As the thermostat begins to increase and more families head into the great outdoors Cowan Building looks at creating the perfect outdoor retreat. From outdoor kitchens to building that dream entertaining area, you can produce the perfect outdoor space that will be the envy of your friends.

There is nothing quite as special as spending time entertaining outside. As Summer quickly approaches many are now dusting off the trusty BBQ and looking forward to warm evenings enjoying the wonderful outdoors. If you’ve been considering updating your outside area, now is the best time to get started.

The outdoor kitchen

Gone are the days when many would dream about the trusty BBQ, today more than ever homeowners are investing in outdoor kitchens. These are the entertainer's dream and a complete luxury addition to any home – the perfect place to enjoy good company, great food, and conversation. However, when developing your outdoor kitchen there are a few things to consider. 

The first thing to think about is the space you have to work with. There is no point cramming everything into one area that will not work, particularly when considering the flow of the space. Many outdoor kitchens need to work alongside the main kitchen so placement, like with all kitchens, is important. Consider how these two spaces will work together in harmony as many times things are coming back and forth between both zones. So carefully planning the traffic between these two kitchens will be important. 

Gas and power outlets may also affect the placement of your outdoor kitchen and could substantially cut into your budget. Having a good clear outline will allow you to better design the space while also keeping within your initial budget restraints. 

Corner spaces can also work well to create an L-shaped outdoor kitchen. Remember like with your traditional kitchen you will need a place for prep, cooling, cooking, cleaning, and storage. Don’t be afraid to go larger than you had anticipated, particularly for your prep areas. Many times, homeowners create a nice little nook for outdoor cooking only to become overwhelmed by the number of dishes when cooking and serving foods. Storage is also an important aspect. This will also allow you to cut down on the number of times you need to keep going back to your main kitchen to gather the needed tools to cook.

Also, contemplate the types of materials you want to build your outdoor kitchen from. Stone and natural products look great, but they may not stand the test of time especially when you consider the weather. They can also be hard to maintain to keep them looking to spec. High-quality stainless steel not only looks fantastic but will also last.

Outdoor Dining

Everyone loves to eat outside during the heat of summer. But there can be some annoying incidents when the outdoor eating experience becomes a nightmare. The two main issues being; bugs, and weather. Having a good bug-catching device that is away from the space can help. Installing LED lights rather than traditional lights can dramatically cut down on the number of flying insects that are attracted to light sources from invading your outdoor experience. 

When it comes to weather consider good coverage. For those ultra-hot sunny days, a good-sized umbrella can work. However, it’s important to ensure it is anchored well into the ground for those gusty days. Permanent structures are the most desired and can help not only during those hot days but also during warm rainy periods. Consider mixing these up with natural shelter from trees, plants, and hedges with permanent shelters such as eves, awnings, and pergolas.  

With the right planning and some great advice, you can plan the perfect summer outdoor retreat. Perfect for entertaining and enjoying family time while also being very functional and the envy of your friends. Happy planning.