SPECIAL SECTION: Spring Home Renovation Guide
Left outside—Being outdoors means your refrigeration and
cabinetry will need to be equipped to handle the elements.
When considering refrigeration for an outdoor kitchen, Faulk
stresses food-safe rated options. With these products, meats won’t go
bad and drinks will stay cold, even when it’s above 95 degrees outside.
Cabinetry should be equipped to handle rain and protect the items
inside. Weather-tight cabinets have seamless rain gutters around the
door and drawer openings to help divert water.
By incorporating the right design principles, an outdoor kitchen can
be the place where you and your guests enjoy delicious meals for years
to come.
9 Steps to a Better Backyard
Follow these simple steps for building
your dream escape—right in your own
backyard.
Enlist an expert. Much like you might consult an interior designer,
deck contractors can help make your dream outdoor space become a
reality. Unless you plan to build the deck yourself, the first item on your
to-do list should be hiring a contractor. When researching contractors,
look for someone who specializes in decks—conduct interviews,
review portfolios and gather references.
Make low-maintenance a high priority. Everyone wants to spend
time outdoors, but no one wants to spend that time sanding, staining
or replacing worn-out wooden deck boards. For enduring beauty with
minimal upkeep, consider high-performance composite decking that
resists fading, staining, scratching and mold—and won’t rot, warp,
crack or splinter.
Factor in function. Plan your outdoor space to align with how
you’ll use it, whether that will be for relaxing, entertaining, dining
alfresco, etc. Consider all-weather cabinetry and outdoor storage for
added convenience. Additionally, think about factors such as views,
sun/shade and entryways that will have an impact on your design
layout.
Frame your space. While railings provide a necessary safety
function, they also serve an aesthetic role by creating a decorative
frame for an outdoor space and defining the setting’s style.
Forego the folding chairs. Make your backyard more comfortable
with inviting furniture pieces. Mix and match a variety of weather-
resistant outdoor pieces—from benches and Adirondack chairs to cozy
couches with colorful cushions—to provide multiple seating options
and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Heat things up. One of the hottest trends in outdoor living is
incorporating warming features into outdoor spaces. Create physical
and ambient warmth with candles, tiki torches, lanterns and firepits.
Let there be light. Lighting is another effective way to add
warmth, ambiance and safety to an outdoor space. Designed for easy
installation, outdoor lighting provides sophisticated silhouettes for
enhancing decks, railings and landscapes.
Go high-tech. With the increasing popularity of home automation,
it’s only natural that this trend should migrate outdoors. There is now a
wealth of electronics and entertainment systems designed specifically
for outdoor use, and available at all budget levels.
Create a unique space. Just like you would for interior rooms,
infuse your personality into the design of your outdoor space. Choose
colors and patterns that reflect your style and customize with personal
touches, such as pillows, throw blankets, art, tableware and plants.
Switch accessories seasonally to keep your space fresh and fun. n
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