Tag: outdoor living spaces

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Trends in Outdoor Kitchens and Grills

Written by Burkholder on February 8, 2022. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Outdoor kitchens and grills have become increasingly practical and popular! These appliances provide the opportunity for a homeowner to extend the theme of the indoor space outdoors, creating a hub for collaboration and entertainment with family and friends. A 2021 design trends report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) found that 60% of homeowners want to add outdoor kitchens. Looking at some of the hottest trends in outdoor kitchens and grills may help you determine viable options for your own outdoor kitchen space.

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Top Trends in Outdoor Kitchens and Grills

If you are considering updating your property, look at some of the top trends in outdoor kitchens and grills. Burkholder designs outdoor spaces using these features and more to create your ideal outdoor living space.

Different Grill Options & Features

When most people think of outdoor cooking in their backyards, the most common images that come to mind are grills and barbeques. Many homeowners have an outdoor grill, either gas or charcoal. However, more people are looking into other options for their grills. Wood-fired grills are gaining widespread recognition: grilling over wood can incorporate new flavors and aromas into whatever you are cooking. In addition, a wood-fired grill can now have many modern features and materials such as stainless steel.

Some homeowners are also turnings toward other options for their outdoor cooking desires. For example, fire pits and fireplaces invoke memories of sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Likewise, home chefs and grill masters often incorporate smokers into their outdoor kitchen designs.

Pizza Ovens

While the term “outdoor kitchen” is certainly suggestive of barbeques and bonfires for most homeowners, we should also mention the other capabilities these structures can possess. For example, pizza ovens are increasingly popular trends in outdoor kitchens and grills. People want to combine their love of pizza and cooking. In addition, pizza ovens invite creativity and casual dining experiences outdoors.

Outdoor Ice-Makers

Everyone knows that summer days are hot. However, suppose you are entertaining outdoors on a sunny day. In that case, drinks become warm quickly, and walking to the indoor kitchen to repeatedly refresh drinks is inconvenient (and maybe messy if kids are involved).

As a result, more and more homeowners are investing in outdoor ice-makers or refrigerators as part of a larger outdoor bar. The reason is apparent: people want to guarantee that their drinks are cold while remaining outdoors where the action is!

Additional Exterior Storage Options

A more extensive outdoor kitchen demands more appliances and requires more storage space for cooking accessories. As a result, one of the biggest trends in outdoor kitchens and grills is homeowners opting to have outdoor kitchen cabinets and shelving built into their existing features. These cabinets and shelves are much more attractive (and weatherproof) than cluttered storage bins. In addition, some homeowners are choosing to install kitchen islands, as the benefits are three-fold: more counter space, more storage, and extra seating. Islands can even house grills, bars, a tap, and other features.

Different Functional Zones

While people use their outdoor kitchens primarily for cooking, kitchens also serve as entertainment spaces. Increasingly common outdoor kitchen trends are kitchens with different zones that allow guests to interact with the cook while still occupying a comfortable space. For example, an outdoor kitchen might be next to a lounge area to let people chat with the cook while still having comfortable seating. In addition, the implementation of a dividing feature, such as a multi-level countertop, allows for contact between the host and the guests and creates a definitive entertainment culture.

Burkholder Designs Unique Spaces Utilizing Outdoor Kitchens and Grills

While the possibilities to expand and enhance your outdoor kitchen are limitless, we hope that these trends in outdoor kitchens and grills will help guide your research and decision to upgrade your outdoor space to include a kitchen. To take full advantage of your outdoor entertainment space and invigorate your outdoor kitchen project, contact Burkholder for a consultation today, and we will help you achieve the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!

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Patio Options to Make Your Outdoor Space Exceptional

Written by Burkholder on January 24, 2022. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Many homeowners enjoy spending time out on their patios and want to make their patios suit their needs. Some want protection from the elements, others want to cook and dine outdoors, and others need a lot of seating for entertaining guests. However you like to spend time outdoors, the patio options available to you can take your outdoor space to the next level. Here are some ideas for features and structures that can improve your patio and outdoor space.

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Covers and Shade Structures

Some of the most popular patio options for homeowners are structures that provide cover and shade, which take many forms based on peoples’ preferences.

