kitchen remodels

A Custom Outdoor Kitchen For the Holidays

Updated 10-19-23

Custom Outdoor Kitchen to Fit Your Needs

Custom Outdoor Kitchen to Fit Your Needs

 

 

With Thanksgiving not that far away and several festive celebrations in December, it’s not too late to install or upgrade your outdoor cooking area.  It’ll be great not just for the holidays — it can be part of your own summer ‘staycation.’

 

 

Benefits of Custom Outdoor Kitchen

Could you use another oven for all those holiday side dishes? Do you want to smoke your turkey this year? How about a spot for cocktails to keep guests out of your way while you’re prepping the meal inside?

“That’s what custom outdoor kitchens allow for,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “It’s what you need or what your budget will allow. But a lot is possible.”

Baked or Grilled Apples

Baked or Grilled Apples

 

Did you know, for example, you can grill an apple pie? Or a pumpkin one? Or how about stuffed and grilled apples?

Do you want to smoke your turkey this year? Could you use another oven for all those side dishes? How about a spot for cocktails to keep guests out of your way while you’re prepping the meal?

And did you know you can grill an apple pie? Or a pumpkin one? Or how about stuffed and grilled apples?

With Thanksgiving not that far away and several festive celebrations in December, it’s not too late to install or upgrade your outdoor cooking area.

 

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Feature Photo: D&P Outdoor Kitchen

Feature Photo: D&P Outdoor Kitchen

For the Deck and Patio project shown here (left), note the handsome granite bar/eating area, sink, ample grill, oven, refrigerator — a truly fantastic work/entertaining space during the holidays as well as for gatherings throughout the outdoor season. 

The shade pergola not only makes it comfortable for grilling in bright sun, but it helps delineate the space, making a grand architectural statement.

 

 

 

In the next Deck and Patio project, our clients asked that a smoker be added to their new custom outdoor kitchen.

Deck Outdoor Activity Center

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

 

Deck and Patio designed it as part of a custom activity area. We fitted it on the mid-level of a new 3-level deck. Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and that special smoker/cooker. 

The entire kitchen area is all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

 

This time of year, it’s also great if your outdoor kitchen has a heat source nearby like the custom fire put Deck and Patio created for this family.

We contracted the kitchen’s amenities on a lower of two new Deck and Patio patios. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Unless the property has a destination pool area etc., Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house. 

As for the particular amenities shown here, one trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens are warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

They have a magnetic seal, which along with being waterproof will also keep away bugs and dust. Indeed, you can choose a single drawer just for keeping dishes and cutlery completely clean.

 

An Upgraded Outdoor Kitchen Can be Cost-Effective

Indoor Kitchen Remodel

Indoor Kitchen Remode

“We find sometimes that clients opt for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen as a more cost-effective way to extend their indoor cooking area — without having to remodel the whole kitchen,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “This is especially true when the home is on the smaller side.”

Of course, adds Dave, even those who already have large modern indoor kitchens love the convenience of an outdoor center that can become the heart of outdoor parties and gatherings.”

 

 

Outdoor Kitchens:

Outdoor Kitchens:

 

 

For more ideas on custom outdoor kitchens by Deck and Patio you can simply search our website.  

 

 

 

 

Give Dad an Outdoor Kitchen Design Session

Give the Gift of a Design Session

Give the Gift of a Design Session

If like many Dads yours enjoys barbecuing, have you considered giving him the opportunity to design his own outdoor kitchen? 

Remember, while time may be too short to design/build him an outdoor kitchen, you can certainly schedule a design session for him by Father’s Day. 

All you need do is give him a card with the scheduled time and date. And if you’d like to wrap something he can open, why not print out some examples of Deck and Patio’s outdoor kitchens. 

For that purpose, below is a sampling of our custom projects. But you can choose another design from our files or online, and he can bring that to our design team.

 

#1 

Deck Outdoor Kitchen

Deck Outdoor Kitchen

 

 

This outdoor kitchen is sitting on a Trex deck (Spiced Rum) where we also created a bench against the railing.

Note how we faced some of the outdoor kitchen with matching boards so it all fits nicely together.

