Outdoor Living Spaces & Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Cookouts are a breeze with an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor areas are great places for families and guests to congregate on a regular basis, whether they are there simply to relax or have a grand cookout. Adding a kitchen area to the outdoor living space increases the chances of participating in and enjoying outdoor dining, as well as the relative value of the home.

Dining Oasis

Create a dining oasis on an existing porch. Place a wooden picnic table, white-washed in a pale hue, such as cream, yellow, blue or sage green, in the center of the porch to create a perfect focal point. Add several wood-framed folding chairs, as they are easy to pull in and out when more or less space is needed. Ensure that there is enough light in the area to facilitate after-dark use. Lamps set on end tables or hanging light fixtures are both viable alternatives. In addition, add curtains of a medium thickness around the perimeter of the porch to help ward off harsh midday light.

Cheerful Retreat

A porch can provide a cheerful retreat when the proper imagination is put into it. Add furniture that you would find in any living area, since the porch is supposed to be an outdoor living area. Common outdoor living pieces include low-slung sofas with sturdy but comfortable cushions and rocking chairs. Add small tables to hold drinks and appetizers when guests are visiting. Make sure that the area is cheerful by adding plenty of paint. The walls can be painted in a color that matches the furniture and the floor can be stained or painted. Add a design to the floor area by taping off a geometric pattern and filling it in with different colors of paint that coordinate with the rest of the area.

Barbeque Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can greatly increase the odds that there will be a barbeque at the home. Having all of the comforts of a kitchen outdoors makes it much easier to entertain guests at an outdoor party while still being able to take care of the food. Absolute necessities include a grill and a sink, but a refrigerator (small or full-size) can be a great help too, as it makes it possible to keep condiments and salad makings close at hand. A built-in fire pit or fireplace can help heat the cooler months and make them bearable.

Natural Textured Outdoor Kitchen

Keeping the textures of the outdoors in an outdoor kitchen is very important when the area should blend in with the rest of the landscaping. Create a natural outdoor kitchen with rock-faced cabinets made to look like a rock wall. A stone (granite or marble) countertop can complete the look. Add a gas grill for easy grilling, a bar sink for quick clean-up, and a miniature refrigerator in which to store meat ready for the grill and sandwich fixings for a perfect outdoor kitchen.

References

• Country Living: Decorating Ideas for Outdoor Spaces
• Remodeling Center: Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas