The Great Outdoors Never Looked So Great: "Fire and water are all the rage right now for outdoor spaces. These elements not only take a space to the next level, they connect the space to its natural surroundings. Even in an urban setting, these elements add a sense of tranquility that can make you feel like you're a million miles away.".

• Author: Adkins, Leslie
• Position: LIFESTYLES LOOK

THE POPULARITY of outdoor living spaces never has been higher and the appeal of the great outdoors seems to keep getting greater with homeowners across the country investing more time and money into their outdoor spaces. Based on input from internal specialists and insights from dealers, contractors, and industry insiders, Trex has compiled its annual Outdoor Living Forecast predicting design trends for 2020 and beyond.

It always is fascinating to compare the trends reported by consumers with those projected by the industry at large. This year, we added insights from two high-profile design and lifestyle specialists--Alison Victoria and Evette Rios--to the mix.

Following are 10 trends that will influence outdoor living as we begin a new decade of design:

* Mixed materials. Say so long to matchy, matchy and monochromatic. Now is the time to mix it up--both indoors and out. Add visual interest to an outdoor space by juxtaposing materials such as concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone. Integrate nature-inspired materials that maintain cohesion with the natural surroundings, and infuse color and pattern with pillows, cushions, furnishings, and decorative accents.

* Industrial inspiration. As homeowners increasingly find inspiration for their outdoor spaces in commercial settings, like upscale hotels and restaurants, there is a growing shift toward sleek, contemporary designs and materials, larger expanses of glass, smooth surfaces, and clean lines. Outdoors, this trend is manifesting in more-commercially inspired railing styles. For instance, there are a range of minimalist, yet sturdy, aluminum options, including rod rail, glass panels, and mesh inserts designed to optimize sightlines and deliver a modern, industrial flair.

* Cladding. Another commercial-to-residential trend is the use of cladding, which is growing in popularity across the country. Functionally, cladding provides a protective rainscreen to a home or outdoor living area, while also improving curb appeal. Modern exteriors with clean lines and simple designs are among those attributes most commonly requested by homebuyers and homeowners, with a particular emphasis on wood looks. For those seeking the aesthetics of wood cladding without the hassles of constant upkeep, composite cladding offers a high-performance, low-maintenance alternative.

"Anyone who follows my work knows that I'm all about cladding. It is fresh and distinctive and lends a modem interior...