Designing Outdoor Kitchens That Work
Why We Love Outdoor Living
As warmer months roll in, we naturally spend more time outdoors. It’s the season when patios turn into dining rooms and grills take over as head chef – and if you’re like most of our clients, it’s not just about food, it’s about connection. If you think back to your first purchases as a young homeowner it was likely something for the exterior of your home. Plants, trees, a grill, a table, a patio umbrella – and definitely mulch. What made you decide to spend your money on those, when there were probably other areas of your home needing attention?
Grill Now, Save Later
Whether you realized it or not at the time, you were expanding your usable living space. You added square footage to your home – creating areas for the relaxation, dining and entertaining without the cost of a full addition! Outdoor setups are perfect for hosting guests, in a natural setting whether it’s parties, an outdoor family meal, or a neighborhood get together. Cooking outdoors in the summertime has plenty of health benefits too besides the great taste. You’re reducing indoor heat and utility bills – keeping the hot air outside where it belongs, which helps lower the need for AC and cuts energy costs. Grilling outdoors often leads to fresher foods and enjoying your meals at home instead of dining out. To be honest, I never think of any of these pros when I’m planning to grill out, but you can bet that I’m going to be citing this blog as a reference to purchase a new set up.
Smart Design, Long Term Gain
With the recent popularity of outdoor kitchens, options and accessories have continued to flood the market and price points have come down – giving homeowners quality cabinet and appliance options without breaking the bank. Outdoor components are made from weather-resistant materials like stainless steel and stone, requiring minimal upkeep while offering durability. Spending time outdoors is linked to improved mood and reduced stress. An outdoor living space will help encourage a healthy, nature-connected lifestyle.
Grow Into Your Space
With the right planning – you can create a year round retreat outside of the 4 walls of your home. Covered structures, heating elements or fans can be incorporated into the design to extend the time your outdoor area can be enjoyed. A thoughtfully planned outdoor space can be constructed in multiple phases. This will allow you to extend your budget while enjoying the initial benefits of the space. Just because you ran the gas line doesn’t mean the new grill has to be purchased, or that outdoor television mounted because of the new electrical plan. Just like the natural surroundings, plan to let your space evolve and grow with time.
Outdoor Living = Curb Appeal
Our final thought is actually about first impressions. An attractive, maintained and curated outdoor living space creates a strong visual statement, improving your home’s aesthetic and making it stand out in your neighborhood. Outdoor kitchens and living spaces can yield a high return on investment, often boosting resale value by making the home more appealing to buyers. With Father’s Day approaching next week, maybe it’s time to ask the old man if he’d prefer a smart, long-term investment in outdoor living – over another last-minute gadget from Amazon or Home Depot. If you’re dreaming about your own outdoor kitchen – or wondering how to make your backyard more functional – we’re happy to help design something that works for your home, timeline, and budget.
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