outdoor living

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Designing an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Perfection

If you entertain a lot and want to spend time outdoors then you will be interested in designing an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen will help you combine both interests with greater ease. Whether you have a large garden or a small yard, an outdoor kitchen that is well designed can help you spend time outdoors, cooking and serving food even as you spend time entertaining family and friends. The design of your outdoor kitchen will depend on the space availability, budget, and the types of gathering you plan to host.

Counter Tops

Your outdoor kitchen needs a countertop where you can place the grill, ingredients, and trays that will hold the food you want to serve. Granite countertops are a preferred choice for outdoor kitchens as they are durable and not very easily damaged by exposure to UV rays and moisture. They are easy to clean and maintain.

Grills

Gas or charcoal grills can help you prepare food outdoors. The choice of grill will depend on whether you can pipe gas to the outdoor kitchen with ease or not. Moreover, piping gas outdoors might also require permission from the local authorities. If your outdoor kitchen is close to the kitchen you can install a gas grill, otherwise, press the button for a charcoal grill to serve hot and delicious food outdoors.

And yes, your food should taste a lot better than what McDonald’s serves.

Storage

The outdoor kitchen should have at least some storage facility. This will enable you to store basic ingredients, cutlery, and plates in the kitchen, saving multiple trips back to the main kitchen for essential items. Having salt, pepper, napkins, and cutlery as well as a few sauces and condiments will mean the difference between rushing back to the main kitchen and spending time, enjoying the company of your guests as you prepare and serve the food (of course you could have some help or a child run quick errands for you back and forth). Stocking up the outdoor kitchen before a party of get together will make for a better meal time for sure.

Sinks

The outdoor kitchen should also have a sink and water supply. While a sink can be installed with ease, water supply will require you to lay a pipe and obtain planning permission. However, a sink and faucet will help you wash your hands, the glasses and other dishware after you serve the guests. This will also help in expediting the entire cleaning up process. Since you can wash the used dishes in the outdoor sink and stack clean dishes together to be taken inside if necessary.

You can do this while still experiencing the gorgeous outdoor moments and activities.

Refrigerator

As most outdoor cooking and entertaining happens in the warmer months of the year, a refrigerator will enhance the comfort and value of your outdoor kitchen. You can store cool drinks and ice in the refrigerator apart from chilled salads, sauces, and even ice cream. This makes it easier to host an outdoor event, as guests can simply grab a cool drink as they wait for the meal to be served. A compact refrigerator that can fit under the counter-top will help you store party essentials close at hand, sparing you the hassle of rushing back to the house every time someone wants a cold drink, some ice, and so on.

Lighting

An outdoor kitchen should have plenty of task lighting over the countertop and cooking area. This will enable you to use the space in the evenings and nights as well. Whether you are planning to host a poolside party on summer evenings or want to spend time outdoors on moonlight summer evenings with your family, adequate task lighting over the countertop and cooking areas will mean that you can spend time outdoors even as you prepare meals and eat them.

Seating

When designing an outdoor kitchen you can fix permanent seating close to the outdoor kitchen in the form of wooden or wrought iron benches and tables, or use stackable, movable, chairs and tables. The permanent benches and tables will mean less work when you are hosting a gathering as you do not have to arrange tables and chairs.

However, if you have a small garden or want to have flexibility in the seating arrangements, you could invest in foldable, stackable furniture that can be used in multiple parts of the garden. For instance, you can use the same set of plastic chairs close to the outdoor kitchen, near the pool, and on the patio or deck, depending on where you want to spend time outdoors. Moreover, this type of furniture can be stacked and stored in the basement or attic when not in use or when the weather is very hot or cold.

But an outdoor shed is much better for this type of furniture!

A properly planned outdoor kitchen is a terrific way to increase the time spent outdoors. By simply transferring meal preparation and meal times to the outdoors, you can spend more time soaking in the sun or enjoying the fresh breeze in the evenings. Spending time outdoors will help you relax and unwind and mentally prepare for the day or week ahead. Grilling your favorite foods outdoors will enhance the flavors and make mealtimes more enjoyable.

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

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Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

While an expansive yard gives plenty of scope for design ideas, you can plan and design a stellar outdoor living area even if your yard is small by using a few design tricks.

Locating the Outdoor Room

One way to create a sense of spaciousness even if you have a small yard is to carefully locate the outdoor room so that it provides an uninterrupted view. Locate the deck in a place that is not blocked by the fence or house and you will be able to enjoy a sense of space that the outdoors should bring.

Create Different Levels

Another effective way to make the outdoor room feel more spacious is to create different levels. Create a deck with multiple levels in varying shades of the same color to provide both unity and individuality. The only limit is your imagination. Who says you cannot utilize a small yard in this manner? Who says a small yard is boring and lifeless? There are many different directions you can go with a small yard and this is just one of them.