 

 

 

 

#2

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

Dad, or the rest of the family, may want a bar and dining area as part of his outdoor kitchen, which can be accommodated depending on the space available and how the yard is laid out. 

For this bar/outdoor kitchen, Deck and Patio designed it in a curved shape to fit with the patio design. The kitchen/bar is faced in natural stone. The lounging area’s outdoor umbrella is portable and can be used where needed, including at the outdoor kitchen/bar.

Adding a bar to this outdoor kitchen allows space for guests and family to gather. And we installed this particular one near a Deck and Patio water feature with waterfalls next to a portable spa. (And, yes, we do have portable spas in stock.)

 

 

#3

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

For some Dads, space will be at a premium. But he won’t have to sacrifice style.

One trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens is warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

(Note: Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless the property has a destination pool. In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning.)

 

 

 

#4

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

For this project, Deck and Patio constructed a custom activity area on the mid-level of a 3-level deck.

Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and even a smoker/cooker — all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

 

 

 

Basic Outdoor Kitchen:

Basic Outdoor Kitchen:

 

# 5

Sometimes space is really tight and that’s no problem.

However. Providing an upgrade to Dad’s old grill may not require a whole lot — just some careful measuring and choosing the perfect amenities to fit the space.

 

 

 

#6

Small Deck With Outdoor Kitchen

Small Deck With Outdoor Kitchen

 

 

Another example of Where there’s a will, there’s a way! to fit a full outdoor kitchen. All you could hope for tucked in the corner of a small deck.

 

 

 

 

If you’d like a few more ideas to print out for Dad, click here:

 

Feature: Outdoor Kitchen

Feature: Outdoor Kitchen

Feature photo at top of page: If you happen to have a pool, Dad may want his outdoor kitchen to be pool-side — where all the fun is happening.

In the case of this project (left), the kitchen is part of a drink/dining bar for fun gatherings. It includes ample work area, barbecue, sink, refrigerator along with the eating bar with bar stools.

 

Memorial Weekend: Bringing It Outside!

We Remember.

We Remember.

Updated 5-23-24

Memorial Weekend is a precious long weekend. A time of getting together with family and friends. As the first weekend of the outdoor living season, it’s the perfect time to open pools, heat up the barbecue, spend time gardening — or just revel in being outside.

The weather looks promising — at least Friday through Sunday there should be sun breaking through the clouds. And if a few raindrops fall on Memorial Day itself, that’s okay. It is an important time to honor our fallen soldiers. And we all want to do that. 

Note: being outside this weekend will provide the opportunity to take stock of your property and see if there’s some upgrades you’d like. With that in mind, enjoy the following ideas:

 

Where to Locate A New Outdoor Kitchen

Locating Outdoor Kitchen

Locating Outdoor Kitchen

One important outdoor living amenity is a fully equipped kitchen.

If you don’t already have one, deciding where to locate it is key. There are reasons for positioning it away from the house — should you have a ‘destination’ pool, or if other outdoor living areas are set at a distance from the house.

However, it’s generally a good idea to place an outdoor kitchen as close to the house as possible.

One obvious reason is you want it close to your indoor kitchen. In addition, your home’s extended roof, not to mention house walls, can provide your outdoor kitchen protection from the elements.

It’s also easier to hook up electricity by being so close to the home’s utility lines.

 

Combo Kitchen/Bar

Combo Kitchen/Bar

If your outdoor kitchen is for more than cooking and serving food, when it’s intended to also be a dining and drinking spot, you may want to set it where the activities take place.

When this is the case, your outdoor kitchen should be fully equipped so there’s less back and forth to the house. This requires lots of storage for bowls, cooking utensils, condiments, and definitely it should have a sink.

Wherever you choose to locate it, consider how much sun will be pouring down while dining, cooking, or drinking. A pergola can help or you might prefer moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade. 

 

 

Stand Alone Outdoor Bars

Pergola/Outdoor Bar with Water Feature:

Pergola/Outdoor Bar with Water Feature:

Depending on what amenities you already have, or your particular landscape, it can be wise to have an outdoor bar/dining spot separate from where the cooking is being done.

