Outdoor Kitchens & Entertaining: Design to Make the Most of Your Space

April 18, 2018 | By webadmin

We designed this pool and outdoor kitchen for prime entertaining! Photo courtesy of Living Magazine

The weather right now in Dallas is perfect for spending time on the patio. While we all love enjoying some patio relaxation time, wouldn’t it be great to do MORE living outside? Outdoor dining and kitchens have been popular for the past few years, but they keep getting bigger & better...just like Texas!

Plan for Power

When planning to make the most of your outdoor living space, many things must be taken into account before starting. Planning for utilities is a crucial first step. If you already have an existing patio, digging it up to run a gas or electrical line will lead to more expense. If you’re starting fresh, we can plan all of your utility needs during your landscape design process so you’ll have access to power and gas in all the right places.

Carve a Path

We also look at flow of traffic when designing the patio and outdoor kitchen space. Outdoor kitchen and dining areas should flow together to create a communal atmosphere. Plus, you need to be able to get around everyone easily with all that grilling you’ll be doing! Much like your indoor living space, no one wants to be isolated in another room cooking.

We designed this outdoor oasis to include a full kitchen, bar, outdoor TVs...you name it! 

What’s Hot Now

• In addition to enjoying your outdoor space in the spring & fall, clients are extending the season by installing heaters for winter comfort, and pergolas with creative coverings for shade in the summer. Ceiling fans are also a must to keep the air moving here in Texas.
   
• Bar style seating is becoming very popular. This style of seating creates the communal atmosphere found in an indoor kitchen, while providing more dining space. It’s easier to interact with friends and family when gathered around the cook to sneak a snack.
   
• Outdoor kitchens need more than just a grill. Everyone is requiring the full indoor comforts—from refrigerators, ice makers, wine coolers and dishwashers, to surround sound, televisions, and wi-fi.  Adding all of these amenities really means you can live outside full-time!
   
• Stainless steel is in. Not only are the grills and cooktop surfaces made of this weather-proof material, built-in drawers and doors are coordinating also. Combine stainless steel with other weather-proof surfaces like stone, tile, and slate.
   
• Home chefs are requiring multiple surfaces to cook on including gas burners, ceramic smokers, and even pizza ovens.

Pergolas can help keep your outdoor lounge area shady, and allow us to install fans to keep it cool.

If you want to do more of your living outdoors, call us for a customized design plan. We would love to create your perfect outdoor oasis to enjoy year round.