Place a Vista

You should also consider creating an attractive vista that draws the eye away from the limited space. For instance, you can build a trellis or arbor or place a small waterfall or fountain at the farthest end of the view from your outdoor room. A colorful arbor or a trellis that is covered in vines is a stunning way to draw the eye from the fences around your small yard.

Keep the Space Clutter Free

You should also aim to keep the space clutter free. This can mean using a few large containers for plants instead of many small ones. You also need to decide on the function of the outdoor room and keep only the essentials, using cleaver storage to keep books, grills, or firewood hidden but close at hand.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

If you plan to use the outdoor room for multiple functions, use multi-functional furniture. For instance, trunks can hold playthings out of sight and also double up as side tables or seating. A short wall can be utilized as a bench while also adding a level to the room, and so on.

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces

Add Table Top Features

If your outdoor room is small, but you want to add a few outdoor features, you can consider installing table top features such as a fire bowl or table top fountain. A fire bowl will make the outdoor room feel cozy even if you do not have space for a fire pit and a table top fountain will provide the soothing sound of water without taking up the space of a regular fountain or waterfall.

Play with Light and Color

Another way to make the outdoor room in a small yard feel more spacious is by playing with light and color. Stick to a couple of bright colors for furniture and containers for a cheerful outdoor space that does not seem cramped. In the evenings add muted lights from candles and solar lights to create the right ambience for your needs.

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

Use Foldable or Retractable Awnings and Umbrellas

Instead of putting up a permanent roof or cover over your outdoor room if it is small, you could use retractable awnings or foldable sun umbrellas for shade during the hottest parts of the day. This will enable you to open up the space in the evenings and at night.

Think Vertical

Just as you would look up for storage space when designing a small indoor room, you should think vertical when designing an outdoor room in a small yard. You can install a vertical garden on one fence or hang colorful lanterns and outdoor lights on a tall tree to make the room feel spacious by drawing the eye upwards. There is plenty of space upward to exploit.

Use Nested Furniture

Another way to keep the outdoor room from feeling cluttered and confined is by keeping stackable, nested, or foldable furniture at hand. Stools that can be nested will increase seating or double up as side tables, stackable chairs can be spread out as needed, and foldable furniture can be put away when not needed, to open up the space in a small yard.

Use Minimalist Furniture

Another way to make the most of a small yard is to use minimalistic furniture. Choose tables and chairs that have sleek lines and are functional. You can also add a hammock or swing in your yard to create an informal nook that can double up as seating if needed.

A small yard is no reason to not enjoy the sun and the outdoors. With careful planning and design, you can convert it into an attractive outdoor room that suits your needs. For this, use the same principles you would use when designing a small room and make use of the feeling of openness that a view of the sky and the horizon can provide. Using portable equipment such as grills and barbeques will enable you to host a gathering even in a small outdoor room.

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Attractive Additions for Your Backyard

Your backyard is a sensational place to entertain friends and family, especially during spring and summer. Barbecues and pool parties are awesome ways to enjoy the beautiful climate with people you love. But first you need to make sure that your backyard is incredible enough to be a venue for entertainment and fun.

If it is not, transform it and create a new outdoor living space with a few simple yet beautiful additions. Apart from giving you extra space to entertain and relax, a few easy additions can give you a little extra privacy and make your outdoor space your favorite spot at home.

What is an Outdoor Living Space?

Any form of outdoor space that that helps in bringing out indoor comforts to the outdoors, such as a deck, gazebo, outdoor kitchen, patio, pergola, or a screened porch. With these spaces, you can enjoy the incredible outdoors while still getting the protection you need from the elements.

Think about it – the new pergola that you install will prevent the occasional rainstorm from ruining your BBQ party. With a screen porch, you can enjoy cool summer nights without worrying about mosquitoes.

Get a Pergola

For decades, gazebos and sunrooms have been popular backyard structures, but they often lack functionality and are expensive to build. A pergola is a marvelous alternative as it is easier and cheaper to construct. It is an open-air frame that typically has latticework roofing, offering a simple design that can accommodate almost any function and any budget.

Pergolas are traditionally shade structures that have mostly open roofs and sides. However, many modern designs incorporate canvas-covered or solid elements that offer better protection from the rain, sun, and wind. This means that your outdoor entertaining season can be extended into the fall and winter.

Design and Placement Tips for Pergolas

A number of factors need to be kept in mind when you choose where your pergola will go. Apart from accommodating the shape and size you desire, you will have to decide if you want a partial-cover or solid roof and whether you prefer a structure that is attached or separate.

When a pergola is situated within your yard landscape, it will be visible from your indoors and provides a visual element that draws attention to the landscape. For the placement of a separate structure, consider where you will spend the most time, where the view would be best and whether there are any areas that are naturally sheltered.

An attached pergola is a terrific option if you want to extend your indoor space onto an outdoor patio or ensure that your dinner parties are kept close to the kitchen. However, keep in mind that attached structures may block outdoor light, darkening interior spaces.

Add Fire to Your Backyard

Whether it is covered or uncovered, concrete, stone or metal, stately or simple, nothing adds a little something-extra to a backyard space than a touch of fire. In addition to adding ambience, light and warmth, fire pits can make entertaining easy and cooking fun.

Fire has a quality that brings people together and makes everyone feel at home. Plus, a fire pit can be a stellar focal point of your backyard’s design even when you do not use it.

Design Consideration for Fire Pits

You can make installing a fire pit as simple as you want. You can purchase a portable unit or construct an elaborate built-in living space with incorporated seating. A wide range of materials are available for built-in fire pits, including brick, concrete, stone, and tile. While most pits have a circular design, you can easily design an L-shaped, square, or triangular space.


In general, keeping the pit as centralized as you can is a wonderful idea with seats that envelope the fire. That way, you ensure that everyone has a terrific view and faces each other while they enjoy the fire.

Sink Your Patio

In recent years, sunken patios have become popular in backyard landscape design. If you have a small yard, you can get visual interest and depth by having a sunken area and also, the overall space will seem larger than it actually is. In an expansive yard, you can better delineate the architectural scheme of your outdoors with a sunken patio and create a slightly “separate” space for entertainment or relaxation.

Design Options for Patios

You can add dimension to a flat yard with a recessed patio as well as incorporate them into irregular and sloping landscapes. An inset patio can be circular or semicircular or square or simply blend naturally with the existing landscape.

With a sunken patio that has broad, paved steps, you can easily add plenty of built-in seating for your guests while a graduated border can give you extra room for terraced plantings so that you have added privacy.

In areas where fences would be obtrusive, you can get some isolation minus the eyesore with a below-grade patio. You can take in the scenery in your backyard and enjoy some much-needed isolation at the same time.

You can start enjoying your backyard area, fully without worrying about privacy issues, lack of space to entertain and the elements. All you need to do is create an outdoor living space by adding a few awesome additions.

With a simple design, the right materials, and solid construction, you can transform your backyard into your own private oasis.

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9 Tips to Create the Ultimate Backyard Getaway


Backyards are no longer just a home’s exterior. They have become an important part of any home. They are outdoor living spaces that many people use to entertain friends and family and also a place where they can unwind and relax after a hectic week.

There are many ways to create a backyard getaway. Whether you are looking to create a space where you can escape to find peace and quiet or throw fabulous parties, there are many incredible ideas that you can use to create a backyard that you love.

The Best Ideas for a Great Backyard

Here is a look at 9 of the best ways to create the ultimate backyard for your home:

  • Deck up your deck – Define different activity zones within your deck to make it a destination. With multiple levels, you can carve out separate spaces for relaxing and dining. You can cover a pergola with beautiful vines and abundant potted plants to bring your garden up onto the deck so that the structure blends into the landscape.
  • Create the perfect patio – With the perfect design, you can make your patio a welcoming extension of your house where you can enjoy fresh air and cool breezes. With fantastic planning, you can turn your patio into a seasonal room that gives you comfort and relaxation. The surfaces of a patio are usually brick or stone. If you choose concrete, consider adding color and texture to give it a natural look. Add container gardens, planting beds and weather-proof furniture to add style to the outdoor space.
  • Add an outdoor kitchen – If you love eating outdoors or grill at least two times a week from spring through fall, an outdoor kitchen is a must. You do not need to get a fancy grill. All you need is a countertop for food prep as well as a separate side burner, closed storage, and other conveniences to ensure that you have a fantastic outdoor cooking experience. To make pre and cleaning even easier, you should definitely add a fridge and sink. Now you can make food that will leave your guests salivating for more. Now you will have guests bring their own food over just so you can cook it in your incredible set up. You may even have the nearby barbecue restaurant asking you to cook for them!
  • Get the privacy you want – You can make your outdoor space feel more like an oasis by adding an enclosure. For patios, garden walls, and fences are a salient way to ensure privacy. However, you can also use pergolas, lattice, and landscaping to define outdoor spaces and screen the views of houses around you.
  • Create a shady hideaway – A little shade is always welcome, especially during the summer months. Your deck or patio will be even more enjoyable if it can provide you relief from the sun. You can create shade spots with the help of umbrellas, retractable awnings, mature trees, or even arbors and pergolas that have beautiful vines growing on them.
  • Get the perfect furniture – When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are more choices than ever. Traditional wood, cast or wrought iron and cast or wrought aluminum are classics that always appeal. You will find new weatherproof, synthetic outdoor furniture in today’s market and they offer the same comfort, style and durability of anything that you may have in your home.
  • Use outdoor structures to define spaces – You can add another level of luxury to your outdoor oasis with a gazebo. Whether it is built on the landscape, set near a pool or attached to the deck, it is an outdoor room that offers a protected space for relaxing, cooking or dining. You can define activity zones in your outdoor space with arbors, trellises, or pergolas. They offer a marvelous way to create focal points, transition from one area to another or divide areas based on their function.
  • Add a spa or hot tub – To make your backyard your luxurious retreat, you can add a spa or hot tub and enjoy long, relaxing soak at the end of a hectic and stressful day. There are many things you need to consider before adding one of these – privacy, the best location for the tub or spa, access to the house and whether you want the spa in a sunny or shaded area. Once you figure all this out, you can enjoy the luxury of a spa in your backyard.
  • Plan your outdoor lighting – To make sure that you get to enjoy your backyard paradise even after the sun goes down, outdoor lighting is vital. The most basic is porch lights that illuminate the way to your house and provide ambient lighting. Low-voltage lights and solar-powered accent lights are wonderful options to add drama and interest to your backyard landscape and to highlight paths.