And don’t limit yourself to what a bar can be. You can even add waterfalls. The elegant sheet falling ones seen in the photo here gave our clients the sleek modern look they wanted. And, of course, they also provide a very pleasant relaxing sound. This helps friends and family de-stress and invites easy conversation.

 

 

Adding Pool Amenities

Pools with Waterfalls

Pools with Waterfalls

Speaking of de-stressing. You might think that being able to cool off, do laps, or play water polo is enough to demand of a swimming pool.

But adding waterfalls can provide a whole new delightful experience.

Not only are these beautiful to look at, but imagine treading water underneath one. Or swimming under it.

Adding such a feature to a pool opens up lots of possibilities like incorporating other fun amenities with it: diving rocks, slides, as well as bright plantings.

 

 

 

Pool Waterfall

Pool Waterfall

 

 

 

Today’s Feature Photo: Happy Memorial Weekend everyone!

 

 

 

Labor Day Is Not the End of the Grilling Season

Outdoor Grilling Season Continues Throughout Fall

Outdoor Grilling Season Continues Throughout Fall

It is by no means too late in the season to upgrade your charcoal or gas grill to a full outdoor kitchen. In our neck of the woods, the grilling season lasts all throughout fall.

“Even better, outdoor kitchens can be installed fairly quickly,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio.

“Planning for such an amenity isn’t too challenging. There’s the need to determine the kitchen’s best location for optimal outdoor living enjoyment, and also enabling a hook up to water and power sources. But these things usually aren’t difficult.”

Water and electricity are important because an outdoor kitchen encompasses much more than just a barbecue. In most cases they include a sink, refrigerator, a gleaming grill, cabinets for all kinds of storage and some sort of masonry construction.

We find sometimes that clients opt for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen as a more cost-effective way to extending their indoor cooking area — without having to remodel the whole kitchen,” adds Dave. “This is especially true when the home is on the smaller side.”

Of course, says Dave, even those who already have large modern indoor kitchens love the convenience of an outdoor center that can become the heart of outdoor parties and gatherings.”

Let’s look at a sampling of the the various designs and sizes of outdoor kitchens Deck and Patio has built all across Long Island.

 

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

This outdoor kitchen’s amenities, built on the lower of two new Deck and Patio patios, include a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools. 

Both patio areas were built with Borealis’ modular slabs from Techo-Bloc. Note how the colorful umbrellas behind the outdoor kitchen can be moved as needed in their yard, and offer such nice pops of color wherever they are positioned.

Their new custom fire pit is overlaid in a facade of natural stone that mimics that of their outdoor kitchen.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless the property has a destination pool. In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning.

As for the particular amenities show here, one trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens are warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

They have a magnetic seal, which along with being waterproof will also keep away bugs and dust. Indeed, you can choose a single drawer just for keeping dishes and cutlery completely clean.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchens:

Outdoor Kitchens:

Deck and Patio used a natural stone for the veneer of the bar/barbecue and constructed a seat wall made of the same veneer, with the same edge-restraint as the capstone for the seat wall. This created a unique contrast between the patio, bar area and the extensive back veneer used for the house.

\

 

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

For this project, Deck and Patio constructed a custom activity area on the mid-level of a 3-level deck. Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and even a smoker/cooker — all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

 

 

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

A bar/dining area is a great place for guests and family to gather. In this case, it’s a truly peaceful spot since we installed a water feature with waterfalls next to their new portable hot tub. It creates a great atmosphere for conversation and enjoying an outdoor meal and drinks.

The bar and outdoor kitchen counter was constructed in a curved shape to mimic the patio design. It is granite topped and the base of the activity center is faced in natural stone. The lounging area’s outdoor umbrella is portable and can be used where needed, including at the bar/kitchen.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen/Bar with Pergola:

Outdoor Kitchen/Bar with Pergola:

Of course, if you prefer permanent shade over your outdoor kitchen/dining area you can opt for a pergola like this custom one we built poolside. With a stainless grill, refrigerator, sink, storage areas, and a custom rock facade, the outdoor kitchen boasts a bar/dining area as well — a great escape after leaving the pool.

