Today’s homeowners and first-time homebuyers are continually seeking innovative ways to maximize their home spaces, which has led many to look outside for the next great living space. Modern backyards are much more than a patch of grass for kids and pets to play in. Homeowners are now looking to use their outdoor spaces as an extension of their living and entertaining spaces.
Backyards are increasingly including features and spaces dedicated for relaxation, entertainment, and connecting with nature. Read on for four trends that create the ideal outdoor space that work specifically well for the community layout and south Texas climate in Vida San Antonio community on the city’s Southside.
Living Landscapes
While backyard gardens are not new, modern principles like sustainable growing, a focus on native plantings, pollinator-friendly plants, and wildlife-friendliness are more popular than ever.
Instead of a traditional vegetable garden planted in uniform rows every spring, homeowners can consider perennial, fast-spreading food plants that don’t need a ton of maintenance to thrive. For those not interested in growing their own food, there is a broad range of beautiful flowering plants that grow naturally in Central/South Texas to enhance the beauty of your home.
Living landscapes not only enhance the natural beauty of your property but can also contribute to the overall well-being of the ecosystem. For the warm and arid San Antonio climate, consider native, drought-resistant plants as a focal point. With some great area greenhouses offering high-quality flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables, your landscaping is only limited by your imagination.
And don’t forget the trees – adding trees to your landscaping can decrease yard temperatures up to 15 degrees. Take a look at VIDA’s Treebate program, which pays homeowner HOA fees for trees planted.
Fully Integrated Outdoor Living
Highland Homes at VIDA: The Gallery Series Backyard
A peaceful green area that can be quietly enjoyed with a book and a cup of coffee is great, but how about some sun-kissed social spaces, such as the ones commonly found in the VIDA community? The warm Texas weather calls for functional outdoor spaces that extend the design and function of your indoor spaces all the way out the back door. Features like the collapsible patio doors at VIDA create a seamless connection between your backyard oasis and the comfort of your living room.
Outdoor-loving homeowners are looking for ways to create modular, multi-functional spaces that can be quickly rearranged to suit anything from backyard playtime with the kids to hosting an upscale cocktail party for the neighbors. It’s no secret that Texans love their barbecue. In warm climates like south-central Texas, many homeowners are embracing the trend of installing permanent and semi-permanent outdoor cooking areas.
For Texas backyards, elements of shade should also be a priority. Whether this comes in the form of traditional table umbrellas, a retractable awning, a permanent patio roof, or something in between will be a matter of your personal tastes, your budget, and the space you have to work with.
Local Art
Lots of people love adding personal touches to their interior spaces with hand-picked art pieces and Southside San Antonio is a great place to curate some truly one-of-a-kind pieces to place in your yard/landscape. From sculptures to smaller curio pieces, your yard is an expression of your creative spirit – make it your own!
Artistic pieces can range from fire pit rings, painted stone installations, or colorful outdoor furnishings. Even small touches like custom-printed tumblers for those all-day barbeques can help personalize your patio and support local creators.
If you’re interested in making your home here at VIDA San Antonio, check our website for information about a variety of ready-to-move-in units available soon, and maybe we’ll see you at the next backyard barbeque!