Creating your personal oasis in your backyard is not difficult as long as you have a sparkling design and concrete planning. Your backyard can be the space that you cherish the most when you make it a place where you can entertain loved ones and relax and unwind in solitude whenever you want to.

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gazebos, outdoor living, pergolas

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Top 5 Outdoor Lifestyle Ideas for Homeowners

outdoor lifestyle ideas From relaxing under the sun to hosting gorgeous and quaint brunches and barbecues in the garden, the outdoor undoubtedly adds a charm to our living space. But in most cases, all that open area is overlooked and not utilized. Here are five outdoor lifestyle ideas that can spruce up your backyard in a jiffy and add to the value of your property.

A Relaxing Outdoor Pool

That’s right! This is the most commonly built structure in a garden or backyard. But, many of us may have bought the false notion that you require a massive space for an outdoor pool. On the contrary, today, you can find innovative designs to build a convenient outdoor pool that doesn’t eat up most of your property. Plunge pools are a poignant example. They can be circular, square, or rectangular and you can choose the design that best fits your space. Resistance jets, as the name suggests, create a resistance in the pool that helps you swim without space being an obstacle. These can be installed in the plunge pool; they also help with therapeutic exercises and swimming training. You can also use the jets to turn your pool into an outdoor spa by using the spa mode of the resistance jets. What a wonderful way to utilize your outdoor space and pamper yourself!

The Classic Gazebo

You can’t go wrong with a gazebo. A gazebo is among the oldest of outdoor structures in history. They are freestanding structures and while the conventional shapes used to be either octagonal or hexagonal, there is now a lot more room for creativity. You can choose from something like that of a Victorian style to something more rustic or contemporary. You needn’t worry about space, as you can invest in a DIY gazebo kit that perfectly suits your outdoor space. classic gazebo

A Comforting Deck

A deck provides a home with an extensive space to lounge in. It is nothing but a patio that is higher than the ground level of the home, but it sure does its bit in beautifying the home and allowing you to take in the soothing view of your garden. Typically, a deck is built using wood or vinyl. Commonly used wood types include cedar, redwood, and pine. However, it is important to maintain the wood to keep it from decaying and warping. A tremendous set of outdoor furniture and lightings would liven up the deck for a quality time with family and friends.

A Pretty Patio

A patio is definitely the most versatile space you can have at home. An ideal space for a patio is the rear of the house or the garden. It can be attached to or detached from your home. Usually, the landscape is taken into consideration when designing a patio. You can build your patio into a variety of shapes and sizes using a vast range of materials, such as stone, tile, pebbles, pavers, bricks, and rocks. Once it is built, all you need is some comfortable outdoor furniture to host barbecue parties, evening cocktails or just relax with a tall, cool drink in the company of family and friends. If the patio is large enough, place a daybed to relax after a hard day’s work. pergola effect

The Pergola Effect

A pergola is another outdoor structure that has lately become extremely popular, but has been around for centuries. It can be freestanding or attached to the home. Earlier, pergolas differed from gazebos in the sense that it lacked a roof and walls. However, these traditional rules have changed with time. If you love the idea of a living area outdoors, a pergola is just what you need. A pergola that is facing north will make the most use of the sun. The primary material used is wood, ranging from hardwood to softwood. But you can get pergolas made from steel and aluminum. If you are looking for rustic and traditional look and feel, opt for Western Red Cedar as your wood of choice. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and naturally resistant to pests and moisture. You can create your own private little space with climbing plants, sheer curtains, and flowering plants.