 

The Beatles?

The Beatles?

 

 

 

So! For great outdoor living all through fall, just remember what The Beatles used to sing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift: An Outdoor Kitchen Design Session

Updated on June 15, 2023

Maybe your father’s grilling isn’t as famous as, say, those of the Food Network’s “Grill Dads,” but you don’t have to be famous to enjoy barbecuing. And if your Dad likes to grill, he also might love an upgrade from what he’s using. What a fabulous Father’s Day Gift that would make.

And don’t worry that there does not seem to be enough time. Granted, even Deck and Patio can’t design/build a fancy schmansy new outdoor kitchen in time for Father’s Day this Sunday. But you can give him the gift of a design session — a future session with our experts where he’ll get to plan out what his new grilling unit will contain. Just give him a link to this blog in his Father’s Day cared and let him schedule it himself.

Pinterest Post/Outdoor Kitchen

Pinterest Post/Outdoor Kitchen

Even a quick check of Pinterest makes clear that the popularity of outdoor kitchens continue to rise. To see all the various designs, shapes and sizes people install, for the fun of it try searching that site for: “this Ian’t my dad’s backyard grill!” 

Better yet, the family and Dad can scroll below and check out our earlier blog on outdoor kitchens. It highlights some pretty neat ones that we have built for Dad’s and families all around Long Island. 

All sorts of ideas are addressed in our earlier blog. Like if Dad would want to smoke meat, or, how to design-build when space is an issue, or whether he’d like an eating/drinking bar as part of the design, etc.

Here’s wishing Dad’s a wonderful day — and lots of happy grilling!

___________________________________________________ 

 

All you’ll need do is give Dad a card with the scheduled time and date. Or just a promise that it will be scheduled soon.

If you’d like to wrap something beyond just a card, you can print out some examples of Deck and Patio’s outdoor kitchens. Below is a sampling of our custom projects:

 

Deck Outdoor Kitchen

Deck Outdoor Kitchen

# 1 

This outdoor kitchen is sitting on a Trex deck (Spiced Rum) where we also created a bench against the railing.

Note how we faced some of the outdoor kitchen with matching boards so it all fits nicely together.

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area:

# 2

Depending on the space available and how the yard is designed, Dad may want a bar/dining area as part of his outdoor kitchen.

We designed the bar and outdoor kitchen counter in a curved shape to mimic the patio design. It is granite topped and the base of the activity center is faced in natural stone. The lounging area’s outdoor umbrella is portable and can be used where needed, including at the bar/kitchen.

Adding a bar offers a great place for guests and family to gather. In this case, it’s a truly peaceful spot since it was installed near a water feature with waterfalls next to a portable hot tub.

 

 

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

# 3

For some Dads, space will be at a premium. But he won’t have to sacrifice style.

As for the particular amenities shown here, one trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens is warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

They have a magnetic seal, which along with being waterproof will also keep away bugs and dust. Indeed, you can choose a single drawer just for keeping dishes and cutlery completely clean.

(Note: Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless the property has a destination pool. In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning.)

 

 

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

# 4

For this project, Deck and Patio constructed a custom activity area on the mid-level of a 3-level deck.

Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and even a smoker/cooker — all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

 

 

Basic Outdoor Kitchen:

Basic Outdoor Kitchen:

# 5

Sometimes space is really tight and that’s no problem.

However. Providing an upgrade to Dad’s old grill may not require a whole lot — just some careful measuring and choosing the perfect amenities to fit the space.

 

 

 

#6

Small Deck With Outdoor Kitchen

Small Deck With Outdoor Kitchen

 

Another example of Where there’s a will, there’s a way! to fit a full outdoor kitchen. All you could hope for tucked in the corner of a small deck.

 

If you’d like a few more ideas to print out for Dad, click here:

 

 

Feature photo at top of page: If you happen to have a pool, Dad may want his outdoor kitchen to be pool-side — where all the fun is happening.

