How Denverites are revamping their backyards for summer
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Backyard food and drink stations are a hot upgrade, custom architects nationwide say.
The big picture: Nearly a third of bespoke homes designed in the past year include an outdoor kitchen, according to a new survey by Residential Design magazine and John Burns Research and Consulting.
- Beverage fridges, grills and fire pits are among the most common al fresco features.
What they're saying: Denver homeowners are craving functional and social spaces — and outdoor kitchens check both boxes, according to the pros at Phase One Landscapes.
Yes, but: You don't need to redo the whole house to revamp what's outside.
- Taskrabbit backyard bookings climbed 12% through April compared to the same time period in 2023, per data from the gig marketplace.
What's next: Axios Denver reader Gina Simpson has some good news for those of us with small outdoor spaces and missing a green thumb. High-quality silk plants save water and stress, she says.
- Her outdoor oasis includes a water fountain and lush "landscaping" that's in bloom year-round.
- Simpson suggests storing your plants indoors during winter/early spring to extend the shelf life.
Go deeper: Tips from the experts for planting a Colorado garden