DIY Projects

DIY projects are a poetic way to set up structures like the gazebo and pergola. They are convenient and there is no need to waste time fretting over the design or materials. They are efficient. Pergola and Gazebo kits come with an easy-to-understand instruction manual, pre-cut wood panels and necessary hardware. If you choose Western Red Cedar panels, not only can you enjoy the outdoor structure, you also get the benefit of pest and moisture resistance. While you can use the DIY route to erect a pergola or gazebo with the help of DIY kits, use a professional to build your pool, patio, and deck. After all, you will be investing a lot of money and you want outdoor lifestyle ideas that are durable, beautiful, and functional.
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Eco-Friendly Gardening: Tips to Create an Eco-Garden

eco friendly lighting Come spring and summer, people look forward to spending more time outdoors. Whether you have a small yard or a large garden, you can make your outdoor space more eco-friendly using a few simple tips and equipment.

Go Organic

One way to create an eco-garden is by going organic. You can grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and lawn in a more organic manner by avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, focus on using non-GMO seeds and organic compost and mulch in your garden. You can also utilize techniques such as companion planting to reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides in your garden.

Solar Lights

While lights are a must to make the garden usable in the evenings and at night, you can reduce the dependence on electricity and make the garden eco-friendly by using solar lights. Install solar panels that will recharge a battery during the day and use the power of the sun to keep your garden lighted during the night, or at least most of the night. You may still want to keep a flashlight nearby but with this set up, you will save time and money in several ways.

Rain Water Barrels

With many parts of the US experiencing drought and water shortage, you can make your garden eco-friendly and green without feeling guilty about using municipal water by installing rain water barrels. These are barrels that will collect rain water from spouts and store them for use in the garden. You can install a mechanical sprinkler or hose to the rain water barrel to make watering your garden easier.

Compost Bin

Depending on the size of your garden, you can either install a compost pit or a compost bin in your yard. A decorative compost bin is a great way to go organic in even a small yard. Simply keep adding dead garden waste and food scraps from your kitchen into the compost bin and spread the compost on garden beds. Let’s be honest, you do not eat everything. There is going to be left over food and scrapings if you cook at home at all. eco friendly backyard compost bin

Eco-Friendly Furniture

You can also use eco-friendly furniture designed for the garden. These wooden furniture are not treated with chemicals and can be left exposed in the garden during the warmer months.

Natural Swimming Pools

You can increase the quotient of eco-friendliness in your garden by installing a natural swimming pool or converting your existing swimming pool into a natural one. This typically requires twice the area of the pool to ensure that the water in the pool is cleaned naturally using plants. These pools avoid the use of chlorine and other chemicals and also do not need to be drained. You only need to top up water that evaporates, reducing your water bill as well. You can opt for a hybrid swimming pool that uses some mechanical components and plants instead of chemicals if you do not have sufficient space for a completely natural swimming pool. eco friendly natural swimming pool

Natural Features

An eco-friendly garden will have more natural features and local plants and trees in it. Instead of stocking your garden with exotic plants, plant local varieties of trees, flowers, and vegetables. These are easier to grow and more eco-friendly as they require less chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While an eco-friendly garden can be a challenge to design, the pleasures it provides can be greater. You can be sure that you will not develop allergies to the pesticides and chemicals used in the garden. Moreover, you can use your ingenuity to upcycle, recycle, and repurpose items you have found around the house and yard to create your garden. For instance, instead of uprooting a tree stump after chopping down a dead tree, you could leave the stump in place and design a garden feature around it. Maybe, you could build an arbor over it and use the stump as a center table or a seat. Similarly, you can place large rocks under a pergola and create a natural seating arrangement that is aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly. These types of seating will also require less maintenance as they will only become weathered over the years.

Naturally Weathered Look

Another way to make your garden eco-friendly is to decide to have the tree house and garden furniture sport a naturally weathered look. This means that you can avoid painting them each year, keeping chemicals away from the garden. Instead, you might have to apply a coat of varnish over the weathered wood once in a couple of years to protect the wood. If you want to convert your garden into a more eco-friendly one you can start small and begin with a compost bin or rain water barrel and gradually move on to other features.
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Designing an Outdoor Kitchen for Backyard Entertainment

If you entertain a lot and want to spend time outdoors, an outdoor kitchen will help you combine both interests with greater ease. Whether you have a large garden or a small yard, an outdoor kitchen that is well designed can help you spend time outdoors, cooking and serving food even as you spend time entertaining family and friends. outdoor entertaining The design of your outdoor kitchen will depend on the space availability, budget, and the types of gathering you plan to host.

Grills

Gas or charcoal grills can help you prepare food outdoors. The choice of grill will depend on whether you can pipe gas to the outdoor kitchen with ease or not. Moreover, piping gas outdoors might also require permission from the local authorities. If your outdoor kitchen is close to the kitchen you can install a gas grill, otherwise, press the button for a charcoal grill to serve hot and delicious food outdoors.