In the case of this project, the kitchen is part of a drink/dining bar for fun gatherings. This kitchen includes ample work area, barbecue, sink, refrigerator along with the eating bar with bar stools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By |2023-06-15T13:56:36-05:00June 11th, 2020|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features|Comments Off on The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift: An Outdoor Kitchen Design Session

Outdoor Living: Fall Is the Ideal Grilling Season

 

Updated 9-12-24

Fall is the ideal grilling season. The outdoor weather is still welcoming. But no insufferable heat. And the occasional chill in the air is refreshing. We can stand by the grill and literally never work up a sweat.

The good news is fall will be here officially in less than two weeks. So let’s look to our grills, our smokers, and outdoor fridges. And if upgrades are needed, now is a great time.

 

Grill Season Upgrades

Outdoor Grilling Continues Through Fall

Outdoor Grilling Continues Through Fall

If you have been planning to upgrade your charcoal or gas trill to a full outdoor kitchen, but were wondering if it’s getting a bit too late to bother, consider that the grilling season lasts all through fall. 

“Even better, outdoor kitchens can be installed fairly quickly,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “Planning for such an amenity isn’t too challenging. There’s the need to determine the kitchen’s best location for optimal outdoor living enjoyment, and also enabling a hook up to water and power sources. But these things usually aren’t difficult.”

 

Deck and Patio Placed Outdoor Kitchen Amenities Inside Pavilion

Deck and Patio Placed Outdoor Kitchen Amenities Inside Pavilion

 

 

Water and electricity are important because an outdoor kitchen encompasses much more than just a barbecue. In most cases they include a sink, refrigerator, a gleaming grill, cabinets for all kinds of storage, and some sort of masonry construction.

There are lots of ways to do this. They can be contained in one elegant outdoor kitchen/bar, or you can have the barbecue on its own and put the other amenities elsewhere.

 

 

An Outdoor Kitchen Can be Cost-Effective

An Outdoor Kitchen Can be Cost-Effective

“We find sometimes that clients opt for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen as a more cost-effective way of extending their indoor cooking area — without having to remodel the whole kitchen,” adds Dave. “This is especially true when the home is on the smaller side.”

Of course, says Dave, even those who already have large modern indoor kitchens love the convenience of an outdoor center that can become the heart of outdoor parties and gatherings — this will be especially important during the holiday season, when an extra oven and prep space can be so helpful.”

 

 

 

With that in mind, let’s look at a sampling of the the various designs and sizes of outdoor kitchens Deck and Patio has built all across Long Island.

 

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

Outdoor Kitchen on Lower Patio

This outdoor kitchen’s amenities, built on the lower of two new Deck and Patio patios, include a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools. 

Both patio areas were built with Borealis’ modular slabs from Techo-Bloc. Note how the colorful umbrellas behind the outdoor kitchen can be moved as needed in their yard, and offer such nice pops of color wherever they are positioned.

Their new custom fire pit is overlaid in a facade of natural stone that mimics that of their outdoor kitchen.

 

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Outdoor Kitchen with Ronda insulated drawers

Deck and Patio frequently locates outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless the property has a destination pool. In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning.

As for the particular amenities shown here, one trend we’re seeing in outdoor kitchens are warming/cooling drawers made by companies like Ronda. These insulated drawers are sealed and work without electricity. Your drinks stay cool or your food stays warm depending on what you put in its lower drawer.

They have a magnetic seal, which along with being waterproof will also keep away bugs and dust. Indeed, you can choose a single drawer just for keeping dishes and cutlery completely clean.

 

Outdoor Kitchens:

Outdoor Kitchens:

Deck and Patio used a natural stone for the veneer of the bar/barbecue and constructed a seat wall made of the same veneer, with the same edge-restraint as the capstone for the seat wall. This created a unique contrast between the patio, bar area and the extensive back veneer used for the house.

