Layered lighting, bolder color and the latest in outdoor media and gadgetry will be among the latest outdoor living trends for 2014, say two Houston outdoor designers.

“Our outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more like our indoor spaces, both in how they look and function,” says Lisha Maxey, senior designer with Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “And just as we’re doing inside, our outdoor kitchens and patio design are starting to break the rules a little - infusing a little more fun and a lot less work.”

Agreeing with her is Outdoor Homescapes’ owner, Wayne Franks: “People are now plugged in 24-7 and want their USB ports, smart device docking stations and state-of-the art audio-visual systems outdoors,” he notes. “Same goes for outdoor kitchens, with the same restaurant-quality outdoor appliances they’ve already added indoors.”

Here are the two outdoor designers’ take on next year, with five hot trends for outdoor living in 2015:

More layers of lighting: “Overhead chandeliers have become very popular for Houston patio design,” says Maxey. “We’re also seeing a lot more decorative outdoor lighting, like tabletop lamps and lanterns and candleholders with LED flameless candles.”

Wrought iron’s a popular look for lighting fixtures, adds Maxey, especially in Houston with its Spanish-style influences. But copper and anything with an aged finish or patina are also gaining momentum nationwide.

Bolder colors: “Outdoor kitchen countertops are no longer just your basic black granite,” says Franks. Although clients often still choose granite, they’re moving toward more earthy browns, tans, golds or a combination of these hues - although any color is fair game these days. “The backsplash seems to be a particularly popular place to show off a bold color or make an artistic statement - perhaps a mosaic tile design, inset fleur de lis or accent tiles in metal or glass.”

Color can also be injected - even changed up seasonally - via cushions, pillows, rugs and other décor accents. Popular hues for 2015? Blues - from a light mineral blue to a dark royal navy blue - and oranges, plums, golds and reds.

Natural - or nature-inspired - materials: “Natural or manmade stone has completely taken over as the material for outdoor kitchen cabinets and islands, as well as walls and accents like column supports,” says Franks. Countertops and backsplashes are also stone, with travertine and slate joining granite as top choices.“The same thing is happening with outdoor furniture,” says Maxey, who’s seen client after client replacing plastic patio seating and tables with models made of teak, bamboo and wicker. “Even the décor accents are taking their cues from nature, with troughs and bowls that look like they’re made of stone, replicas of coral and plenty of tabletop and container gardens.”

Indoor-outdoor connection: “With a lot of our outdoor patio covers [http://www.outdoorhomescapes.com/outdoor-design-services/covered-outdoor-kitchens/], people are replacing windows and walls with large French doors, so they have better access to the outside,” says Maxey. Nationwide, many people are even installing huge picture windows or floor-to-ceiling glass walls so they can see the outside when inside and vice versa.”

Gadgets galore: “From docking stations for smart devices to the latest outdoor kitchen appliances,” says Wayne, “people want the same outdoor amenities they have indoors.”

Outdoor audio-visual systems are a must, with eight out of 10 of Franks’ clients wanting outdoor TVs and “10 out of 10” wanting music (compared to 6 out of 10 and 9 out of 10, respectively, two years ago). “But that’s not all - they want docking stations for tablets and smart phones, so if a friend or family members wants a particular song or movie, they can just play it immediately.” For outdoor kitchens, says Franks, the latest appliances include infrared burners (added to existing grills for searing steaks) and drop-down power burners for crab or crawfish boils. “When you just turn on one burner on the power burner, you can use it to sauté.”