5 Things To consider When Planning Your Outdoor Space

Nowadays, we just cannot talk enough of outdoor living, specially after we unofficially kicked off summer 2 days ago. So, today we summarized 5 things you need to consider when you plan your outdoor space.

Decide the location to build your outdoor kitchen. Before designing an outdoor kitchen, you will need to decide where you would like to build it: place your outdoor kitchen close to the house on an existing patio or along the home’s exterior walls, or a set-up further from the home for a more intimate experience. You will need to take note of the existing utility lines and understand which you may need so those installation costs can be included in the budget estimate. If you would like your outdoor kitchen to have running water, you’ll need to ensure that the proper plumbing lines are installed. The same is true for gas or electric-powered appliances. That being said, there are several thoughts to locate your outdoor kitchen: –Locate your outdoor kitchen close to the home. The closer your outdoor cooking area is to your home’s backyard entrance, the more convenient it will be for food preparation and transport. You don’t want to be so far from your indoor kitchen that it is a hassle to go back and forth, this scenario often results in rarely using the outdoor kitchen.

—Consider what the views will be from your outdoor kitchen. A correctly placed outdoor kitchen will take advantage of the views in the rest of your backyard landscape. An incorrectly placed outdoor kitchen will leave guests to look at a wall or fence. If possible provide pleasant views for both guests and cook, but if not, give priority to the guests.

—Place your outdoor kitchen so that smoke from the grill will be carried away from dining and living areas.

—To ensure that your outdoor kitchen is as comfortable as possible during the day, place it in a location that has shade. Shade for an outdoor kitchen can be provided by trees, a patio cover, pergola, or umbrella.

Click here to learn more how to locate your outdoor kitchen

2. Choosing durable outdoor cabinetry

stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry — [Source : porch.com]

Water-resistance is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor cabinets. Your best options are stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, and teak. Dust can fall from stone countertops, so it’s better for the cabinet to be fully enclosed. Lesser materials for the interior fasteners and drawer slides might not last outdoors. Stainless steel is better than galvanized steel. It’s durable, weatherproof, and matches your grill, but not all stainless steel is created equal. Look for 304 stainless steel. Stainless steel cabinets are no longer limited to reflecting that commercial brushed chrome aesthetic. Many outdoor kitchen manufacturers have introduced color and texture in both the kitchen island body and drawer fronts. Therefore, you can experience the tried-and-true durability of stainless steel while personalizing your outdoor kitchen with simulated concrete, stacked stone or wood finishes and powder coated color details that not only withstand the outdoor elements, but are beautiful and inviting.

Marine Grade Polymer

Easy to hose down and UV-resistant, marine-grade polymer cabinets are water-tight.

Teak

Desirable for their classic good looks, teak cabinets must be custom built for the space and sealed and resealed regularly, with a water-proof finish.”If they’re exposed to the sun, the cabinets may even need periodic refinishing.

3. Play with color

Color isn’t just limited to throw pillows, rugs and umbrellas. Some surface brands offer a wide range of colors and finishes for UV-ray, weather-proof countertops, while appliance suppliers offer their outdoor appliances in show-stopping colors to create an outdoor environment that is just your style. Here are some color ideas for your outdoor space:

—Brighten your outdoor entertaining area with a light outdoor rug, white table, and colorful throw pillows. Colorful pots and ceramic side tables boost the patio’s light and bright vibe.

—Upgrade your patio or deck with an umbrella that sports a fun coloror pattern. Or keep it neutral and let your table decor be the main attraction.

—When dining alfresco, drape a colorful tablecloth over your table to add a special touch to your dining space. Colorful placemats also come in handy when entertaining outdoors. For a layered look, place a natural style rattan or bamboo runner over a more vibrant tablecloth.

—Add depth to your covered porch or patio by painting the ceiling or rafters. The color addition brings a unique and unexpected twist to the space and makes an outdoor room feel cozy and inviting. For balance, opt for lighter furnishings and bright accessories.

—Unify furnishings in a spectrum of colors with the accessories you choose. An assortment of furniture pulls together as a seating area when they share stripe pillows. An outdoor rug unifies the arrangement.

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4. Smart technologies for outdoor living

Whether an intimate dinner for two or a neighborhood get-together, entertaining has never been more popular for our outdoor spaces. For some people, this means creating an attractive backyard oasis with user-friendly pool and spa automation while enjoying environmental controls to set the perfect mood with audio and lighting. When it comes to entertainment, people also consider motorized screens and a projector that bring the home theater experience outdoors. In smaller areas, you can breathe life into patios, balconies and gardens with layers of accent lighting and weather-resistant, high-performance audio for a striking, multi-media landscape. A motorized awning , for sure, can guarantee you are able to spend more time outside while controlling the sun and shade.

Here are some of the hottest smart tech you can get for your backyard this summer.

SMART OUTDOOR LIGHTING. …
THEATER SYSTEM. …
SURVEILLANCE AND ALARM SYSTEMS. …
AUDIO SYSTEMS. …
WEATHER-RESISTANT AND ANTI-GLARE TELEVISIONS. …
SOLAR POWER. …
PATIO SPACE HEATERS. …
ROBOTIC LAWN MOWER.

Click here to learn more outdoor smart home technologies

5. With so many manufacturer innovations and an overall focus on health and wellness, to ignore your outdoor space these days is simply a waste. While our outdoor spaces may have been an area of the home we will get to designing “someday,” this additional square footage is now celebrated as an extension of our homes where we can rest, relax and entertain al fresco while taking in fresh air and Vitamin D.

Shop Our Picks On Highly-Rated Outdoor Appliances:

Blaze LTE 7-Piece 40-Inch | Liquid Propane | Outdoor Grill Kitchen Package