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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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." layout="wide" credit="Image courtesy of Techo-Bloc" photoUserId=""/>

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