Dreaming of upgrading your backyard space? You wouldn’t be alone. Recent data from realtors around the country shows that homeowners who added outdoor kitchens to their properties saw an increase of between 100% and 200% on their investments. Real estate professionals say even a simple addition, like an outdoor gas firepit, can yield a 67% return.*
There are loads of options now for enhancing your outdoor space. Need help deciding how much and what to do? Make an appointment with your HomeSquare professional in the Design & Build Services department. They can help you make your very own dreamy outdoor living space a reality.
Let’s Talk Trends
This year, and probably for years to come, outdoor kitchens are a big deal. And why not, as who doesn’t love living their best life al fresco? Outdoor kitchens can be a big or small project depending on your budget, available space, and what kind of cooking and entertaining you’re in for. Are you a real pit master or is it more about burgers and dogs? Will you be doing the cooking yourself or will you require a set up favorable to caterers?
To jump start your imagination, check out this outdoor kitchen. This one looks fancy but is actually pretty basic offering running water, a grill for cooking, and storage. What elevates it beyond the ordinary? Storage. And the beautiful masonry work kicks it up an extra notch.
If you’re thinking more next level, begin with considering appliances and what’s overhead as well as lighting, what’s beneath your feet and work surfaces. Consider your needs for outdoor electrics and plumbing. Scrolling through outdoor kitchen ideas on Pinterest, this stellar kitchen caught my eye because it’s got all the bells and whistles, including an operational sink and outsize gas grill, cabinetry, and counterspace. Classy details like a stained glass window and a beautiful and durable brick floor make this space, which appears to be tucked under an upper-level deck, super inviting.
Inside or out, the best kitchens boast great islands. Go big and bold to create an ideal place for friends and family to gather. A spacious island also effectively functions as a prep station and serving space for entertaining. Be sure to discuss with your HomeSquare professional what materials best suit your climate and weather variables. Can’t go wrong with teak if it’s a woody look you’re after, but don’t dismiss other options including slate, ceramic tile, stainless steel or concrete.
This great design from The BBGuys shows how to make the most of your island/counter.
Time to Talk Appliances
You’ve probably got your eye on a particular grill, but did you know you can also have an outdoor warming oven? An upscale addition to your outside space is a Lynx Professional 30 in built-in 120 volt electric warming oven. It will set you back about $1000 but is sure to be a sound investment if you’re a true party person. What about a pizza oven? Lynx makes them too. And your HomeSquare professional will know just how to integrate it with the rest of your project.
Smokeless Fire Pits
Hands down the hot outdoor embellishment right now is a smokeless fire pit. Of course you don’t need to build an entire kitchen around it and could use it just for hanging out with friends by the fire, but these babies are designed now for real cooking. Acquaint yourself with old-school live fire cooking techniques and you may never return to a traditional stove. Breeo, a company based out of Lancaster County, PA, has been at the forefront of wood burning fire cooking innovation since 2011. Their company slogan is Make Your Gathering Space Unforgettable. Who would argue with that? Your HomeSquare professional can help you establish the right location for your Fire pit and design a comfortable area around it for relaxing and entertaining.
All you really need is a couple of Adirondack chairs and a cooler to make this simple outdoor kitchen great.
Keeping It Cool
Unless you love running back and forth between your house and your patio, you’ll want to include in your design plan sufficient refrigeration. Check out this outdoor kitchen that boasts not one but two refrigerated drawers to hold beverages for all your party guests.
Chill out about keeping your beverages chilled with outdoor refrigeration.
Nighttime Ambience
Outdoor lighting is essential and something your HomeSquare professional can help out with. Whether it’s simple lights strung under the eaves of a cantilevered porch you want, or lighted ceiling fans, they’ve got your back.
When your outdoor space is this beautiful, who wants to go indoors?
Making the most of your backyard doesn’t have to be overwhelming or bankbreaking. From every step of your project, from design through execution, your HomeSquare professional is there to help and guide you. To start the conversation, make an appointment today!
Eve Marx
Eve Marx is a national journalist and book author. Follow her reflections on home design and interior style on Instagram at the hashtag #funkybeachhouseseasideror.
*According to the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) and National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP).