Outdoor kitchens topped the project trends list in the latest American Institute of Architects’ survey. No surprise, people love living outside. As we move into the warmer months, let’s look at what’s popular for outdoor kitchens and their related living areas.
Luxury moves outdoors
Homeowners are seeking the sanctuary of outdoor living spaces – both for entertaining and unwinding. These spaces are likely to have architectural structures like pergolas, walls, custom fireplaces, hedges and varying elevations to create privacy and distinct rooms with a natural indoor-outdoor flow. These outdoor rooms may also be equipped with water, light and fire design features.
Outdoor kitchens are getting more elaborate, both for entertaining and relaxing.
Premium cooking
In the past, many homeowners focused solely on their grill, and perhaps some outdoor seating. Today, many homeowners are accompanying the grill with a fully functioning built-in kitchen complete with sink and faucet, refrigeration, dishwasher, ice machine, beverage unit, pizza oven, weather resistant cabinets and more. Smart appliances are becoming very popular and it comes as no surprise that smart technology is also trending in the outdoor kitchen. Many grills and smokers are now wi-fi enabled, some even have voice recognition.
Even with all of the extras, the grill is still king of the outdoor kitchen. No longer is stainless steel the only option. Grills are available in bright red, sunny yellow, royal blue, hunter green, and more! The ability to customize your outdoor space allows the homeowner to complement the surrounding landscape and views or extend the home’s décor into the exterior.
Exactly as the interior kitchen and bathroom design trends have shifted towards more sleek and modular aesthetics, so too have outdoor designs. To mirror the look inside the home, homeowners are choosing longer, linear plank pavers outdoors, and playing more with texture and color than in the past. This trend extends beyond modern homes, with this look translating to every home style.
Technology enhancements
An outdoor living area’s natural elements might hide speakers and wiring, as well as irrigation and security tied to smart home controls. Homeowners are taking on far more projects and spending far more money outdoors than in past years. Outdoor televisions are a major category. So are outdoor speakers.
While outdoor kitchens and living areas are trending strongly and richly, with more enhancements than ever before, there are still many homeowners who are likely to drag a comfy chair and portable grill out on the porch or deck. It’s all about enjoying life outdoors, financing nice, but not necessarily needed, for life’s simplest pleasures.
Visit The Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop, your local specialty grill retailer to discuss how the array of choices available would best meet your needs.
Source: Forbes
