We recently had the pleasure of working with homeowners living just north of Vida, along the McKenzie River. They wanted to transform their backyard into a riverfront oasis. Together, we worked with the family to design a beautiful paver patio, complete with an outdoor built-in BBQ, fire pit, seating wall, viewing bench overlooking the river, and natural stone pathway. If you are a homeowner living in the Eugene-Springfield area (or nearby areas), give the Graham Landscape & Design team a call. We love to create outdoor living spaces your family can enjoy. 541-729-8029
0 Comments
Beyond adding value to your property, outdoor kitchens are as much about beauty as they are about functionality. Whether you only cook outdoors when the weather is beautiful or if you're a year-round grill master, an outdoor kitchen can bring years of enjoyment and variety to the dinner table. The following items are things you should keep in mind when planning the addition of an outdoor kitchen for your home.
A great place to start your plan is by making a list of all the elements you would like included in your outdoor kitchen. Think big and long-term. Do you want things like a grill, sink, an island, gas cooktop, pizza oven, refrigerator, dining space or a bar? If incorporating all of your wish list items breaks the bank, split your list into "must have" and "nice to have" items. This doesn't mean you have to give up on the "nice to have" items. When working with your designer, talk about ways to add the "nice to have" items at a later date so he or she can create a layout to accommodate future additions. In terms of style, outdoor kitchens can be made to fit in with any style you can think of, but you'll want to talk with your designer, so you pick the right materials to match your tastes, as well as to complement the aesthetic of your home and yard. Are you into a sleek, modern look? Or, do you prefer a more rustic "out in the woods" kind of finish? Different styles have their respective costs, but your designer can help you find the materials that fit within your budget and achieve your aesthetic goals. When planning your outdoor kitchen, carefully consider the amount of square footage needed. You won't want your new outdoor kitchen to overwhelm your yard by being too large. Instead, it should be proportionate to the size of your home and leave plenty of room for people to socialize (kitchens, indoors or out, are natural gathering spots). Another space requirement you will want to consider is whether you have room to allow for seating. Do you have enough space for food prep or will you do that indoors? Is there adequate space for walking around the outdoor kitchen to get to other parts of your yard? Last, but not least, you'll want to give some thought to ventilation and lighting. Even with an outdoor kitchen, ventilation is essential to consider, as is lighting. There's nothing worse than trying to cook in the dark or being buried in smoke. If you're interested in what an outdoor kitchen might look like in your yard, give the Graham Landscape & Design team a call at 541-729-8029. Our expert designers can work with you to plan the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Colors are changing and the days are getting shorter. For some, it might seem like the days of outdoor entertaining are over. Time to winterize your outdoor kitchen and stay inside until the big thaw. We at Graham Landscape and Design are here to tell you this does not have to be the case. We have all of the tips and ideas to make sure that you can enjoy your outdoor space year round. So, call your friends because your fun outside has only just begun.
Heating One of the biggest concerns, when the weather starts to turn, is warmth. Make sure your space has heating elements such as a fireplace or outdoor heaters to keep everyone nice and cozy, even in the coldest months. Fireplaces can also add a sense of elegance and class, further adding to the enjoyment of your outdoor space. Location/Cover Often overlooked when building an outdoor kitchen is location and cover. Make sure to build your outdoor kitchen where it is best protected from elements such as wind and rain. In addition, consider building a tall cover for your outdoor space to keep you dry during the wet months. In summer months, the cover can also keep you out of direct sunlight, making the space comfortable all year long. Lighting With shorter days, lighting is an important element to ensure that you get the most out of your additional space. Many options are available when it comes to adding lighting elements, and often the choice comes down to personal taste and style. Just make sure that you don’t skip this step, and year-round enjoyment will not be a problem. Materials If you are trying to create a space that can be utilized all year, make sure you plan from the beginning. Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements. Choosing the right materials will protect your investment and ensure ease of maintenance. Contact us by calling 541-729-8029 or clicking here. Our experts can help in all aspects of your project. From initial brainstorming and idea generation to construction and completion, you will have a new space that truly extends your existing living area to the outdoors. Once your friends see what you have created, they will not want to leave. Whether you're a once-in-a-while BBQ novice or a bona fide grill master, an outdoor kitchen could be that extra touch that brings years of enjoyment to you and your family. Beyond adding value to your property, outdoor kitchens are as much about beauty as they are about functionality. The following tips are designed to help you design the right solution for your space.
What are your "must have" vs. "nice to have" items? A great place to start your plan is by making a list of the "must have" items you'd like with your outdoor kitchen. These could include things like a grill, sink, an island, gas cooktop, pizza oven, refrigerator, dining space or a bar. If incorporating all of these items breaks the bank, split your list into "must have" and "nice to have" items. When working with your designer, talk about ways to add the "nice to have" items at a later date so he or she can create a layout to accommodate future additions. What's your style? Outdoor kitchens can be made in just about any style you can think of, but you'll want to talk with your designer so you pick the right materials to match your tastes, as well as to complement the aesthetic of your home and yard. Are you into a sleek, modern look? Or, do you prefer a natural stone kitchen? Different styles have their respective costs but your designer can help you find the materials that fit within your budget. Do you have enough space? When planning your outdoor kitchen, carefully consider the amount of space needed. You won't want the kitchen to overwhelm your space, but you will want to allow room for people to mingle or socialize (kitchens, indoors or out, are natural gathering spots). Will there be room for seating? Do you have enough space for food prep? Is there adequate space for walking around the outdoor kitchen to get to other parts of your yard? Where are your utilities located? One of the most important things you'll want to plan for with your outdoor kitchen is how and where your utilities run and what changes will be necessary to support your design. For instance, you'll want to make sure you have the necessary gas lines, electrical, and plumbing, ideally close to where you want to locate the kitchen. Your designer can help you get the most from your budget by positioning your outdoor kitchen for easy access to utilities. Do you have ventilation & lighting? Last, but not least, do consider ventilation and lighting. Even with an outdoor kitchen, ventilation is important to consider, as is lighting. There's nothing worse than trying to cook in the dark or buried in smoke. Your designer can help accommodate these needs and still maintain the aesthetic integrity of your overall design. If you're interested in what an outdoor kitchen might look like in your space, give us a call at 541-729-8029. Our team of expert designers can work with you to plan the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designs and builds beautiful paver patios, outdoor kitchens and pergolas throughout the Willamette Valley.
|
OUR BLOG
Check here to see what we've been up to! Categories
All
|