# Functional Foliage Lawn maintenance takes on a naturally aesthetic appeal. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Jun 22, 2017 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-foliage ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Functional Foliage trend? **Functional Foliage:** Consumers are increasingly looking for dual-purpose yard features that not only help in the maintenance and functionality of their yards, but also blend into the surrounding environment so as not to add clutter or detract from the natural appeal of the outdoors. Beyond quality performance, aesthetically pleasing products are imperative for the consumer who wants to get the most out of their limited backyard space. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 31, 2016 to Sep 18, 2018 - Published: Jun 22, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Functional Foliage trend ### Dual-Purpose Yard Features Consumers look for yard features that offer functionality and blend into the surrounding environment, leading to disruptive innovation opportunities for eco-friendly, space-saving products. ### Integration of Solar Energy With the demand for energy-efficient outdoor products increasing, there is an opportunity for businesses to introduce more solar-powered options to meet consumer needs. ### Modular and Customizable Planters Modular planters that respond to modern decor and adapt to spatial limitations are a trend that offers disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses to create customizable solutions for consumers with limited gardening space. ## What the Functional Foliage trend means for industry ### For Sustainable Products Incorporating green living into outdoor products geared toward dual-purpose yard features offers disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses to meet the demand for eco-conscious products. ### For Solar Products Innovation in solar-powered outdoor products offers disruptive opportunities for businesses to create energy-efficient solutions that meet consumer needs while fostering a sustainable future. ### For Outdoor Design The trend for modular and customizable outdoor design consumers provides an opportunity for businesses to offers new, flexible and artistic solutions for gardening enthusiast and consumers who have limited outdoor space. ## Workshop question How can you balance the consumer's need for functionality and aesthetics? ## Trend signals for Functional Foliage Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 80%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Functional Foliage trend 7 featured examples from Mar 31, 2016 to Sep 18, 2018. - [Overgrown Moss Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overgrown-moss): The TERRA! Grass Couch Becomes One With The Natural Landscape (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for furniture manufacturers to explore sustainable and eco-friendly designs using organic materials like overgrown moss. - [Stackable Prism Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prism-planter): The Principals' Design Boasts Modularity and an Industrial Aesthetic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The home decor industry has the opportunity to incorporate modular and customizable planters with an industrial aesthetic into their product lines. - [Sculptural Garden Water Sprinklers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-sprinkler): The 'Hydro-Ball' Sprinkler Works with Water or the Wind (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Industry could explore incorporating more artistic designs or features into existing garden equipment or creating a new brand entirely that specializes in artistic garden equipmen… - [Eco Garden Bug Zappers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garden-lamp): The Solar-Powered UV Bug Zapper Garden Lamp is Multifunctional (Category: Eco) Implication: With the rise of sustainability, there is a growing demand for green technology solutions that minimize energy consumption and promote eco-friendly practices. - [Illuminating Sculptural Water Fountains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-water-fountain): Michael Anastassiades References Classical Architecture (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for designers to create unique and visually engaging water features that incorporate sculptural elements, classical references, and responsive ma… - [Artificial Plant Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artificial-plant): These Solar Lights Were Designed After the Natural Movement of Plants (Category: Eco) Implication: Designing and marketing decor products that incorporate sustainable energy and technology into their functionality. - [Underground Beer Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biersafe-underground-beer-cooler): The Biersafe Underground Beer Cooler is Buried Three Feet Below Ground (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Biersafe Underground Beer Cooler is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the beverage industry by offering a unique and eco-friendly storage solution for beverages. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)