Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Summer Outdoor Decorations
Summer is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean if you haven’t decorated for this season it’s too late. There’s plenty of time to include a few summery details to your patio or backyard for a quick refresh and to impress any guests you have over for a barbecue or an alfresco meal. A big overhaul isn’t needed when you can put a few trendy items out on display.
The experts at Etsy shared the top outdoor décor trends for this year, based on top searches within the outdoor and garden category on Etsy.com. “This summer, outdoor decor is all about creating a warm and inviting space for your friends and family,” Dayna Isom Johnson, the trend expert for Etsy, told Real Simple. “Create a staycation right in your own backyard! We’ve seen the excitement around the hygge trend for the past couple of seasons indoors, but now we’re seeing this come to life outdoors. Whether it’s a statement wreath for the front door, a cozy fire pit for the yard, or a comfy swing chair to soak up the rays, all of the items create the perfect setting for a lush backyard oasis.”
Some of these trends aren’t surprising, including summer wreaths and swinging seats, but other ideas seem new and Pinterest-inspired, like fairy gardens and minimalist birdfeeders. Johnson sees some of the trends as throwbacks to other decades: “The most surprising thing about this summer’s trends is the nostalgic nod to the decor of yesteryear. From wind chimes to birdhouses, these trends are an unexpected trip down memory lane, with an updated, modern feel.”
Summer Wreaths
Add some extra curb appeal (and a welcoming display) with a summer-inspired wreath. While you might think of a wreath as being made of evergreen branches or dried grapevine, for summer it’s fun to opt for seasonal accents, like bright flowers, fruit, or seashells.
Nouveau Nests
- Birds Snack Bar, $79
Forget the classic wooden abode; the birds might expect some flashier digs now. A minimalist, modern birdhouse will be a popular destination for feathered friends. According to Etsy, more and more of its users are searching for birdhouses and feeders this season.
Next-Wave Wind Chimes
- Agate Windchime, $25
More Etsy customers are searching for nature-inspired wind chimes, instead of the metal ones we’re used to seeing around the neighborhood. These updated designs are made of bamboo, drifwood, and even trendy agate.
Fairy Gardens
- Fairy Door Kit, $45
After mermaids and unicorns, the next whimsical trend is a fairy garden. Think tiny gardens with miniature figurines, houses, and other accents (like a small potted succulent) that look like it was made specifically for Thumbelina.
Planters With Personality
- Stoneware Wall Planters, $350 for 10
A colorful or patterned planter works in every type of garden—whether it’s a small windowsill spot or a big backyard. Planters are quite popular on Etsy.com: they’re the most-searched item in the outdoor and garden category, and the number of unique planters listed has increased by 45 percent from last year.
Backyard Glamping
- Steel Fire Pit Cube, $321
The glamping trend isn’t going anywhere. Now you can try to imitate the experience in your own backyard if you can’t make it to one of the best campsites in the West. All you need is a stylish firepit to set the scene (and roast some marshmallows). On Etsy, you’ll find structural designs and even tabletop designs if you have a small patio.
Swinging Seats
- Hammock Chair, $83
There’s nothing like curling up on a hammock with a good book on a lazy summer afternoon. Now, there’s a new seating option in town: the hammock seat, which has an upright design and Etsy describes as “the love child of a hammock and a swing.” They’ll take up less space and some do come with a stand.