Outdoor Kitchen Storage

The outdoor kitchen should have at least some storage facility. This will enable you to store basic ingredients, cutlery, and plates in the kitchen, saving multiple trips back to the main kitchen for essential items. Having salt, pepper, napkins, and cutlery as well as a few sauces and condiments will mean the difference between rushing back to the main kitchen and spending time, enjoying the company of your guests as you prepare and serve the food (of course you could have some help or a child run quick errands for you back and forth). Stocking up the outdoor kitchen before a party of get together will make for a better meal time for sure.

Outdoor Kitchen Sinks

The outdoor kitchen should also have a sink and water supply. While a sink can be installed with ease, water supply will require you to lay a pipe and obtain planning permission. However, a sink and faucet will help you wash your hands, the glasses and other dishware after you serve the guests. outdoor kitchen sink This will also help in expediting the entire cleaning up process. Since you can wash the used dishes in the outdoor sink and stack clean dishes together to be taken inside if necessary. You can do this while still experiencing the gorgeous outdoor moments and activities.

Outdoor Refrigerator

As most outdoor cooking and entertaining happens in the warmer months of the year, a refrigerator will enhance the comfort and value of your outdoor kitchen. You can store cool drinks and ice in the refrigerator apart from chilled salads, sauces, and even ice cream. This makes it easier to host an outdoor event, as guests can simply grab a cool drink as they wait for the meal to be served. A compact refrigerator that can fit under the counter top will help you store party essentials close at hand, sparing you the hassle of rushing back to the house every time someone wants a cold drink, some ice, and so on.

Outdoor Kitchen Counter Tops

Your outdoor kitchen needs a counter top where you can place the grill, ingredients, and trays that will hold the food you want to serve. Granite counter tops are a preferred choice for outdoor kitchens as they are durable and not very easily damaged by exposure to UV rays and moisture. They are easy to clean and maintain. outdoor kitchen design

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

An outdoor kitchen should have plenty of task lighting over the counter top and cooking area. This will enable you to use the space in the evenings and nights as well. Whether you are planning to host a poolside party on summer evenings or want to spend time outdoors on moonlight summer evenings with your family, adequate task lighting over the counter top and cooking areas will mean that you can spend time outdoors even as you prepare meals and eat them.

Outdoor Seating

You can fix permanent seating close to the outdoor kitchen in the form of wooden or wrought iron benches and tables, or use stackable, movable, chairs and tables. The permanent benches and tables will mean less work when you are hosting a gathering as you do not have to arrange tables and chairs. However, if you have a small garden or want to have flexibility in the seating arrangements, you could invest in foldable, stackable outdoor furniture that can be used in multiple parts of the garden. For instance, you can use the same set of plastic chairs close to the outdoor kitchen, near the pool, and on the patio or deck, depending on where you want to spend time outdoors. Moreover, this type of furniture can be stacked and stored in the basement or attic when not in use or when the weather is very hot or cold. But an outdoor shed is much better for this type of furniture! A properly planned outdoor kitchen is a terrific way to increase the time spent outdoors. By simply transferring meal preparation and meal times to the outdoors, you can spend more time soaking in the sun or enjoying the fresh breeze in the evenings. Spending time outdoors will help you relax and unwind and mentally prepare for the day or week ahead. Grilling your favorite foods outdoors will enhance the flavors and make mealtimes more enjoyable.
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Outdoor Patio Furniture Ideas

Outdoor patio furniture Those who want to maximize the time they spend outdoors – in their garden, patio, deck, or pool – whether with family or friends, need to have outdoor patio furniture that will complement their outdoor space and meet their needs. There are many outdoor patio furniture items that you can obtain – such as hammocks, chairs, tables, fire pits, umbrellas, awnings, lights, and so on – that all add to the comfort and beauty of the outdoor space while providing functional seating, storage, or shade. Selecting outdoor patio furniture depends on factors such as your needs, proclivities, space availability, budget, time available for maintenance, and so on.

Types of Outdoor Patio Furniture

Depending on your aesthetic choice, budget, and other considerations you can choose outdoor patio furniture made of natural wood, wrought iron, plastic, or vinyl. While natural wood and wrought iron are better looking, they can be expensive and require plenty of maintenance. Natural wood furniture left outdoors needs to be stained or painted while wrought iron furniture needs to be painted frequently.

Stackable Outdoor Patio Furniture

You could also consider using movable, stackable outdoor patio furniture such as plastic chairs or tables or foldable wooden deck chairs that can be stored inside during winters and other extreme weather conditions. This is a poignant idea especially if you live in an area where winters are very cold and any furniture left outdoors is likely to be covered by snow. Stackable Outdoor Patio Furniture

Sun Umbrellas and Awnings

If you have a patio or deck that is not shaded and you want to use it during the hotter parts of the day as well, you need to consider using an awning or sun umbrella. While a bench in the garden can be placed under the shade of a tree or under an arbor or gazebo, this is not possible when you want seating on a deck or patio. By adding an umbrella or retractable canopy you can continue to use the deck or patio during the day. For instance, if you have chairs and a table, the deck can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as craft activities or playing board games during the day.

