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Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas and Essentials

September 01, 2021

Dining al fresco is hard to beat. There’s just something extra special about enjoying a meal with family or friends outside in the fresh air. Here in the Pacific Northwest, where we are blessed with a relatively temperate climate, outdoor dining is possible nearly year-round. It’s no wonder outdoor kitchens are hugely popular. And with today’s all-weather appliances and other amenities available the design possibilities are endless! If you’ve been dreaming about your own outdoor kitchen, here are our top ideas and tips to make your alfresco cooking and dining even more delightful. Outdoor Kitchen vs. Grilling Station Outdoor kitchens are on par with indoor kitchens. While grilling stations and outdoor kitchens can include many of the same features, what sets the two apart are kitchen essentials like a sink with running water, a cooktop and/or oven, a refrigerator, prep areas, and counter and storage space. Both outdoor grilling stations and outdoor kitchens offer a wide range of appliance and design options, so your ideal set-up will come down to the features and amenities you want to include. Smart Kitchen Design Whether your dream kitchen is a simple set-up or a more elaborate affair, the same design principles apply. A good place to start is to think about the functional zones (i.e., prep, cooking, washing areas) and how each works together. This is where a professional designer can help you create an ideal kitchen layout with all the features you want to be included. A good designer will also provide ideas you probably never thought of! Location Matters Let’s face it, hauling food and utensils back and forth across your yard is not all that much fun. Situating your outdoor kitchen closer to the house will eliminate those long treks. But how close is ideal? Well, that depends on the amenities you want to include. A fully functioning outdoor kitchen with all the essentials probably does not need to be on the other side of the wall from your indoor kitchen. So, what appliances and features you include, and how your indoor and outdoor kitchens will be used together when cooking and entertaining, are key considerations to determine the best location.

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Top Tips for A Water-Wise Landscape

August 02, 2021

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Retaining Walls We Love

July 01, 2021

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Water Features to Fall in Love With

June 01, 2021

Water Features to Fall in Love With Landscape design trends come and go, but water features are an ever-popular element that stands the test of time—and with good reason! Water features add a soothing and relaxing ambiance, amp up the luxury factor, and can create that “get-away” feeling right in your own backyard. There are also a plethora of options that will fit pretty much any setting from deck-top or small yard to expansive landscape and everything in between.

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The Entertaining Yard

May 01, 2021

You have a yard, maybe a deck or patio, family, and friends. And summer is coming. Time to pull out the BBQ and plan some long-awaited outdoor gatherings! Hold on a sec. Is your yard ready for family and friends? Here is a better question… Have you considered the possibilities of what an entertaining yard could look like? (more…)

Yard and Landscape Maintenance: DIY or Hire a Pro?

April 01, 2021

Every year it’s the same. Spring finally arrives. The birds sing, the bees buzz, the flowers bloom, your grass begins to grow… and the yard work begins! Yup, time to dust off the mower and the clippers and get to work before things get out of hand. (more…)