It’s snowing here today, but before we know what hit us, (Ok, it was a snow ball…) summer will be here, and we’ll want to be outside for different reasons. This brings me to the greatest development since campfires, the outdoor kitchen, which combines two popular gathering spots, the kitchen and the back yard, in a way that enhances both.
If you’re doing this right, you can’t toss appliances onto your patio pell mell. An island organizes your space, sets it apart as being a kitchen, and helps you develop a theme. Islands come in a staggering variety of finishes and can be tailored to suit your home and personality. Appliances can be built into islands, and so can cabinets or garbage bins, saving space and promoting the concept that you’ve added a room to your home. When choosing your island, imagination is the limit. This is the back yard. Why not go with the idea everyone told you not to use in the living room?
If you have a bar on your island, the PERFECT luxury for the backside of it is a hot tub. (Spas and resorts do this. They’re aware of the likelihood that you’ll stay another week because of it.) There’s also an impressive array of outdoor bar appliances available, including wine refrigerators and kegorators .
"The outdoor kitchen, combines two popular gathering spots, the kitchen and the back yard, in a way that enhances both
It’s a kitchen after all, so once you’ve chosen your island, you need to cook. Grills are a natural fit. A microwave could also come in handy. If you’re doing all this cooking, you’re going to need refrigeration so you don’t keep trekking back to the house. Parents find having outdoor refrigerators and microwaves increases the amount of exercise their children get because they’ll play outside for the novelty of preparing their meals outside. (Do you remember mud pies? It’s the same idea without the mud.)
Once you have an island, you’re cooking, and your sweet tea’s chilled, you should relax. Gone are the days of the metal glider! The options for outdoor furniture will leave you drooling. Wooden picnic tables are still available. Additionally, there’s padded seating, ottomans, futons and chaise lounges. There are even outdoor daybeds. (These received 4-1/2 stars, which sent me searching for what received 5 stars.)
Fire pits are beautiful additions to outdoor kitchens, and expand the season of use, by providing heat. Parents already know most children could live for a month on hot dogs and s’mores cooked over a fire pit. TVs and DVD players are good options to consider. (Dancing in the moonlight is much nicer when it’s your own moonlight.)
The only thing left to add is the mesh tent for guests who never wanted to be outside in the first place. Let them pretend they’re inside. They’ll appreciate it.
J.E.S. has knowledgeable staff on hand to help you build your ideal outdoor kitchen. Why not make your patio everyone’s favorite hang-out?