Outdoor Cushions

While simple benches and chairs provide adequate seating facilities outdoors, if you are looking for greater comfort, you can also pick up outdoor cushions that are more durable even when exposed to the sun.

Hammock

Another sterling addition to the garden or deck is a hammock. Whether you have a couple of trees between which you can string the hammock or you need to place poles to put up a hammock, it will provide a salient place for you or your family to enjoy the outdoors in a relaxed manner. You can unwind after a hard day at work, by spending time on the hammock, listening to the birds or watching the clouds float by.

Swing

If you have young children and the space, you can also consider adding a garden swing that will provide hours of fun and additional seating.

Fire Pit

While most people think spring and summer are the best times to spend outdoors, you can extend outdoor time in your house by installing a fire pit and barbecue in your garden or patio. A paved patio with a fire pit will mean that you can spend parts of winter evenings also outdoors without having to worry about the cold.

Lights

Whether you have a small garden or a large outdoor space, you can maximize its use by installing adequate lights over all the places you will use even after sunset. Deck and patio lights that add to the ambience as well as garden lights that ensure that pathways can be identified are of awesome help in ensuring that you can spend time outdoors in a pleasant and comfortable manner.

Poolside Chairs and Loungers

If you have a swimming pool, you should consider purchasing some poolside chairs and loungers. They should ideally be water proof and easy to move around. This will enable you to enjoy time not only in your pool but also by it. A pool side party is more fun if there are plenty of chairs and seating facilities for guests to use between swims. poolside furniture Planning the outdoor space in your home requires care as you need to take into consideration the amount of space you have, your budget, and your requirements. If you love to entertain, you need more chairs and seating facilities, while if you love quiet times in your garden, you should flip the switch for a hammock and lights that can be dimmed if necessary. To make the most of the outdoor patio furniture you are purchasing consider buying multipurpose, movable, stackable furniture that are easy to maintain.
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What’s Hot Now: Backyard Design Trends for 2016

backyard design trends Guest Post by Lana Hawkins Taking care of one’s own garden brings relaxation and there is nothing more rewarding than enjoying it after it is all done. That is reason enough to reinvent your garden this year. The 2016 backyard design trends bring us new ideas and styles and redefine gardening. Here are some innovations to help get you started.

Mainstream Sustainability

More and more homeowners are looking for gardens that are aesthetically pleasing yet require low maintenance. The reasons are both economic and environmental. Sustainable gardening revolves around functionality primarily. Thoughtful plant selection, meaning fewer plants and choosing plants that serve a purpose, has become a norm in landscape design. The plants are picked out for their easy-care blooms, multi-season appeal, or edibility, rather than decorativeness. Also, less turfgrass is present and a more natural looking lawns are being grown. This look implies less herbicides since weeds are seen as a natural part of a garden. There are less concrete pavers. Pavers are now made from recycled plastic and rubber. Given that water is considered an expensive resource, its conservation has become a major concern. Stormwater management solutions are taking a new turn. Instead of simple rain gardens, we are now seeing rain harvesting features, such as catchment ponds, that serve as an auxiliary water source. Xeriscaping is another emerging trend that concerns the conservation of water. As a way to conserve it, gardeners are opting for plants that take little water. Glasshouses have a functional quality and look stunning. Fill the glasshouse with fragrant plants, like jasmine or gardenia, and create a divine and confined Zen space.

More Quality, Less Bling

Over-the-top gardens are out. Now, homeowners turn to quality and subtlety. They prefer natural materials and mild colours. Instead of showy decorative elements, interesting edging, colourful spring or summer flower displays, grasses that flower late season, and intricate branching patterns on shrubs are more appreciated. Also, feature walls act as outdoor art. A bring colour wall that catches the eye is a simple yet effective statement. A red or pink wall brings warmth and adds energy, and goes really well with the abundant greenery.

Water Features

The sound of water in the garden is so soothing. Water features are popular across all budgets. However, there has been a change from whimsical fountains, to self-contained systems and earthy ponds and streams. The quiet ponds are decorated with small pebbles, medium rock and large boulders to get a more natural appearance. Also, natural water courses are left to spill over the garden.

Edibles

In 2016, the focus shifted from hardscaping to planting. ‘Gardening with a purpose’ should be your motto this year. Gardens that do double duty, giving you food and enhancing the look of your backyard, are the hottest trend. After all, plants are easier to move and replace, and bring softness and peace that homeowners are looking for. Blended gardens combine fruits, vegetables and herbs, with ornamentals. There is an increased interest in natives and plants that attract pollinators. Younger generations are especially interested in growing their own food and composting. We have people growing hops and grapes to make their own beer and wine. People are taking advantage of the medicinal benefits of certain plants. They plant feverfew, greenthread, catnip, and alfalfa for their natural healing properties. Calendula is also a popular choice. It is used to produce soaps and lotions. Creating hues for clothes and Easter eggs is also a part of the shift towards natural. Botanical dyes can be made from marigolds and onions.

Indoors Ventures Outside

All the furniture you have inside, you can now have outside. Thanks to new technologies, contemporary outdoor furniture is made of fabrics that are fade-resistant and waterproof. You can create a permanent living room outdoors with all the comfort of the indoor living space, such as deep seating with cushions. Outdoor accessories are as plentiful as interior ones moving toward the personalization of the gardens. You can be very specific and picky.

The Birds and the Bees

Besides veggies and fruits, more and more homeowners are adding chickens and bees to their gardens. This backyard design trend has been largely influenced by the grow-your-own-food movement. Chickens are kept for eggs and meat. Bees might not be what you consider standard pets, but the popularity of beekeeping is still rising. We find many city-dwellers labelling their own homemade honey these days. It is no longer something that is exclusively reserved for country folk. Another reason for the growing interest in beekeeping is related to the struggle to maintain the population of these insect, which has become a global concern. Then there is also the renewed interest in the health-promoting properties of honey.

Bottom Line for Backyard Design Trends in 2016

Keep it simple, functional and sustainable. Author Bio: Lana Hawkins is a student of architecture and a nature lover from Sydney, Australia. She enjoys writing about landscaping and indoor gardens. Lana is a proper foodie and loves to cook for her family and friends.
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Small Outdoor Space Ideas for You

Small outdoor space ideas Almost everybody would like to enjoy some time in the outdoors each day. Many people are looking for small outdoor space ideas to make the most out of their backyard. With some clever techniques, it is possible to maximize your small yard and still have a magnificent garden to enjoy.

Go Vertical

Just as you would go vertical when you lack space indoors, you can go vertical outdoors as well to create a garden and surround yourself with some greenery. A vertical garden can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be. Select a sturdy wall or fence for your vertical garden. If the wall or fence is not strong enough to bear the weight of your vertical garden, the first step should be to reinforce it using marine ply or similar weather and water proof material. Next, attach a series of small pots to the wall using galvanized screws. It is now possible to get pots for a vertical garden with a hose system that will deliver water to the pots. When selecting plants for the vertical garden, keep in mind that pots dry out faster than a garden plot. Choose plants that will thrive in dry soils and you will soon have a glorious vertical garden. Select plants that require plenty of sunlight if your vertical garden receives a lot of exposure to the sun. Plants such as succulents are ideal for this. On the other hand, if your vertical garden will not receive sunlight for more than a couple of hours, select tropical plants with large leaves, and colorful flowers. Add layers and texture to the vertical garden by selecting a combination of plants to add visual interest. You can have a mix of plants in your vertical garden as long as they are placed to receive the right amount of sunlight and shade. A key requirement for a thriving vertical garden is adequate soil nutrients. As the plants are potted, you need to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they require by adding compost, mulch, and fertilizers are more frequent intervals than for a garden plot.

Build in the Seating

If your yard is small, flip the switch for built-in seating that can also double up as storage areas, dividers, and so on. This will keep your yard free of the movable furniture that takes up more space. When building this type of seating, select materials such as natural woods or stone that will withstand the effects of water and sunlight.

Multitasking Counters and Spaces

Another way of maximizing the small yard is to ensure that every space can be used for multiple purposes. Depending on your needs, you should be able to convert the space into a play area for your children or a place to entertain guests. This is possible by designing seating and counters that can be used by both adults and children. For instance, a counter top that children use as a work surface during the day for their art material should be usable as a counter to place drinks and snacks in the evening. Choosing colors and materials that will appeal to both children and adults is key to this.

Remove Excess Plants, Furniture

If the yard is small, too many plants can create visual clutter. Instead, you need to work to reduce this effect by pruning the plants and rotating the pots. An easy way of keeping only the seasonal plants in the yard is to use the two-pot method. Simply, place an empty pot in the hole you have dug in your yard and place the potted seasonal into this. As the seasons change, you will be able to remove the potted plant and replace it with ease. This will enable you to have a beautiful garden and seating area while resting the other pots in out of sight places.

Select Larger Pavers

When paving the seating area of a small yard, select larger, plan pavers that enlarge the space visually. Leave intricate designs and dark colors for a larger yard.

Install a Bird Feeder or Bird Bath

Even a small yard can be made more welcoming not just to the residents but birds, by installing a bird feeder and bird bath. This will encourage birds to visit your garden and add to the harmony of the place. A hanging birdfeeder and a small bird bath can easily be fitted into most small yards. The bird bath can also be installed in the vertical garden with ease, ensuring that your winged visitors feel more at home. By taking these steps it is possible to convert even a small yard into a gorgeous garden that is an oasis of nature. The greenery and flowers are sure to make the garden an inviting spot for all.
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