addition of a strikingly linear pathway that combines Techo-Bloc’s Blu Grande slab in Greyed Nickel with small pebbles. A paved fire pit area introduces an additional functionality to the pathway and creates an impressive spot to stop and admire the view. Discreet lighting makes sure the space can be appreciated at night as well as during the day.

A natural palette

Take inspiration from the surrounding countryside to create a rural retreat that blends into the natural landscape—think stone and timber coupled with lush planting. If you want the warmth of these natural materials without the hassle of maintenance, opt for innovative stone and wood look-alike products, such as Techo-Bloc’s timber-effect Borealis slabs.

Outdoor spaces don’t get much more spectacular than this sprawling patio adjoining a palatial country home. A natural country chic vibe was achieved using Techo-Bloc’s Borealis slab in Smoked Pine—an innovative and durable concrete product that replicates the look of timber. This is complemented by Borealis slab and Blu 60 Smooth, which has also been used to create stone-look pathways that connect the patio to the rest of the garden.

Outdoor spaces don’t get much more spectacular than this sprawling patio adjoining a palatial country home. A natural country chic vibe was achieved using Techo-Bloc’s Borealis slab in Smoked Pine—an innovative and durable concrete product that replicates the look of timber. This is complemented by Borealis slab and Blu 60 Smooth, which has also been used to create stone-look pathways that connect the patio to the rest of the garden.

This shaded outdoor dining area, which uses Techo-Bloc’s Borealis slab in Smoked Pine, creates a sophisticated herringbone pattern that extends the elegance of hardwood flooring outside. The timber effect of the concrete slabs is so convincing it’s been called "trompe-l’oeil" by industry professionals. While it has the look and feel of timber, it’s maintenance free—so no staining, rot, or fading.

This shaded outdoor dining area, which uses Techo-Bloc’s Borealis slab in Smoked Pine, creates a sophisticated herringbone pattern that extends the elegance of hardwood flooring outside. The timber effect of the concrete slabs is so convincing it’s been called "trompe-l’oeil" by industry professionals. While it has the look and feel of timber, it’s maintenance free—so no staining, rot, or fading.

Learn more about designing a standout space at Techo-Bloc.com.  

Mandi Keighran
Design and travel writer based in London.

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