As the world of outdoor living continues to grow, Pro Landscaper asks five market leaders where they see it going in the next five years. So, where is the outdoor living market headed?

Guy Douglass, Millboard

Starting with Guy Douglass, Millboard’s global director, he says “the last five years have seen a lot of movement, and the next five years will again see more movement,” adding:

“I think there will be a lot more of the experiential side of it. People aren’t just going outside now to have a patio because they don’t want the dirt, or they’re entertaining once or twice a year. It’s a place where they want to be. 

 

“We work hard during the week and we want to have that space where it’s their own sanctuary, somewhere where it’s precious to them. I think it’s moved more towards that, and it’d be quite individualistic according to the client’s needs.”

Stuart Williams, London Stone

London Stone’s sales director Stuart Williams recognises the market, whilst his role at the stone supplier helps to elevate the companies designing building outdoor living spaces.

“From kitchens to pergolas, there’s still a growing market from what we can see. We get involved in a lot of spas now and swimming pools. So it’s making sure, from London Stone’s perspective, that we have the products to support those sorts of builds with the pool copings for example. 

 

“I think this market is only just getting started.”

Holly Youde, W Outdoor Living

Holly Youde, director of newly devised W Outdoor Living from Wright Landscapes, sees the connection between the growing market and the recognition of wellness within it.

“There’s a big connection with wellness, which is great. So that’s creating a growing market for us. Also, I think the level of technicality on a lot of these projects is just going to get even more technical. AI is creating spaces that cannot be achieved, but it’s also generating new concepts and the next thing that you can add on to a space. 

 

“I just see it becoming a lot more complex, but it’s great that it’s pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved.”

Ben Walker, Walker Outdoor Living 

Founder and director of Walker Landscape and Design, Ben Walker launched Walker Outdoor Living alongside his central business as a means of expanding into the market.

“One thing that I’ve noticed, and we’ve noticed at work, is a shift towards higher quality, higher spec, and recognition of that higher end of the market. I think a lot of people have done a few projects in the past and been let down with product failure. 

 

“People seem to be concentrating their spend now on a higher quality product, from modern outdoor kitchen to a modern pergola, these products are staggering to some people.I think that’s one way it’s going to move forward.”

Debs Winrow, Garden House Design 

Co-founder and creative director of Garden House Design Debs Winrow talks about how the popular products within the market may shift and change.

“I think you’re going to see kitchens without barbecues. That’s going to be really interesting. Kitchens will become entertainment consoles, because a lot of our clients can’t actually cook. 

 

“I also think you’ll see solar power come in for our canopies, which is super exciting. I mean, how cool would that be if actually, you could get the sun you’re protecting yourself from to actually power the lights in your canopy and take the blinds up and down, that would be incredible. 

 

“And I think you’re also going to get multi-functional furniture. I think you’re going to get tables that will change into sofas. Because what they’re trying to do is, obviously, we’re trying to multi season our outdoor living spaces. It’s not about three months of the year. We’re used to changing seasons and environments, and our clients aren’t, and I think that’s where we as an industry have to teach people how to live outdoors, how to play outdoors and have some fun, and outdoor living products will help that.”

 

“So get on board, because watch this space. I think it’s going to be an incredible five year journey ahead.”

Content from this feature has been taken from the Step Outside: Getting into the Outdoor Living Market seminar at FutureScape.