Pergolas are freestanding structures, typically made from wood, that provide partial overhead coverage and are especially beautiful with plant or canopy accents.
A pavilion is another freestanding structure similar to a pergola: the main difference being that a pavilion has a fully-covered roof. Pavilions provide plenty of coverage for backyard areas like a grill.
Shade sails are outdoor covers made from fabric that offer shade (and look similar to the sails of a boat) and are ideally installed over decks or patios.

Each of these structures and coverings has unique designs and is excellent if you want to keep UV rays and rain from messing up your outdoor fun.

Outdoor Kitchen

A growing trend among homeowners who want to improve their patios and backyards is to add an outdoor kitchen or dining area. Both of these patio options make your space noteworthy and exceptional while also having many design possibilities. For example, if you like to cook outdoors and want an outdoor kitchen designed for entertainment, you can add a bar or island so your friends and family can chat while cooking. You can also add various cooking tools and features, such as pizza ovens or beer taps, to give you more options. And these can be outfitted with additional features like warming drawers, sinks, and refrigerators to make your outdoor kitchen as high-tech as your indoor kitchen.

Seating Walls

More and more homeowners are adding outdoor furniture to their patios for extra seating, but one of the more creative ways people add additional seating is with seating walls. A seating wall is a short wall designed for seating, combining all of the benefits of a place to sit with retaining walls. In addition, while weatherproof and resistant outdoor furniture exists, a seating wall can easily withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and other weather. So if you need to control a slope in your yard, repurpose a retaining wall, or want to define where the patio ends and the yard begins, seating walls are great choices.

Seating walls also work when paired with other patio features. For example, a fire pit makes for a great central location to gather around for entertainment, and a seating wall can accommodate many people while reflecting heat from the fire for a cozy lounge area.

Other Patio Options

In addition to the options listed above, here are a few other ways to improve your patio.

Fireplaces and fire pits, as mentioned previously, are great for creating comforting and inviting entertainment spaces.
Sound systems give entertainment options, like playing music when hosting a party with friends and family.
Adding plants around the patio is ideal for nature lovers and those who appreciate their landscape.

Contact Burkholder for Patio & Landscape Design

Do you have a preference for one or more of these many patio options? If you want them to be incorporated in your landscape, contact Burkholder Brothers. Burkholder’s landscape design experts will work closely with you through a proven design process to arrive at concepts suited to your needs, sense of style, and home. We have worked with Main Line residents for decades, building pergolas or pavilions and designing and maintaining their landscapes. In addition, we offer a range of choices that maximize style and detail while respecting the project budget. Contact us today for a consultation!

3 Structures That Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Written by Burkholder on May 21, 2020. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Structures that enhance your outdoor space are probably on your mind now that summer is just around the corner and many plan to spend more time in their own backyards this year. These structures improve your outdoor space, adding value and enjoyment throughout the whole year. Whatever your need and desires are, these structures all make great options for your next outdoor project.

How to Make Your Outdoor Living Space Your Summer Happy Place

Written by Burkholder on March 27, 2020. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

Your outdoor living space may just be starting to feel the warm sun of spring after a cold winter. With the pandemic, homeowners are getting ready to spend more time in their own backyards this summer, and with a few steps, homeowners can make their yards a true summer paradise. To ensure that your landscape is ready for summer, Burkholder offers a few tips to help make your outdoor living space your summer happy place.

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Furniture Configuration Tips to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

Written by Burkholder on June 15, 2018. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

As summer approaches, the sunny days and beautiful evenings are often enjoyed in outdoor living spaces. If you wish to enhance your outdoor living space, the process can be as simple as reconfiguring some of your current furniture pieces and adding a few new items to tie the area together. Arranging patio furniture in a different fashion can transform both the feel and function of your outdoor room! Burkholder offers some practical tips that are certain to improve your outdoor living space.

Outdoor Living Spaces for Summer Holiday Celebrations

Written by Burkholder on August 25, 2017. Posted in Landscape Ideas & Design.

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We just celebrated the Fourth of July and Labor Day is almost here! Whether you plan to throw a neighborhood bash or just host a small family gathering, creating a dynamic outdoor living space for your celebration can help ensure that you kick off the summer in style. Let us take a look at some reasons why such a space can foster a personal, positive environment especially fit for a holiday.

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