 

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

Deck Outdoor Activity Center:

For this project, Deck and Patio constructed a custom activity area on the mid-level of a 3-level deck. Just steps from the top-level’s large seating area, the custom outdoor kitchen/dining area includes a new grill, refrigerator, a small bar to enjoy the water views, and even a smoker/cooker — all set within curved custom cabinetry with a raised bar that mimics the decking in style and design.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

 

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area

A bar/dining area is a great place for guests and family to gather. In this case, it’s a truly peaceful spot since we installed a water feature with waterfalls next to their new portable hot tub. It creates a great atmosphere for conversation and enjoying an outdoor meal and drinks.

The bar and outdoor kitchen counter was constructed in a curved shape to mimic the patio design. It is granite topped and the base of the activity center is faced in natural stone. The lounging area’s outdoor umbrella is portable and can be used where needed, including at the bar/kitchen.

 

Outdoor Kitchen/Bar with Pergola:

Outdoor Kitchen/Bar with Pergola:

Of course, if you prefer permanent shade over your outdoor kitchen/dining area you can opt for a pergola like this custom one we built poolside. With a stainless grill, refrigerator, sink, storage areas, and a custom rock facade, the outdoor kitchen boasts a bar/dining area as well — a great escape after leaving the pool.

 

The Beatles

The Beatles

 

 

So! For great outdoor living all through fall, just remember what The Beatles used to sing!

Memorial Weekend: Time to Take It Outside!

We Remember.

We Remember.

With a little help from the weather gods, outdoor living season kicks off over Memorial Weekend.

Of course, Memorial Day itself is first and foremost a time to honor our fallen soldiers. And we all want to do that.

But as a precious long weekend, it has also become a time of getting together with family and friends. And as the first weekend of the outdoor living season, it’s ideal for opening pools, heating up the barbecue, spending time gardening — or just reveling in being outdoors.

 

Locating Your Outdoor Kitchen

 

Locating Outdoor Kitchen

Locating Outdoor Kitchen

Fully equipped kitchens have become a key outdoor living amenity.

And there are reasons for locating your outdoor kitchen away from the house — if you have a ‘destination’ pool, or if other key outdoor living areas are set at a distance.

However, it’s generally a good idea to position your outdoor kitchen as close to the house as possible.

Proximity to your indoor kitchen is one obvious reason for this. But your home’s extended roof, not to mention house walls, can provide protection from the elements.

It’s also easier to hook up electricity by being so close to the home’s utility lines.

 

 

Combo Kitchen/Bar

Combo Kitchen/Bar

When you want your kitchen to be equal parts cooking, dining, and drinking spot, however, you may want to set your kitchen where the outdoor activities take place.

In this case, your outdoor kitchen needs to be fully equipped so there’s less back and forth to the house. This means having lots of storage areas for bowls, cooking utensils, frequently used condiments, and definitely it should have a sink.

Wherever you locate your kitchen, just remember you don’t want to get burned up from intense sun during cooking or dining. A pergola is one answer. But another is to have moveable — yet sturdy — outdoor umbrellas for flexible shade.

 

Stand Alone Outdoor Bars

 

Bar With Water Feature

Bar With Water Feature

 

Depending on what amenities you already have, or your particular landscape, it can be wise to have an outdoor bar/dining spot separate from where the cooking is being done.

And don’t limit yourself to what a bar can be. For example, you can even add waterfalls. The elegant sheet falling ones seen in the photo here gave our clients the sleek modern look they wanted. And, of course, they also provide a very pleasant relaxing sound. This helps friends and family de-stress and invites easy conversation.

We installed the waterfalls with an Aquascape Inc. pondless waterfall system so a pond was not required to capture the falling water.

 

Adding Pool Amenities

 

Pools with Waterfalls

Pools with Waterfalls

Speaking of de-stressing. You might think that being able to cool off, do laps, or play water polo is enough to demand of a swimming pool.

But adding waterfalls can provide a whole new delightful experience.

Not only are these beautiful to look at, but imagine treading water underneath one. Or swimming under it.

Adding such a feature to a pool opens up lots of possibilities like incorporating other fun amenities with it: diving rocks, slides, as well as bright plantings.

There’s lots more to enjoying the outdoor living season. And we will highlight some of these as the season goes on.

 

 

Pool Waterfall

Pool Waterfall

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Memorial Weekend everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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