Millennials do things very differently from previous generations. Benefiting from technological advancements but being stricken with rising inequality and climate change, they are now becoming homeowners and expressing their generational identity through their properties.
This is leading to some particularly stark contrasts. No longer are the number of bedrooms an indicator of value as, instead, buyers look for potential remote working spaces. Reclaimed and recycled furniture is a booming industry, to the extent that even eco-friendly paint reclamation is becoming a widely popular way of decorating a home. Such changes are becoming more obvious as time goes on, however, they are perhaps most apparent, within the millennial garden.
What Makes Them Different?
Gardens are now a luxury. Their popularity has been rising for a number of years but recently, following the international health crisis, they have become an important, if not essential, asset for those looking to ensure they have continued access to a natural and private space.
Motivated by this sense of value, gardens are being rethought so as to extract every possible modicum of value from the property investment. No longer can large patches of land be dedicated to grass, not when it could be used to grow food or host facilities for a hobby. Even the value of assets like garden sheds is now being called into question. Why dedicate space to storage when there is more utility in log cabins?
As a result, garden design has moved away from being largely aesthetic, with dedicated flowerbeds and curated lawns. Instead, they are being used in exciting ways, with outdoor office spaces, fitness studios, exercise equipment, and plots for growing ingredients.
They’re becoming more social too, with many growers seeking to produce food items that can be traded among neighbours, not only contributing to a sense of community but also helping homes to diversify their diets and understanding of produce. Online groups, those dedicated to connecting local neighbourhoods, are becoming more widespread, with private gardens being used as spaces for social events.
Creating A Return On Investment
The gig economy and the rising popularity of turning a hobby into profit is also motivating changes among outdoor spaces. Whether seeking to teach a fitness class online, dedicating a space to a craft, or creating the perfect outdoor photo studio for a new brand, gardens have a significant potential benefit.
There is also evidence of a greater number of businesses being established inside gardens. Sheds are being converted into compact recording studios and culinary tools, like smokers and ovens, each being built outside of homes, supporting the careers of budding local chefs as they create and cook in an environment they couldn’t achieve indoors.
It is this kind of utility that is defining the millennial garden. No longer is there much room for surplus. As with the ever-popular trend of minimalism, gardens, like other areas of life, need to bring happiness. Or else, what are they worth?
