If we were to define the trends of this decade, outdoor living would be at the top of the list. Only a generation ago, families purchased a home, unloaded the moving truck, and put the grill in the garage or in the backyard. A few lawn chairs and a hammock were all that followed, and people were ready to spend time outdoors. Today, however, we have gone from outdoor spaces to outdoor kitchens, specifically. There is no limit to the creative ideas showing up to address the need for more versatile domains.

1. SET A BUDGET: It may be in your best interest to start with the budget allocation that you expect to use, but in most cases, you should have extra money available. Outdoor kitchens are exploding in popularity, and new products hit the market daily to tempt you to open your pocketbook or wallet and get the latest innovations.
2. DEFINE THE USE: Are you planning to simply extend the outdoor living space for your family, or will the new area be a party zone on weekends when your favorite team plays? Your needs could change considerably if you decide you want seating for twenty and a grill large enough for six pork butts. A family design may not need a kegerator, while a social layout will.
3. CONSIDER YOUR STYLE: You may decide to truly make the area an extension of the indoors, and follow the same design style as your indoor kitchen and family room. However, you may want to change it up completely and do something new and different to add some contrast. Either way works, and there will be plenty of beautiful options for both ideas.
4. SELECT YOUR BASIC ELEMENTS: With your budget in mind, decide how many amenities you can afford to put in your space. A simple design may have a food prep area with a grill, countertop, and a sink. The most elaborate designs have smokers, grills, rotisseries, ranges and ovens, and even microwaves. You may want a sink, refrigerator, ice maker, wine fridge, bar, dining area, television and sound system, plush furniture, or a hot tub. Your options are only limited by your imagination. Oh, and your budget. Remember in item 1, where we talked about that budget?
5. SET IT OFF WITH THE FINISHES: Leave a little money in your pocket for completing the look. You will want a patio or some pavers to define the area. You may need cabinets, countertops, or a pergola. These are items that bring to your basic appliances a cohesive appearance.
6. BRING IT HOME WITH DECORATIVE TOUCHES: Here is where your personality shines through. From lighting selections to throw pillows, these little pieces of color and style make the whole space jump from paper to reality. When you start shopping for these items, you are close to completion and should probably start planning that first event.

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen, give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 262-2591! We will help your landscape and hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our  Outdoor Living Area.

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Outdoor living extensions have been all the rage for a few years now. An outdoor kitchen may be your living space of choice shortly after you start using it. If you have been thinking about beefing up your backyard or patio, then here are a few reasons to make the jump right away.

1.       WINTER MONTHS MEAN LOWER LABOR RATES AS WE FILL THE OFF-SEASON BOOKINGS: Spring and summer are prime seasons for home improvement contractors, but with winter looming, many customers will postpone their projects until spring. Typically, we are available and even offer slight discounts on our labor to keep the winter months booked. If you are willing to work around the weather issues, you may be quite happy with the rates we can offer for your work.

2.       INTEREST RATES ARE LOW, SO YOUR FINANCING WILL COST LESS MONEY: If you need to finance your project, this is the time to act. Home improvement loans are available at a very enticing rate, and you can make the jump into your new project at a very agreeable rate.

3.       IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO BUILD VALUE INTO YOUR HOME: When it comes to home improvements, there is no bad time. A jump in appraised value means that you have more equity in your property. Ideally, you should see more improvement than the cost of your investment, since actual renovation work is of higher value than something that “could” be done.

4.       THE POPULARITY OF OUTDOOR KITCHENS HAS BROUGHT AN ARRAY OF NEW PRODUCTS FOR YOUR PLEASURE: A few years ago, the outdoor kitchen consisted of a patio or deck with a grill on it. Today, extravagance and luxury are key, and outdoor living has taken on new meaning with blended spaces, where the indoor and outdoor meet joyfully to provide extended space for family activities and entertaining. Today’s kitchen may have not only a beautiful grill and smoker, but a sink, fridge, wine fridge, granite countertop, and a full bar! The extent of your project is limited by your imagination. If you can dream it, there is a product available to help with your build. You may need entertainment, too, so a television and sound system could be an option.

5.       YOU CAN ENJOY IT SOON! After reading the last paragraph, why would you want to wait? The sooner you get started, the sooner you can use it!

If you are considering an outdoor kitchen or renovating an existing one, give Outdoor Hardscapes a call today at (251) 262-2591! We will help your landscape and hardscape dream ideas come to life. We have the experience and know-how to create amazing outdoor spaces and we will take your outdoor living to the next level. Visit our  Outdoor Living Area.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”